Dealing With Employee Habits That Obstruct Training Success

Organisations invest heavily in digital learning but often still find many employees are not successfully completing their learning pathways or bridging performance gaps. The problem is probably not with the design or quality of training content. The issue usually stems from the traits or habits of these employees which stand in the way of maximising online training benefits.

Personality traits, attitudes and past experiences often get in the way. Here are some to be aware of, with tips to help them change:

Procrastination

Very common, and one of the most damaging staff habits because while racing against the clock, little real learning can take place.  By creating individual contracts and using peer coaching, this can be overcome. Employees are then held accountable for their training performance but have a support network to support them.

Fear Of Self-Evaluation

Some people do not commit properly to their online training programme because they do not want to be evaluated and shown where there are gaps. Simulations and gamification can be effectively used get around this fear, revealing problem areas gently and discreetly.

Negativity

Employees often have a negative attitude because they have had bad training experiences previously. This causes them to mentally switch off from the start. Another reason for negativity is that staff are not aware of the practical online training benefits and how it ties into their job duties. In both cases, their assumptions need to be challenged and the real-world connections strengthened. Engaging content that relates to their roles is key.

Short Attention Spans

Not only common among children, many adults are unable to concentrate for substantial periods of time. Even a 30-minute lesson would be beyond their ability. This is where microlearning is invaluable. Short, focused modules deliver knowledge which is easily digested and that can be built on in subsequent modules.

Some employee habits are hard to break. Especially if they are unwilling to evaluate themselves. They need a suitable incentive. Invest in a customised LMS that enables elements to support positive change and your organisation’s objectives.