Features of the Best Training Platforms for Employees

Features of the Best Training Platforms for Employees

In an ever-evolving corporate landscape, effective employee training is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The right training platform can make all the difference in enhancing skills, boosting productivity, and fostering employee satisfaction. But what makes a training platform truly outstanding? 

In this eGuide, we delve into the essential features of top-tier platforms, examining aspects like user experience and interface, content quality and diversity, and integration capabilities. We’ll also look at the level of support provided by the platform, and crucially, its cost-effectiveness and potential return on investment (ROI). Join us as we explore the characteristics that set the best employee training platforms apart from the rest.

 

1. Understanding Employee Training Platforms

Defining Training Platforms

Employee training platforms are digital solutions designed to facilitate the delivery, management, and tracking of workplace learning. These platforms provide a structured environment where employees can access educational resources, participate in interactive training modules, and track their progress over time.

 

Importance of Employee Training

The importance of employee training cannot be overstated. Effective training equips employees with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently. It contributes to increased productivity, improved job satisfaction, and reduced turnover. Moreover, ongoing training supports career development and helps employees adapt to changes in their roles or industry.

 

Evolution of Training Platforms

Over the years, employee training has evolved significantly. Traditional face-to-face training sessions have given way to more flexible and scalable digital solutions. The advent of technology has enabled organizations to deliver training content anytime, anywhere, catering to the diverse learning needs and schedules of their workforce.

 

Types of Employee Training Platforms

There are various types of employee training platforms available today, each with its unique features and benefits. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are comprehensive platforms that manage all aspects of the learning process, including content delivery, progress tracking, and reporting. On the other hand, Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) focus on providing a personalized, engaging learning experience with features like content curation, social learning, and gamification. There are also specialized platforms for specific training needs, such as compliance training or skills development.

 

Understanding the best employee training platform involves recognizing the importance of employee training, acknowledging its evolution, and exploring the different types of platforms available. The best platform will depend on an organization’s specific training needs, budget, and goals.

 

2. Essential Features of Effective Training Platforms

Effective employee training platforms should encompass several key features that facilitate both the learning process and the tracking of progress.

 

Interactive Learning Tools

Interactive learning tools are a crucial component, as they engage learners and promote active participation. These may include quizzes, simulations, videos, and discussion forums that allow employees to apply their knowledge, share experiences, and learn from others.

 

Personalization and Adaptive Learning

Personalization and adaptive learning are another important aspect. Every learner is unique, with different knowledge levels, learning styles, and pace. An effective training platform should tailor the learning experience to each individual. This could involve recommending relevant courses based on the learner’s role, interests, or past performance, or adjusting the difficulty level of content based on the learner’s progress.

 

Mobile Accessibility and Compatibility

Mobile accessibility and compatibility are also essential in today’s digital age. Employees should be able to access the training platform from any device, whether it’s a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This enables learners to engage with the training content wherever they are and whenever they have time, making learning more flexible and convenient.

 

Analytics and Progress Tracking

Finally, analytics and progress tracking are key features of an effective training platform. These allow organizations to monitor the effectiveness of their training programs and the progress of individual learners. Metrics could include course completion rates, quiz scores, time spent learning, and more. This data can provide valuable insights for improving the training content and strategy, as well as identifying areas where learners may need additional support.

 

An effective employee training platform should offer interactive learning tools, personalization and adaptive learning, mobile accessibility and compatibility, and robust analytics and progress tracking. These features can create a more engaging, personalized, and effective learning experience, leading to better training outcomes.

 

3. User Experience and Interface Design

 

User experience (UX) and interface design are essential features of effective employee training platforms. User experience design focuses on creating positive and seamless experiences for users as they interact with a product or system. It involves understanding user needs, behaviors, and preferences to optimize usability and satisfaction. Interface design, on the other hand, deals with the visual and interactive elements of a product’s interface.

 

Intuitive Interface

Intuitive interfaces are crucial in employee training platforms as they make navigation and interaction easy and intuitive. Employees should be able to quickly understand how to access and navigate through the training materials without confusion or frustration. Well-designed interfaces use clear labels, logical organization, and intuitive interactions to guide users through the learning process effortlessly.

 

Multimedia Integration

Multimedia integration is another important aspect of effective training platforms. By incorporating a variety of multimedia elements such as videos, images, and audio, training materials become more engaging and dynamic. Visuals and audio can enhance comprehension, demonstrate complex concepts, and make the content more memorable. These multimedia elements help to cater to different learning styles and preferences, ensuring that all employees can effectively absorb the training content.

 

Gamification Elements

Gamification elements, such as quizzes, challenges, and progress tracking, add an element of fun and motivation to the learning experience. By introducing game-like elements into the training platform, employees are incentivized to actively participate and progress through the training materials. Leaderboards, badges, and rewards can further encourage healthy competition and engagement, making the learning process more enjoyable and motivating.

