Training for Remote Employees: A complete guide

Gone are the days when businesses and organizations overlooked remote training. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote training has been on the rise, and businesses have adopted it for various reasons. Remote training provides flexibility; it's easily accessible, saves money, and, most importantly, employees enjoy it. 

What is Remote Training? 

Remote training is a type of coaching that takes place at a distance through digital means such as webinars, face-to-face live internet training, or online training materials. Generally, learners don't have to present themselves in a physical class for training. Often, remote training is also called digital learning. 

How you execute remote training is what this post covers as well as tips for training remote employees. But first, let's cover the challenges of training employees remotely. 

Challenges of Remote Employee Training 

1. Distractions 

Distraction is often common in remote training, especially if the employees don't have a quiet workspace at home. For instance, their favourite pet might be all over the screen, or the child often cries and seeks attention as the training progresses. Consequently, an employee is not entirely focused. 

2. Technical challenges 

 Technical challenges are an issue even in physical training; some of these challenges are unavoidable. Among the challenges a trainer and trainee are likely to deal with include: unstable internet, failing operating system, electricity blackout, training platform/ software not responding, etc. 

3. Timing and scheduling issues 

Not every trainee will manage to join the training at the scheduled time, or some might not finish up a session for various reasons. For example, some trainees might forget they have an ongoing training session, and some will prioritize other personal things. 

4. Lack-in person supervision 

Unfortunately, some sessions need in-person supervision for effective learning. Some employees experience some kind of isolation, primarily when the training doesn't involve group training. 

5. Poor digital literacy 

If your remote employee is not up to speed with the latest technology, the training can be frustrating and derail their experience. 

6. Disability and special needs 

Some remote employees with disabilities or special needs might find it challenging to take online training, especially those with hearing and sight impairment. 

Are there solutions for the above challenges? Check out the below section where we have a gradual process you can follow to execute an effective and successful remote employees training. 

Step by Step Process of Training Remote Employees Effectively

1. Choose an appropriate delivery model 

You may choose two main delivery methods to deliver remote training to your employees, i.e., synchronous and asynchronous learning models. Synchronous learning entails trainees learning at the same time, and it happens in real-time. Therefore, it's more engaging and creates room for instant feedback. 

For asynchronous learning, the training is not live; therefore, remote employees can access it at their own convenience. Basically, this model allows more room for flexibility. 

However, you may opt to choose a hybrid or a blended model (a combination of synchronous and asynchronous). 

2.Invest in the right remote employees training tools 

If you want to have effective and successful employee remote training, it's essential to invest in the right tools for the task. Below is a list of some of the important tools you invest in for remote training delivery: 

• Webinar software such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Join. Me, etc. 
• A virtual learning platform such as BigBlueButton, GoToTraining, etc. 
• An E-learning management system (LMS) - helps manage remote training programs. It also allows you to create online courses.
• Microsoft Office – it helps create learning materials such as slideshows, worksheets, PDFs, word documents, etc. 
• Project management & communication tools 
  

3.Prepare your training tools and learning materials. 

Preparation is a vital step in your training. How you prepare depends on the type of learning model you choose to deliver your training. 

Synchronous training requires you to prepare your training tool and material on time because it involves live coaching. It also entails preparing some presentations accompanied by reference materials for web-based sessions. Conversely, the asynchronous model requires you to prepare eLearning courses and videos. Lastly, a blended model requires you to prepare all of the above materials. 

Preparation also entails ensuring your software, hardware, and internet connection functions properly. 

4.Deliver the training to remote employees 

Once you've chosen a delivery model, invested in the right tools for training, and prepared training tools and materials, it's time to deliver the training to your virtual/ remote employees. No doubt, if you have properly followed the above steps, there are chances you'll provide a successful training. 

Upload your course(s) and training videos for asynchronous training, then set deadlines. Finish up by inviting employees to take up the training online. 

For synchronous training, start by introducing yourself to connect with trainees, make your face or training material visible, and proceed. We have more tips for you in the next section to help you deliver effective asynchronous training. 

5.Track the results

Tracking your training results is the last step of the remote training process. How you assess results varies based on your organization's goals and needs. Among the common things to help you evaluate results include course completion, period learners took to complete the course, scoring in specific assessments offered to learners, etc. Additionally, you might opt to offer exit interviews and questionnaires to gather feedback about the training. 

More Tips for an Effective Remote Employee Training

1. Have a Suitable Schedule 

It's important to understand that you're dealing with human beings, and having a suitable schedule can be a game-changer in your training. This makes it easier for a trainer and remote employees to access the training sessions at the proper time and dates. 

2. Start with an orientation

Before starting a remote training session, it's good to have an orientation: it allows you to communicate accurately and concisely prior to the training. During this period, you should also outline any training rules and expectations you might have. 

Orientation allows you to introduce other trainers with whom you'll collaborate or other persons with critical responsibilities in delivering the training. 

3. Build trust 

It's important for remote employees participating in the training to trust you. Therefore, let them know how they can reach out to you or your team for additional support. Also, outline other support avenues (such as IT support) you've established (if any) and how to access them.

4. Ensure your learning is engaging 

One-way learning is ineffective; therefore, incorporate activities that bring about chat discussions and participation among remote employees as they undertake the training. 

You may also create a learner's community whereby they share and discuss issues and experiences of their training. An engaging approach makes the learning feel communal and eliminates the isolation remote employees experience. 

5. Develop quick bite content 

Do you want to keep remote employees taking your training hooked? You must make engaging yet easy-to-understand content and avoid text-heavy information. Have a goal of making it easy to consume content and use materials such as infographics and videos to explain some of the concepts to participants. 

6. Make a mobile-friendly course

Most people spend about 5 hours a day on their mobile phones. It's a sign that there is a need for a mobile-friendly course to cater to remote employees who cannot train through computers. Additionally, it enables them to access a course anywhere. 

7. Implement gamification 

Do you want to improve engagement, interactivity, and motivation with your remote employees enrolled in training? Consider a creative way like gamification as part of your learning. For instance, let learners compete for badges, ranking, and points and provide completion certificates for participants. 

8. Leverage technology 

With technology, you can make learning more accessible and efficient. There is an endless list of tools to enhance training for your remote employees. They include steadfast software for streaming online learning sessions, editing tools to create learning materials, and reliable hardware devices you can use for the training. 

Generally, leveraging technology can make training clearer and more understandable.