{"id":1255,"date":"2021-12-03T15:23:02","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T15:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letsalloy.com\/?p=988"},"modified":"2022-03-08T23:40:40","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T23:40:40","slug":"why-most-companies-training-is-so-forgettable-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letsalloy.com\/learn\/why-most-companies-training-is-so-forgettable-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Most Companies’ Training Is So Forgettable"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”999″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1000″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]Eyes glazing over. Heavy sighs across the room. A left leg bouncing fitfully up and down beneath a desk. Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t just a typical scene you\u2019d witness in a pre-algebra room full of eighth-graders. This scene can also describe the current state of employee training programs across the U.S. \u2014 and no, employees aren\u2019t being tasked with solving for \u201c<\/span>x<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of a<\/span> quality employee training system<\/span><\/a> are too great to be ignored. Simply put, good training is good business. Employees who feel they\u2019ve been adequately prepared for their jobs are less stressed and feel more confident when solving complex problems at work. They\u2019re also more likely to feel a sense of loyalty to their employer and take initiative to follow through on deliverables.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But while employee training is a crucial aspect of running a successful business, the lasting impact it has on employees can fall painstakingly short if not implemented properly. In 2016, 75% of managers <\/span>surveyed across 50 organizations<\/span><\/a> were dissatisfied with their company\u2019s Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives. After just one day, people forget more than<\/span> 70% of the information<\/span><\/a> they received from their training \u2014 even though U.S. companies spent $82.5 billion on corporate training in 2020 alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that companies want to invest in corporate training, but the content just won\u2019t stick. What gives?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” column_margin=”30px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

Here\u2019s Why Corporate Training Is So Easy To Forget<\/h2>\n

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There is a myriad of variables that contribute to easily-forgotten training programs. Here are some of the most common reasons, as well as tips for how to improve employee training:<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

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Employees are being taught the wrong things<\/h3>\n

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One of the most common shortcomings of modern employee training systems is that they\u2019re designed with a \u201cone-size-fits-all\u201d approach. That could mean a software engineer is handed a course that includes tips for business writing or driving safety \u2014 not necessarily information that will help them succeed in their role. Of course, the software engineer will forget the business writing tips. They have nothing to do with what this employee has been hired to do.<\/p>\n

Our brains are much more likely to forget irrelevant information than to store it; after all, the brain only likes to remember what it categorizes as useful. That means leaders must invest in creating specific, role-based training programs, rather than one that\u2019s generalized. Even a little bit of personalization goes a long way. Make use of services and technology that adapt lessons based on employee performance, tailoring content to each employee\u2019s learning preference and progress.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1639580178435{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]\n

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The content doesn\u2019t engage<\/h3>\n

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Humans are visual creatures. Our eyes are immediately drawn to crisp images and well-timed videos. So when we open our virtual training content to find a poorly-designed PowerPoint presentation \u2014 or worse, a wall of text \u2014 we\u2019re likely to become immediately disengaged. The same goes for poor audio and\/or video quality; employees are much more likely to forget their training if videos aren\u2019t properly edited or they can\u2019t properly hear the information.<\/p>\n

Content production aside, it\u2019s also possible that the structure of the training is causing retention issues. This could mean the content is too long or outdated, the curriculum doesn\u2019t progress well, or it doesn\u2019t cater to multiple learning preferences.<\/p>\n

So, how to make your virtual training more engaging? Virtual training content should be well-designed, with the principles of visual communication<\/a> top of mind. It should always be carefully thought out (in other words, your training curriculum needs to make logical sense and flow seamlessly). It should also be optimized so that, regardless of an employee\u2019s learning preference, the material can be consumed easily and with minimal distraction.<\/p>\n

Some employees might prefer videos with accompanying text. Others might learn best with audio that\u2019s accompanied by visuals. But no matter how your employees like to learn, be sure to provide them with the type of content they get the most from. All training content should be engaging and valuable \u2014 and entertaining, to a certain extent![\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f4f4f4″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”50″ constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”50″ left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”center” phone_text_alignment=”center” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”How To Create A Training System That Caters To Different Learning Preferences” font_container=”tag:h6|font_size:36|text_align:left|line_height:46px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1639597074353{margin-top: 15px !important;}”]Don’t just impact growth and development. Impact the foundation of your company culture and, ultimately, the bottom line.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”center” phone_text_alignment=”center” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”right” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” url=”\/learn\/how-to-create-an-online-training-system\/” text=”Read More”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” column_margin=”30px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1639580173419{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]\n

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Employees don\u2019t engage, either<\/h3>\n