 

Customization Options

Customization options provide employees with the flexibility to personalize their learning experience. The ability to choose the order and pace of modules, adjust settings, and select relevant content based on their role or skill level empowers employees to tailor the training to their specific needs. Customization options allow employees to focus on areas they need to improve, ensuring a more personalized and effective learning journey.

 

User experience and interface design play a vital role in effective employee training platforms. Intuitive interfaces, multimedia integration, gamification elements, and customization options contribute to a seamless and engaging learning experience. These features not only enhance user satisfaction but also promote active participation and knowledge retention among employees.

 

4. Content Quality and Diversity

Rich and Engaging Content Formats

Content quality and diversity are essential features of effective employee training platforms. Firstly, rich and engaging content formats, such as interactive videos, animations, and gamified modules, enhance the learning experience and hold employees’ attention. This type of content promotes active participation and knowledge retention, making the training more effective.

 

Diverse Learning Resources

Diverse learning resources cater to different learning styles and preferences. By providing a variety of materials such as written guides, audio recordings, infographics, and case studies, employees can choose the format that best suits their needs. This inclusivity ensures that all employees can access and understand the training content, regardless of their learning preferences or abilities.

 

Expert-Driven Curriculum

An expert-driven curriculum ensures that the training materials are based on accurate and up-to-date information. Subject matter experts can provide valuable insights, industry best practices, and real-world examples, enhancing the relevance and credibility of the training content. This expertise helps employees develop practical skills that can be immediately applied in their work.

 

Real-Life Simulations and Scenarios

Real-life simulations and scenarios offer employees opportunities to practice and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a safe, controlled environment. These simulations mimic real-world situations, allowing employees to make decisions, solve problems, and experience the consequences of their actions. This hands-on approach helps employees build confidence and prepares them for challenges they may face in their roles.

 

Effective employee training platforms should prioritize rich and engaging content formats, diverse learning resources, an expert-driven curriculum, and real-life simulations and scenarios. These features contribute to a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, enabling employees to acquire and retain knowledge, develop practical skills, and apply them effectively in their work.

 

5. Integration Capabilities and Support

 

Integration capabilities and support are essential features of effective employee training platforms. Integration capabilities refer to the ability of the training platform to seamlessly connect and interact with other software systems, such as HR systems or productivity tools. Support refers to the assistance provided by the platform vendor to address technical issues, guide users, and ensure optimal use of the platform.

 

Integration with Existing Systems

Integration with existing systems is crucial as it allows for a smoother transition and operation. It enables the training platform to pull data from and push data to other systems, automating processes like user creation, course assignment, and performance tracking. This seamless integration can save time, reduce errors, and increase efficiency in managing the training process.

 

Technical Support and Assistance

Technical support and assistance play a vital role in the successful implementation and operation of a training platform. When issues arise, prompt and effective support can minimize downtime and ensure continuity of training. Assistance can also include guidance on how to best use the platform’s features, helping organizations maximize their investment.

 

Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability and flexibility are important aspects of a robust training platform. As an organization grows and its training needs evolve, the platform should be able to scale and adapt accordingly. Whether it’s accommodating more users, adding new courses, or incorporating new training methods, a scalable and flexible platform can meet changing needs without substantial additional costs or disruptions.

 

Security and Compliance Measures

Lastly, security and compliance measures are paramount in protecting sensitive data. The platform should adhere to industry standards and regulations to ensure that employee data is secure and privacy is maintained. Features like data encryption, access controls, and audit logs can help safeguard information and provide peace of mind.

 

Integration capabilities and support are key features of effective employee training platforms. The ability to integrate with existing systems, provide technical support and assistance, scale and adapt to changing needs, and uphold stringent security and compliance measures contribute to a robust, efficient, and reliable training solution.

 

6. Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

 

Cost-effectiveness is a crucial consideration when looking for an effective employee training platform. It refers to achieving the desired results or benefits at the lowest possible cost. In the context of employee training platforms, cost-effectiveness is about maximizing learning outcomes and operational efficiency while minimizing financial expenditure.

 

Pricing Models and Transparency

Pricing models and transparency are important aspects of cost-effectiveness. Different platforms may offer different pricing structures, such as per-user fees, flat fees, or tiered pricing based on the number of features. Transparent pricing without hidden fees allows organizations to accurately budget for their training needs and avoid unexpected costs.

 

Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)

Calculating ROI (Return on Investment) is a key part of assessing cost-effectiveness. This involves comparing the costs of the training platform and implementation with the benefits gained, such as improved employee performance, reduced errors, or increased sales. A high ROI indicates that the platform is delivering value in relation to its cost.

