The Effectiveness of E-learning for Retail Businesses
Retail businesses, especially those with a number of dispersed locations, are well suited for the rollout of an online training solution. Staff can be easily onboarded, given regular sales and product training, and kept abreast of specials and new product launches. The benefits are extensive.
Onboarding
Using an LMS such as FUEL Learn to deliver induction training has several advantages. Importantly, it provides a high level of consistency and allows for immediate, detailed feedback. E-learning is also much quicker than in-person training and can be repeated as many times as necessary. New staff can access the training from anywhere, and repeat parts of the material they are struggling with. Induction courses can be created as downloadable documents, slideshows, or interactive video use scenario-based cutaways. All your staff will receive the same messaging and be assessed equally. It is also cost-effective which, in a high staff turnover industry, is a major benefit.
Retention
Well informed employees that have easy access to training materials are often more satisfied. They can step onto the sales floor knowing exactly what they are selling and how to process a sale. Retention rates can be increased by providing the necessary knowledge and skills needed to have confidence and be successful at their jobs.
Health And Safety
Frontline staff often encounter a variety of risks, such as lifting, using ladders, and dealing with the public. Delivering relevant health and safety courses digitally is simple and can help lower risks to employees.
The LMS reporting functionality allows management to monitor employees to make sure they are up-to-date with safety protocols, and not an accident risk. Training material can be easily updated or added to as needs arise.
Compliance Training
New regulations get regularly introduced by governments and industry bodies, presenting yet another way your LMS can make the dissemination process easier.
New courses can be efficiently distributed, and bulletins sent out to notify the relevant team members. A system for sharing information quickly has never been more important, as gathering and processing data is important for retail businesses that have both a high street and an online presence.
Continuity Training
Speed of training is a huge benefit. Procedures and regulations are constantly changing and in-store staff must adapt and become familiar with new regulations quickly. An LMS makes it easy to implement new training, simply by adding new course content and notifying staff.
Traditionally, it would be expensive and time-consuming to deliver these types of training. However, with an learning management system such as FUEL Learn in place, effort and costs can be minimised.
There are considerations to be taken into account when making the switch to e-learning.
Engagement
Getting your team involved is one of the biggest initial challenges. There are numerous ways of promoting engagement, including launch webinars, emails and SMS reminders. FUEL Learn allows users to be automatically reminded and encouraged to complete the next module in their learning pathway by SMS. The LMS can also be set to congratulate them on successful completion of courses. Gamification can also be used to motivate participation. Badges and leader boards are examples.
Accessibility
Staff must be able to access the online training easily, either through their own devices or on dedicated terminals at your sites. FUEL can provide customised hardware solutions to suit your needs, such as all-in-one computers embedded into kiosks, or iPads housed in tamper-proof security brackets, powder coated in the colour of your choice. These terminals can be situated in staff rooms or other suitable areas for ease of use.
Whichever e-learning provider you choose, it is important to make sure they can offer all the services your business needs. FUEL has unparalleled experience providing a full range of digital training services to retail clients. Services include consultation, LMS and content creation, learning academy management, hardware and software implementation, and integration.
