How to Convince Employees to Make Time For Learning
For many professionals, making time for learning isn’t a priority. Often, it isn’t because of a lack of interest, as many top performers thrive when they can face new challenges and expose themselves to new information. The issue tends to be the feeling that there are not enough hours in the day to handle everything on their plate, so training tends to get placed on the back burner.
However, there are things you can do to encourage employees to make time for learning. If you are ready to get started, here are some options worth exploring.
GIVE THEM THE TIME
If your employees are working diligently all day, expecting them to complete work-related training on their off-time isn’t very reasonable. After all, they have personal lives to manage as well, so study outside of the workplace might not be practical.
Instead of expecting employees to set aside time, strive to actually give the time to them. For example, you can book an hour-long meeting and then release everyone halfway through for the purpose of completing a training module.
PERSONALIZE THE EXPERIENCE
Workplace training often feels very impersonal. This is especially true if everyone is expected to complete the same modules, regardless of whether the information is relevant to each worker’s role, or if the training options can’t adapt to an employee’s preferred learning style.
However, if you make the experience more flexible and personalized, you can increase engagement. Provide access to a range of learning tools, including everything from self-paced content-oriented modules to webinars to learner-centric organized discussions.
Additionally, adjust training requirements based on each employees’ position. That way they don’t feel like they are wasting time on content that isn’t relevant to them and can’t help them succeed. Plus, this ensures that they focus their efforts on topics and activities that provide them and the company with value, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
REWARD TRAINING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
If motivating your staff to complete their training is an issue, consider offering a reward for completing various milestones. Any kind of incentive could be effective, including bonuses, extra paid time off, various office perks, or promotional opportunities.
By offering a reward, you are showing that your company values their effort and recognizes the time and energy involved. This can increase the likelihood that employees will treat training as a priority as they can clearly see a personal benefit for taking part.