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Perhaps your training materials are thoughtfully organized, tailored to every individual, and contain visually-pleasing text and images. Your employees are <\/span>still<\/span><\/i> not retaining the material. What\u2019s happening?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, it\u2019s not the content that\u2019s the problem: it\u2019s your employee engagement levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Employees who are disengaged to begin with are the least likely to pay attention to learning and development content. If they\u2019re not happy at work or they\u2019re debating leaving the company, why would they take training seriously? If this is the case, it may be time to <\/span>refresh your company culture<\/span><\/a>. Organizations with strong company cultures are more likely to cultivate highly-engaged employees. Employees with high engagement levels, in turn, report increased team performance, lower turnover rates, and decreased absenteeism, among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating a <\/span>culture of compassion<\/span><\/a> can make your employees feel supported, heard, and needed at work. It will also boost retention levels and even employee happiness \u2014 which leads to higher output and success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re revamping your company culture, you may consider adding a recognition system into your training material. That way, employees are individually recognized and lauded when they achieve certain goals, such as scoring highly on a quiz. Individual recognition ignites feelings of camaraderie and a sense of belonging in employees, which also helps bolster company culture.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

Companies don\u2019t invest in ongoing learning and development beyond new hire training.<\/h3>\n

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Unless your employees have photographic memories, it\u2019s unlikely they will retain information they\u2019ve only seen once. A single slideshow or training seminar won\u2019t do much for them in the long run. Employees require continuous access to resources that help them grow and develop \u2014 otherwise, they might start to feel like they\u2019re in a dead-end job.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If companies hope to retain top talent, nurturing their professional development is crucial. Top performers constantly seek to be challenged and provided with resources to expand their skill sets. If those needs aren\u2019t met, the employees are likely to find a job elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, companies should make ongoing training opportunities available for all employees. Regular assessments incorporating previously learned material can provide employees with helpful refreshers after their initial training program. Feedback on their assessment performance will also help them retain information and be better prepared to apply it in real-life contexts. It\u2019s also helpful to always keep your resource library stocked so employees have something to refer to on demand.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

Employees don\u2019t receive feedback about their performance in training.<\/h3>\n

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Employees are commonly left in the dark when it comes to their training progress. Without a specific outcome attached to their work, it\u2019s easier for them to forget what they\u2019ve learned.<\/p>\n

Training programs should be transparent. Implement regular feedback into your training so employees are more likely to retain the information. A learning management system, or LMS, can help employees and their managers stay on top of their learning statistics and progress.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, a recognition-based system can encourage employees to perform better and, by extension, retain more information. For example, employees will be much more likely to take a quiz several times to score well if their accomplishment is recognized in a way that\u2019s visible to their colleagues. And, because they\u2019re repeating the quiz a couple times to replace a mediocre score with a good one, they\u2019re also better positioned to retain the information.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

Our brains are wired to forget information we don\u2019t use right away.<\/h3>\n

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Sometimes, it just comes down to simple science: our brains are built to forget. That may sound counterintuitive, but it\u2019s a phenomenon that was described in the late 19th century as <\/span>\u201cThe Forgetting Curve.”<\/span><\/a> This model states that if the new information we\u2019ve just learned isn\u2019t immediately applied, we\u2019ll forget about 75% of it after just six days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New skills have to be practiced and applied. Without a strategy for reinforcing new skills after the training ends, <\/span>90% of what employees are taught could be lost.<\/span><\/a> Again, this is why providing continuing training and educational resources for employees is extremely important!<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to apply the knowledge acquired in training to actual work scenarios right away. Provide your employees with relevant opportunities to flex the muscles they\u2019ve acquired in training soon after they\u2019ve wrapped up with a certain section or module, and continue to test comprehension after the fact. Assessments should include questions from material they\u2019ve just learned, as well as questions from lessons in the past week to ensure they won\u2019t be forgotten. Keep key takeaways in focus as often as possible and when it makes sense to do so.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]\n

Last Words<\/h2>\n

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Employee training is a complex, ever-evolving challenge for organizations. Unfortunately, poorly thought-out design and implementation, as well as little personalization, make most corporate training easy to forget. This becomes even more exacerbated when we factor in the fact that humans are wired to forget irrelevant information.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, strategically-tailored training programs that offer engaging, relevant content will help employees retain information and boost business results. Never approach training with a one-size-fits-all mindset. Ask yourself: \u201cHow can this group, team, or individual learn, engage, and retain information the best?\u201d A team of accountants may thrive with training that\u2019s full of data points, whereas a graphic designer might fare better with infographics and videos. Furthermore, an LMS can help managers deliver relevant training content and performance insights, empowering employees to stay up to date and engaged with the material.<\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t forget: investing in your employees is investing in your business, and it starts with effective, inspiring training.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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