7 Benefits of In-Person Training in the Digital Age
In today’s digital world, in-person training offers unparalleled benefits, including immersive, multi-sensory learning that enhances retention and comprehension.
7 Benefits of In-Person Training in the Digital Age
In an era dominated by digital communication and online learning, face-to-face training still holds significant value but might be underutilised across organisations. For years, many have encountered the mandatory e-learning approach at work. As technology continues to transform how information is accessed daily, including the advancement of generative AI tools for creating learning content, organisations are moving quickly towards fully digital solutions for training and employee engagement.
However, it raises the question: Is this the most effective approach?
We should undoubtedly embrace the tools and benefits brought by advancements in generative AI to enhance corporate training, making it more engaging, visually appealing, and efficient. However, it is important not to overlook the unique advantages that face-to-face training offers compared to virtual or technology-driven methods. This article will discuss the power and value of face-to-face training and outline the benefits it provides to your workforce.
Impact fraud awareness training has on internal fraud
ACFE 2024 Report to the Nations
ACFE 2024 Report to the Nations
Face-to-face training creates an immersive learning environment that engages multiple senses simultaneously. Participants can observe body language, hear vocal inflections, and interact in real-time, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. This multi-sensory experience enhances retention and comprehension, making complex concepts more accessible and memorable.
One of the most significant advantages of in-person training is the opportunity for immediate feedback and clarification. Learners can ask questions on the spot, and trainers can gauge understanding through facial expressions and body language, adjusting their approach accordingly. This real-time adaptation ensures that no participant is left behind and that the training meets the specific needs of the group.
While those benefits are evident, the act of bringing people together to take time off work can yield significant advantages. The increasing demands in the workplace and the accelerating pace each year make it challenging for employees to allocate time for professional development. Organisations have a responsibility to ensure their employees understand their obligations, often achieved through mandatory training and e-learning. However, few invest in providing face-to-face training for their staff.
Investing in tailored face-to-face training has a number of benefits for both the organisation and their people:
1. Creates an immersive learning environment that engages multiple senses simultaneously, enhancing retention and comprehension of the content.
2. Provides immediate feedback and clarification for the learner, with trainers able to gauge understanding and adapt in real-time to embed the key learning outcomes.
3. Encourages participants to take time out of work or ‘off the tools’, aiding professional development despite increasing workplace demands.
4. Cultivates a sense of community and collaboration among participants where people from different teams and departments come together to learn together and share their own experiences inside the organisation.
5. Demonstrates an organisation's commitment to employee development and enhances the Employee Value Proposition (EVP), leading to increased engagement, improved morale, and increased loyalty (tenure).
6. Develops soft skills, leadership abilities, and team dynamics through nuanced interactions and hands-on experiences in a physical setting.
7. Provides a real time ‘pulse’ check of how your organisation is actually operating in reality. Your people will share insights into where the good, bad and ugly exists across your organisation.
Each year, I conduct numerous in-person training sessions for our clients on critical subjects such as fraud awareness, bribery and corruption, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing, among others. One of the most significant advantages I observe is that when individuals from various parts of the organisation come together, they share insights about the actual occurrences within their teams. This provides a realistic perspective on the situation, rather than merely reflecting the organisation’s expectations.
A common example is employees sharing their experiences or observations on how a particular policy or procedure is understood and followed within their team or department. Topics such as managing conflicts of interest, corporate credit expenses, business hospitality, supplier management, and delegated financial limits are frequently discussed among those I train. These discussions often reveal different approaches to enforcing these policies across various teams, the significance placed on adherence, and instances of non-compliance that need to be addressed.
If your organisation solely relies on the ‘tick a box’ compliance approach of e-learning, then you are missing an opportunity.
By investing in tailored face-to-face training on critical risk topics that safeguard your organisation, you not only demonstrate a commitment to your employees and enhance your Employee Value Proposition (EVP), but also create opportunities for your staff to engage in collective learning. This fosters relationship-building across teams and departments while enabling the sharing of firsthand experiences regarding organisational practices.
Moreover, face-to-face training cultivates a sense of community and networking among participants. The shared experience of learning together creates bonds and encourages peer-to-peer learning. These connections often extend beyond the training room, fostering a supportive network that can enhance professional growth and collaboration long after the session ends.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the power of face-to-face training serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of human connection in learning and development.
As I wrap this article up, let me restate – I am all for embracing technology, the benefits that generative AI can bring to our developing efficient learning programs but I simply put forward the case that good old-fashioned face-to-face training has a number of benefits and it is high time organisations returned to getting the balance and mix right between online and in person training.
Trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you might learn about your organisation by investing in face-to-face training.
Results we’ve achieved for clients
Developing a tailored Speak Up Integrity Hotline program for Bingo Industries
We partnered with Bingo Industries as an integrity-risk partner to develop and implement a Speak Up Integrity Hotline that supported Bingo’s values of working honestly and ethically.
