{"id":7873,"date":"2021-01-21T13:06:01","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T11:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.efrontlearning.com\/blog\/?p=7873"},"modified":"2021-01-21T13:06:01","modified_gmt":"2021-01-21T11:06:01","slug":"cost-effective-remote-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.efrontlearning.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/cost-effective-remote-training.html","title":{"rendered":"5 tips for cost-effective remote training"},"content":{"rendered":"
Is there a way to create employee training on a budget? How about when your employees are not office-based or are scattered around the world? Remote training costs are considerable, from investing in human resources and training tools to reduced time on the job until the training is concluded.<\/p>\n

But there is a way to create training that brings results without breaking the bank. Even when you don\u2019t operate with the typical in-office workforce.<\/p>\n

In this post, you\u2019ll learn what remote learning is and how it differs from online, its benefits, and how to deploy effective remote training without sinking your budget. Ready when you are!<\/p>\n

What is remote learning? How is it different from online learning?<\/h2>\n

Online and remote learning are two terms used interchangeably. The truth is that the difference between them is so subtle that it justifies the confusion.<\/p>\n

Remote training is when instructors and learners are in different locations, so the training takes place online.<\/strong> This happens when a company operates with a remote workforce. Other times, because it has several branches and wants to offer streamlined, consistent training. Circumstances, like the current pandemic, can also lead companies to deploy remote training.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, online training is when all or some of the training takes place online even if the instructor and the learners are in the same location<\/strong>. Online training occurs when, for example, you upload your learning material and create assignments and tests on a training platform. More often than not, both types of training allow for asynchronous, self-paced learning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Remote training benefits<\/h2>\n

On many occasions, remote learning is a better alternative to on-site training and offers benefits that make it more attractive to employers and employees alike:<\/p>\n

Cost-efficiency<\/h3>\n

By definition, remote training unburdens you from many of the standard on-site training costs<\/a> that involve instructor fees, accommodation and travel expenses, and venue booking.<\/p>\n

Flexibility<\/h3>\n

Remote learning is, in its largest part, asynchronous with only a few synchronous sessions, or none at all. The self-paced element makes it a flexible solution that doesn\u2019t distract employees from their work. Employees\u00a0are able to resume their training when they are not busy, and not when it\u2019s \u201cmarked so\u201d on their calendars.<\/p>\n

Easy deployment<\/h3>\n

Can you imagine (or have you ever lived the nightmare of) organizing classroom training for offices across different regions or cities? Having to book tickets, a venue, and possibly a catering service for day-long events, work out a schedule that causes the least possible inconvenience, and arrange accommodations is a task no one wants to be picked for. With remote training, you can forget all that.<\/p>\n

Accessibility<\/h3>\n

Modern workplaces pride themselves on offering equal development opportunities to all employees. These opportunities start with training employees properly and offering them knowledge and skills that they can use inside and outside the workplace.<\/p>\n

However, this wasn\u2019t the case for remote and mobile employees who, during the (dark) ages when remote learning was an unknown concept, were deprived of basic onboarding<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 let alone further L&D opportunities.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Creating cost-effective remote training<\/h2>\n

Remote training can be both budget-friendly and effective if you\u2019re smart about it. Are you taking notes?<\/p>\n

1. Assess the skills gap among your workforce<\/h3>\n

Although it\u2019s generally recommended to upskill your workforce before the times catch up with you, you shouldn’t rush employee training. First, you need to find where your gaps are<\/strong>. For example, a drop in performance can mean you have the wrong manager in place or the wrong software installed on your employees\u2019 desktops. Before deciding that training is the only way to boost employee performance, talk with your managers and employees to find out what the problem really<\/em> is.<\/p>\n

You also have to know the extent of the problem and existing skills gaps in your company before creating a training plan. Otherwise, training won\u2019t fix much, and you will have to do it all over again. (And this costs.) So if you have a specific issue you want to address, conduct pre-assessment tests to gauge your employees\u2019 knowledge level<\/strong> and create a course that is right for them.<\/p>\n

2. Choose the right remote training tools<\/h3>\n

Developing remote training doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you have to go big and invest in a myriad of training tools. For instance, if you are looking to cover a quick training need, you can use your video conferencing tool<\/strong>, record a webinar, and share it with employees.<\/p>\n

And if you are in it for the long haul? If you have decided to make training part of your company culture, you will need remote training software. Depending on the company size and number of employees, you might need more or fewer features. Make thorough research to pick a tool that covers your needs and that you’re confident your employees will be able to use<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A user-friendly LMS<\/strong><\/a> will make your job easier since you’ll be able to create and update your courses in a few steps. Ideally, look for a Learning Management System that also offers ready-made courses. Off-the-shelf content is a budget-friendly and reliable solution for standardized types of training, like data security and soft skills enhancement. Since remote training often needs to accommodate mobile employees, an LMS with a mobile app<\/strong> will do just the trick for your deskless workforce, like drivers and retail assistants.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t start from scratch<\/h3>\n

Even if you’re developing remote training for the first time, you don\u2019t have to create a course out of nowhere. For example, you can buy ready-made courses either from your training platform\u2019s marketplace or educational institutions that sell their courses online. You can also repurpose content<\/strong> you already have, like recorded seminars, presentations, infographics, and company guidelines.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, creating a course is as simple as putting together, in one place, content you have occasionally shared or created, and adding some new material.<\/p>\n

4. Use your own Subject Matter Experts<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important that the course you offer your employees contains accurate and up-to-date information. This can be easily arranged by consulting a Subject Matter Expert or buying off-the-shelf content. In the spirit of cost-effectiveness though, and when the content needs to be tailor-made, you might not even have to bring in a Subject Matter Expert.<\/p>\n

There might as well be a pool of SMEs under your nose. Like seasoned salespeople who can share their expertise or IT employees to train employees on data security.<\/p>\n

5. Measure training success<\/h3>\n

Although this is something you do after<\/em> training, measuring training effectiveness can help you save money in the future. There are several ways to get feedback to find out whether your remote training program was successful and how it can be improved. More specifically:<\/p>\n