How To Create A Successful Compliance Blended Training Program
Compliance blended training has three core components: face-to-face instruction, online activities, and self-paced study. Employees have the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues and receive individualized support. They can also access valuable training resources whenever the need arises. Likewise, companies improve the effectiveness of their compliance courses and maximize their training ROI. Here are the 7 top tips for creating a compliance blended training program for your organization.
1. Stress The Benefits Of Tech-Enabled Compliance Blended Training
Some of your employees may be hesitant to participate in an online training course. Maybe they aren't quite comfortable with technology or believe that online training lacks the human element. Fortunately, you can bring them on board and get them excited about blended training by stressing its benefits. Let your employees know that compliance blended training courses offer the best of both worlds. They still get to interact with their colleagues and instructors one-on-one, but technology makes training even more accessible and effective. Inform them about the basics of blended learning in your corporate newsletter and share sneak peeks from time to time.
2. Host A Welcome Webinar To Kick-Off Your Compliance Blended Training Program
A welcome webinar is a great way to interact with your employees and see where they stand. Are they looking forward to the compliance course kick-off? What are their expectations? Webinars are your chance to introduce employees to the online training platform, how to use it effectively, and address their concerns. This reduces the risk of complications on launch day so that you can focus on other matters, like tech glitches. Ask for questions before the eLearning event and record it for those who can't make it. You can also unveil certain aspects of the compliance blended program to build the excitement.
3. Conduct Pre-Assessments And Surveys To Find The Best Approach
Diagnostic assessments provide you with the opportunity to find out what employees know and what they still need to learn. They also help you gauge their level of tech experience so that you can offer customized support. For instance, employees who aren't comfortable using the online training platform may benefit from a Learning Management System tutorial or walkthrough. Conducting surveys gives you more insight into the employees' background and preferences. As an example, questionnaires reveal that your employees want to access the compliance blended training course on their mobile devices. Thus, you may need to opt for a responsive design tool and a multiplatform-friendly design.
4. Choose The Best Online Tools For The Task
Speaking of tools, it's also important to choose the right technology and online training activities for your compliance blended training course. Keep in mind that blended training involves traditional AND tech-enabled training. As a result, you must design blended training activities, modules, and multimedia that complement your training sessions. For example, ask employees to complete an online training simulation or listen to a safety podcast before you host an online discussion. Ideally, you should use modern eLearning authoring tools and Learning Management System software that can evolve with your organization. For instance, eLearning authoring tools that feature asset libraries, eLearning templates, and robust reporting features.
5. Focus On Real World Applications
All of your corporate training initiatives require practical application. However, compliance often deals with life-threatening situations or government regulations. Lack of real world experience may lead to costly violations or workplace injuries. For this reason, your compliance blended training course should include eLearning scenarios, simulations, case studies, and other contextual activities. These activities move the training from theory to practice so that employees are prepared for every eventuality. A perfect example of this is health and safety compliance. Employees might know what safety gear to use and how to clean up a hazardous spill. But are they going to be able to handle an emergency or deal with the stress that comes with it?
6. Know When And How To Use Technology
One of the most common blended learning mistakes is going overboard with technology. More specifically, not knowing when or how to use it in the context of your compliance blended training. Think of technology as a valuable tool that improves knowledge retention and reinforces key concepts. Don't incorporate online training activities just for the sake of it. With that said, you should seize every opportunity to use technology when it benefits your employee or suits the topic. You must also determine which online platforms are ideally suited for the task. For example, a Project Management online tool allows for social interaction and peer-based feedback, while a social media group gives employees an online platform to share their ideas in a more open form.
7. Create A Compliance Online Discussion Forum
Your corporate learners need a place to discuss important topics and ask questions, even when they are away from the office. An online forum, blog, or social media page gives them an outlet to collaborate and communicate from anywhere in the world. Compliance online discussions are also the ideal place to share course updates, notifications, and reminders. For example, the invitation to your next webinar or links to online resources. Be sure to create a set of guidelines so that your employees stay on topic. If employees are hesitant to participate in the online discussion, write weekly prompts or share interesting facts to spark the online discussion. You can also invite guest contributors, such as Subject Matter Experts, to offer their unique insights. This gives them the opportunity to interact with employees outside of the training room and form a more personal connection.
Give your compliance blended training a personal touch without sacrificing the benefits of technology. These 7 tips can help you create an engaging blended training strategy that upholds company standards. It's also ideal for organizations who are undecided about online training, as you can gradually make the transition.
Conflict of interest compliance requires a specialized online training approach. Read the article COI Compliance Online Training: 6 Tips For eLearning Professionals to discover some useful tips for developing COI compliance online training for your employees.
