The Key Pros and Cons of Online Employee Training

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As a business operating in the modern climate, chances are you’ve discovered the power of the internet. However, if you’re still looking for ways to improve efficiency and productivity within your workplace, you might not be aware of the benefits that come with utilising it for employee training. 

An industry that’s rapidly growing, many businesses around the world are discovering opportunities that come with e-learning and are starting to replace their traditional forms of training with this ever-evolving, flexible technology. If you’re considering online employee training, then it’s important that you identify both the pros and cons of using it within your business.

To help guide you, here is a list of the top benefits and downsides to pay attention to throughout the research process:

Let’s start with the pros:

• It’s flexible

One of the most significant benefits of online training is that it can be completed no matter where your employees are located in the world. Delivered at a pace that suits them and generally faster than traditional training, they can easily acquire new knowledge and harness their skills.

This flexibility and accessibility are key in the world of digital transformation, where businesses are becoming more competitive. Giving your business the opportunity to improve its productivity, you can set realistic goals for the future. 

 

• It’s budget-friendly 

Training employees doesn’t come cheaply. When done in the traditional manner, you’ll have to factor in the cost of the trainer’s fees, any materials that need to be supplied and the renting out of an office space if need be. But with online training, these costs will become a distant memory.

For online employee training, all they will need is a laptop/desktop computer and the internet. Once the software is installed, they can get started on their training without any delays. Of course, it’s not free. But you’ll be able to find a payment plan that suits your budget, whether you pay for it monthly or annually. 

 

• Enhanced scalability and a high standard of training

As a business, you want to measure your employee’s strengths and weaknesses. And through an online training program, you can do exactly that. Through this, you’ll be able to offer them training that aligns with their unique requirements, without delivering a one-size-fits-all solution. 

However, you can also guarantee that the resources are to a certain standard so that all your employees are learning at the same level.

Now, onto the cons:

• Employees must be motivated

One downside of promoting online training that you’ll have to consider is that your employees will have to be motivated to complete it. Of course, you’ll be able to track their progress and offer them help if they need it. But they still need the motivation and determination to progress through the resources to start with.

 

• Low-quality training programs

When looking for an online training program, you may be tempted to invest in one that’s more cost-effective. However, those that are free or very low cost may not be to a high standard. To ensure that you don’t fall into this trap, it’s a good idea to read online reviews (take these Coassemble reviews for example), and to compare and contrast different options until settling on the right one for your business.

 

• It’s not face-to-face 

Although online learning undeniably offers flexibility in its accessibility and the variety of teaching methods it offers, one downside that a business will have to consider is the fact that it results in less face to face interaction. Without this, your employees might feel a slight disconnect with what they are learning, as they aren’t sitting in an engaged room. 

However, this potential downside isn’t felt by everyone. Nowadays, a lot of people prefer this way of learning as it’s done in a more relaxed environment.

Final thoughts

Overall it’s clear to see that as with most things within the digital world there are certain pros and cons. However, arguably the advantages that your business can reap through implementing it, outweigh the cons. Of course, every business is different in the way they conduct their training – so it’s vital that you find a solution that works for you.