Using Technology To Support Employee Development From Anywhere
It is a digital age, and the next-gen technology-powered tools that companies can offer their team members can make all the difference to the employee experience. As global workforces have abruptly shifted to a work-from-home model due to COVID-19, many employers are now also quickly rethinking how they use technologies such as AI and machine learning to keep teams informed, connected and engaged in this new environment.
Research shows that a strong learning culture is impactful and can lead to a 30%–50% higher retention rate. And tech has become a driver and enabler of an agile learning environment, and of reducing employee attrition. In fact, 58% of employees say "they need to seek new employment in order to secure digital skills," according to a survey by Randstad USA.
Additionally, employees who are engaged and have high well-being are 45% more likely to report high levels of adaptability in the presence of change. And in our current world, the ability to embrace and adapt to change is even more critical as we support our teams and grow our businesses. At the end of the day, for companies of all sizes, designing digital experiences that support agile learning and development is key to building a team of engaged, productive and committed employees, ultimately resulting in improved corporate performance.
Here are some ways to use digital tools to engage your team while bringing their development goals to life.
Digitally Powered Learning Solutions Anytime, Anywhere
As an industry, digital learning has quickly moved from free amateur online courses, including massively open online classes (MOOCs), to big businesses and customized learning programs that cater to different career paths. The industry is expected approach $238 billion globally by 2024 for good reason, as the appeal of digitally powered learning is simple and effective. Employees often dread attending long and drawn-out training sessions, but appreciate when their user experience mimics that of tech in their everyday lives, including being able to access learning materials in whichever manner they prefer (web, mobile, etc.) and from wherever they prefer, whether that is in the office, on the train or at home.
Through tech, employees can also better customize their learning to their own experience or education level, allowing employees to "digest" courses at their own speed and when it's most convenient for them. Not only should you make digital learning convenient and accessible on various channels, but you earn extra points for making it fun. Even the most resistant employees will gravitate toward learning opportunities that are interactive and collaborative.
Gamification For Goal Tracking
While collaborative learning is great, competition can be another effective motivator. With sales targets and KPIs all customer service teams are aiming for, a gamified leaderboard can be used to engender healthy competition, encourage agents to maximize their performance in real time, and motivate team members individually and as a team. Instead of recognizing employees at the end of each month, you can have employees of the moment who you can reward immediately.
Making work more like the games employees play in their off-hours is a great way to engage people in meaningful parts of their jobs, such as setting and achieving big goals. "From the persistent glow of the world's mobile phones, game consoles and sports channels on TV screens, it's clear that a love of games unites us across geographic and demographic lines," writes David Cherrie, and I find this is especially true for younger workers.
Millennials and Gen Zers have a desire for continuous feedback and positive reinforcement. Gamification offers ongoing opportunities for celebration, building connections as team members work toward a common goal and for public recognition across channels like the company intranet and social media.
Empowering A Continuous Feedback Loop Through Software
If the modern digital world has given us anything, it's access to more communication channels. Employers should take advantage of the tools available to them to bring the goal-setting and review process to life.
Don't wait for a quarterly review to give feedback. Videoconferencing and real-time chats can help leaders bridge the gap when they have a remote team. Integrate ongoing, continuous feedback into a company's culture through instant feedback apps that can help boost productivity by allowing staff to ask for feedback, rate each other and share feedback on how well they are doing on the job and what they need to do to improve.
No doubt, there is a tremendous amount of technology out there to support employee development and improve your employment brand in the process. Great outcomes, such as attracting top talent, await companies that get it right. Especially as more team members start to log in from home, using these tools to foster a greater sense of belonging and connection between employees, their work and their company is critical to finding success in the digital age.
Gloss