Training is an essential part of your team’s professional development. Despite an increase in online options since the pandemic, there is still huge value in on-site training.
You may be thinking “online training is much cheaper and more convenient” or “on-site training cannot be delivered to the masses.” While this is true, it’s important to recognize the qualities that on-site training has, which an online setting lacks.
On-site training opens up a more intimate and interactive space that allows for relationship building and engagement. Employees and teams can acquire new knowledge in a real-life setting while honing practical skills to boost their on-the-job productivity.
Continue reading to learn the six ways that on-site training can be beneficial…
1. Encourages team building and camaraderie
Virtual platforms may have created “breakout rooms” to stimulate teamwork in a training session but they do not hold the same value as face-to-face discussions. In-person team-building exercises make fluid conversations more possible. What’s more, role-play scenarios become more effective.
An on-site training day can be broken up with lunch and coffee breaks. During these breaks, employees have the opportunity to socialize and confer with co-workers about the training. In an online setting, you may wander into your kitchen, grab a bite to eat and then return to your home office — missing out on valuable, social downtime with your colleagues.
2. Compels employees to be more “in the zone”
Have you ever sat through an online training course? Then you’ve probably also simultaneously finished some tasks on your to-do list. When you’re training on-site you cannot be tempted to multitask on your laptop or be as easily distracted.
When on-site, employees are getting real-time training. They do not have the option to disengage and watch the potentially recorded training at a later date. They cannot choose to turn off their camera or put themselves on mute. They are forced to be “in the zone” — naturally more engaged, focused and actively participating in the training.
3. Facilitates internal networking and relationship-building
On-site training brings all of your team together in one space. In essence, it’s an internal networking event where each team member can more easily approach management, colleagues, and counterparts from other teams. With online training, participants may feel less inclined to approach each other.
Starting an initial conversation with a colleague is more easily executed when you’re both standing in the same physical room. Through this accessibility, employees can build their rapport with co-workers but also open up fresh opportunities within the organization.
4. Prompts a more “hands-on” training experience
Active participation is a powerful feature of on-site training. In comparison to a more “passive” virtual form of learning, employees get out of their desk chairs, move around and are involved in practical tasks. Roleplaying, quizzes, problem-solving exercises and games are all the more engaging when they are performed in-person.
A tangible training experience is particularly beneficial for those in the technical industries. Employees can be up-close to physical demonstrations, practice the demonstrations themselves and have the opportunity to manipulate equipment.
Trainers can “capture the room” through body language, gestures and dynamic presentation skills— randomly selecting employees to be involved in demonstrations given to the rest of the team.
5. Gauging understanding and engagement is easier for trainers
Misunderstanding and a need for clarification are common occurrences throughout the training journey. If an employee has not fully grasped an idea and wants to ask a question, it may be more difficult to get the trainer’s attention in a virtual environment.
Body language and approaches to tasks give trainers a good idea of participants’ reception of information. During team-building exercises, trainers can walk around the room and observe engagement level, enthusiasm, grasp of content. As a result, they are able to address any gaps in understanding.
The Q&A during training can be highly dialogical and dynamic. If there is an active audience, then the dialogue will naturally flow and be more productive. An energy in the room is created and participants feed off that. Contrast that dynamic with online Q&A, where trainers may or may not even see participants’ questions or raised hand signals.
6. Ensures data security
On-site training sessions allow for sensitive or confidential organization data to be shared with minimum risk.
While many corporations have enabled employees to remotely access their corporate network through a VPN connection, it’s difficult to secure the user’s remote device. When all data is shared within the four walls of the company premises and on the secure corporate network, however, a major data risk is eliminated— protecting both the organization and employees.
Virtual training implies that employees are using personal (and potentially vulnerable) computer networks. What’s more, employees who choose to tune-in to online training from a public network, like that in a café, can more easily increase their risk exposure to being cyber hacked. When employees are on-site, they are using the company’s secure computer network.
Are you inspired by the many benefits of on-site training? Take a look at these top onsite training providers that we highly recommend for all your training needs:
- APLS Group: On-site courses from APLS Group are delivered based on the needs of your people - whether that's a team or the entire organization. They create a safe, experiential environment that encourages your people to explore, practice, and master leadership and interpersonal skills, team building, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Powers Resource Center: Passionate about creating a culture of connection by developing engaged, emotionally intelligent leaders and truly cohesive teams. This provider brings fresh eyes, strategic thinking and straightforward, honest advice to help you build a thriving, agile workplace.
- Eagle's Flight: With three decades of experience in the field, Eagle's Flight is a global leader in developing and delivering business-relevant, experiential learning programs that achieve specific training objectives and lasting behavior change.
- Langevin Learning Services Inc: A provider of highly renowned workshops, professional certifications, and products for trainers and business professionals. They are committed to providing practical, real-world, performance-based workshops and products guaranteed to set you up for success.
- Communispond: Programs from Communispond are based on doing. Your employees practice, get instant feedback, make adjustments and perfect their new skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. They will finish their course ready to apply their new knowledge to their work immediately.
- Genos International: The global team at Genos teach your people to use emotional intelligence to enhance connection, communication, and collaboration at work. This training has been called game-changing for business and life-changing for people.
