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.
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.
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.
