The Advantages and Disadvantages of In-Person Training

While the corporate E-learning market is expected to grow $38.09 bn by 2024, in-person training is still thriving in a post-pandemic world. 

Many providers offer in-person training— either on-site or at your company’s premises. In-person continues to be in demand since it brings people together and promotes interactive learning. Choosing the right setting can make all the difference to your employees’ learning and development, so it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of face-to-face training. 

Here are the main benefits and pitfalls of in-person training for your employees. Continue reading to help inform your decision-making…

The Advantages of In-Person training 

1. More “hands-on”

In-person training stimulates active participation. Problem-solving exercises, role playing, quizzes and team games become more “active” and enriching when they are performed face-to-face. 

The tangible nature of in-person training allows employees to be up-close to physical presentations and carry out practical tasks with their co-workers. Trainers can randomly select employees to be involved in demonstrations given to the rest of the team— keeping them focused throughout and “on their toes.” 

2. Encourages team-building

Employees have more opportunities to socialize and interact with their colleagues. Developing good relationships is important for high-performing teams. They can participate in team-building exercises and role play scenarios— leading to more fluid and dynamic conversations, as well as, learning. 

While virtual “breakout rooms” do encourage discussions in the virtual world, they do not have the same impact as face-to-face conversations. What’s more, an in-person training day is broken up by lunch and coffee breaks which provide valuable, social downtime for employees.  

3. Retains focus

Employees are forced to be more present.

When they are engaged in a face-to-face session they cannot be easily distracted or tempted to multitask on their laptop. The environment removes the option for participants to disengage— be “on mute” or turn off a webcam — leading to higher engagement, participation and performance.

Getting your team together in a focused, physical space can also ensure that organizational data is protected. If, for instance, the training takes place at your company’s premises, confidential or personally sensitive information can be shared more comfortably.  

The Disadvantages of In-Person training 

1. Limits accessibility 

Capacity— the number of participants— is automatically restricted if you decide to train your team in-person. Decisions then need to be made as to who should attend, leaving an inequitable scenario for skill development (not to mention hurt feelings). 

By limiting the number of participants, you limit the skill development of your team. 

Foundational trainings like communications or inclusion training, often operate across teams. An in-person environment can remove the opportunity for your employees to engage with their peers from other departments. Not to mention, prevent employees situated outside the geographic area from taking advantage of the session— an important consideration given the remote nature of workplaces now. 

2. It’s expensive 

In-person training is generally a more expensive option due to logistics, facilities, travel, perhaps meals or beverages and an increased need for supplies. If an external training provider delivers the training at your company premises, they will factor-in expenses for tools and equipment used in activities and demonstrations.

Moreover, if your organization does not support participants' travel expenses then they will have to dig into their own pockets in order to attend the training. Not a great moment for employee experience.

3. Restricts flexibility 

Gathering all employees in the same space at the same time is difficult — especially since the shift to a hybrid remote work culture. Factor in scheduling issues, business trips, childcare, illness and general unexpected circumstances, and in-person training becomes far trickier.

Restricted flexibility reduces the likelihood of full attendance. If employees cannot attend the in-person training, then they miss out on valuable learning…and the organization misses out, too.

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The Best of Both Worlds: Blended Learning and Virtual Classrooms 

In an attempt to mitigate the disadvantages of in-person learning, alternatives have become available to merge the advantages of in-person and virtual. These are most often Blended Learning or Virtual Classroom. Both alternatives combine distinctive features to create a flexible yet enriching learning experience. 

Blending Learning 

Blended learning (also known as hybrid learning) is a method which integrates instructor-led training with technology and virtual resources. In essence, this type of training combines in-person learning with self-directed learning (E-learning). 

Blended learning allows for flexibility and accessibility while allowing participants to benefit from “hands on” tasks and in-person interaction. 

Virtual Classroom 

Virtual classroom is an online learning environment where instructors interact with participants in real time. Employees have the opportunity to interact with the trainer and their colleagues— engaging with learning material in the same way as they would in a physical setting. 

Virtual classroom training resolves the issues associated with in-person training while simultaneously opening up a space for active participation, reciprocal dialogue and collective focus. 

It’s clear that an array of corporate training methods is available, each one with its own set of characteristics and outcomes. Naturally, it’s not a case of one size fits all. In-person training isn’t dead, but it is useful for various objectives and could be the perfect choice for your organization. A deeper understanding of the ins and outs of all methods will ultimately lead to the right decision for you and your organization.