Finding the Best Training Approach for Your Business‍

It's no secret that the world has undergone some major changes in the last two years. 

As more businesses have adapted to online working, so too has digital training become increasingly popular as more and more organisations are quickly recognising the benefits it offers. 

From online courses and virtual classrooms, to the ‘gamification’ of digital content (where learners can be more active in the way they absorb information), it's no surprise that digital training has now become more popular than ever before.

But how does online training really compare to taking a course in-person? What limitations does it bring? And is it really a worthwhile investment?

In this article, we will explore the differences between both forms of learning and take a closer look at how “e-learning” is helping businesses get significantly more from their employees.

Pros and Cons of Digital Training

1. Convenience and accessibility: E-learning allows your employees to access learning materials and resources from anywhere, at any time. This eliminates the need for them to travel to a physical location, making digital learning more convenient and accessible.
   ‍
   
2. Cost-effectiveness: This added convenience will also save money! Many organisations report huge cost savings in travel expenses as online training can be done remotely or right there in the office, saving time and cutting out the logistical nightmare of having to book a room, hire a trainer, and get everything organised by a specific time.
   ‍
   
3. Flexibility and scalability: Anyone who has ever felt like they were falling behind in the classroom knows that we all learn at our own pace and absorb information differently. Digital solutions provide a practical solution to this problem as lessons can be tailored to the specific needs of your employees, meaning no-one feels left behind. This makes it a highly flexible option that can be scaled up or down to meet the specific needs of your business.
   ‍
   
4. Data tracking and analysis: As Peter Drucker famously said, “If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.". E-learning provides the ability to track and analyse data, which can help you identify areas where your employees may be struggling, so you can make the necessary adjustments to improve their performance. You can easily track the progress of your employees, see how they are interacting with the materials, and quickly identify areas where they may need additional support, helping to ensure that they are getting the most out of the program.
   ‍
   
5. Limited interaction between learners: Online training often lacks the face-to-face interaction and communication that in-person training provides. This can make it more difficult for learners to ask questions and receive feedback. Whilst learners are typically able to ask questions through online forums and receive detailed feedback from other participants and the course learner, it begs the question whether this is more or less effective than the immediate and real-time feedback that we get in person.
   ‍
   
6. Limited hands-on learning opportunities: Many online training courses are focused on theoretical or conceptual learning, which is ideal for fields such as marketing or business management, however it’s less practical for industries that require hands-on experience and direct feedback, such as healthcare, and engineering.
   

Pros and Cons of In-Person Training

1. Personal interaction: In-person training allows for direct interaction and communication between the trainer and the learners. This can be particularly beneficial for learners who need additional support or for learning scenarios that require direct feedback.
   ‍
   
2. Hands-on learning: Being present at a location allows for hands-on learning experiences, such as laboratory work or equipment demonstrations. These types of hands-on experiences can be difficult to replicate with digital training alone.
   ‍
   
3. Networking opportunities: Face-to-face training provides opportunities for learners to collaborate and network with their peers and trainers. This can be particularly beneficial for learners who are looking to build professional connections or for learning scenarios that involve group work.
   ‍
   
4. Cost: Preparing for and hosting the lessons can become very expensive, very quickly. With the cost of renting a training space, hiring trainers, and then also adding travel and accommodation expenses for attendees, the investment needed will likely be much higher.
   ‍
   
5. Limited Scalability: For large organisations with a distributed workforce, or those looking to train employees in different locations, it can be very hard to scale training successfully whilst maintaining the same consistent quality of information being taught. With an online course, the same information will always be presented to the learners independently of when or how the material is accessed.
   ‍
   
6. Limited Flexibility: In-person training is often scheduled weeks or months in advance, making it difficult for employees if something unexpected happens and they can no longer attend the lesson. Many people also absorb information at their own pace and this limits the effectiveness of the course as it provides little flexibility for those who fall behind.

Which type of training is right for my business? 

So, how do you know which type of training works best for your organisation? The answer really depends on your team’s training goals and the industry you operate in. However, for most businesses, e-learning can be a highly cost-effective and efficient solution that will help your business stay competitive. 

Companies like Booking.com, Toyota, and PayPal have all noticed huge benefits after starting their own digital training programs and saw a significant increase in employee engagement after doing so. PayPal, for instance, saw a doubling of active learners when it began its e-learning course with a 25% reduction in expenses on corporate training!

Whether you choose digital or in-person training for your business, you are taking the right step to ensure that your employees are knowledgeable and skilled in the areas that are most important to you. This ultimately leads to increased productivity, better performance, and a more successful company, and will pay off huge dividends.