 

Free vs. Paid Platforms

The choice between free and paid platforms also factors into cost-effectiveness. While free online training platforms for employees may seem attractive from a cost perspective, they often offer limited features and support. On the other hand, paid platforms typically provide more comprehensive features, better support, and a more engaging learning experience. The decision should be based not just on cost, but on the value and benefits the platform can deliver.

 

Long-Term Value Assessment

Long-term value assessment is another important aspect of cost-effectiveness. This involves considering not just the immediate costs and benefits, but also the potential long-term impact of the training platform. For example, a platform that supports continuous learning and skill development can contribute to long-term employee retention and productivity, providing ongoing value.

 

Cost-effectiveness is a critical factor when choosing an employee training platform. By considering pricing models and transparency, calculating ROI, weighing the pros and cons of free vs paid platforms, and assessing long-term value, organizations can make an informed decision that balances cost with effectiveness.

 

7. Future Trends and Innovations in Training Platforms

AI-Powered Learning

The future of employee training platforms is poised to be driven by several exciting trends and innovations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning is one such trend, with AI being used to personalize the learning experience, offer intelligent recommendations, and automate administrative tasks. For example, AI algorithms can analyze a learner’s behavior, performance, and preferences to deliver tailored content and learning paths.

 

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are other emerging technologies that are set to transform employee training. VR and AR can create immersive, interactive learning experiences that engage learners and improve knowledge retention. For instance, they can simulate real-life scenarios for hands-on training in a safe, controlled environment.

 

Microlearning and Bite-Sized Content

Microlearning and bite-sized content are gaining popularity as well. With the fast pace of work and shorter attention spans, employees often prefer quick, focused learning modules that they can complete in their spare time. These bite-sized lessons can make learning more manageable and less overwhelming, leading to better engagement and retention.

 

Personalized Learning Paths

Personalized learning pathways are another anticipated trend. Recognizing that every learner is unique, more platforms are moving towards offering personalized learning journeys. These pathways consider the learner’s role, goals, skill level, and interests, guiding them through a sequence of relevant courses and activities that can help them achieve their learning objectives.

 

The future of employee training platforms looks promising, with trends like AI-powered learning, VR and AR, microlearning, and personalized learning pathways leading the way. These innovations can enhance the learning experience, making it more engaging, effective, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

 

8. Understanding Employee Training Platforms

Defining Training Platforms

Employee training platforms refer to digital systems designed to facilitate learning and development among employees. These platforms host various training materials, modules, and resources accessible to users at their convenience.

 

Importance of Employee Training

Investing in employee training fosters skill development, enhances productivity, and ensures organizational growth. Effective training platforms contribute significantly to employee retention and job satisfaction.

 

Evolution of Training Platforms

The transition from traditional classroom setups to e-learning platforms has revolutionized the training industry. Modern platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, catering to a diverse workforce spread across geographical locations.

 

Types of Employee Training Platforms

  • Learning Management Systems (LMS): Centralized platforms managing training materials and tracking progress.
  • Microlearning Platforms: Offering short, focused learning modules for quick absorption of information.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Training Platforms: Simulating real-life scenarios for immersive learning experiences.
  • Collaborative Learning Platforms: Encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing among employees.

 

9. Essential Features of Effective Training Platforms

Interactive Learning Tools

  • Interactive video modules allowing engagement and participation.
  • Dynamic quizzes for knowledge assessment and retention.
  • Real-life simulations for hands-on practice.

Personalization and Adaptive Learning

  • Personalized learning paths catering to individual employee needs.
  • Adaptive algorithms adjusting content based on user progress and proficiency.
  • AI-driven recommendations for targeted skill enhancement.

 

Mobile Accessibility and Compatibility

  • Responsive design ensuring seamless access across devices.
  • Mobile apps facilitating on-the-go learning opportunities.
  • Compatibility with various operating systems for broader accessibility.

 

Analytics and Progress Tracking

  • Comprehensive analytics providing insights into employee performance.
  • Tracking tools for monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Customizable reports for assessing training effectiveness.

 

In conclusion, choosing the best training platform for employees is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and overall success. After exploring various aspects like essential features, user experience, content quality, integration capabilities, support, cost-effectiveness, and ROI, it becomes apparent that Wranx stands out as an ideal solution. With its comprehensive set of features, intuitive interface, diverse and high-quality content, seamless integration capabilities, robust support system, and proven ROI, Wranx offers a holistic and effective approach to employee training. It not only ensures that your employees acquire the necessary skills and knowledge but also fosters continuous learning and development. Therefore, if you’re seeking a training platform that truly delivers on all fronts, Wranx is a choice worth considering.

Click here to book a demo and see the full platform. 

 

Must Know Onboarding Statistics 2023

Must Know Onboarding Statistics 2023

Employee onboarding is a critical process that sets the stage for an employee’s journey with a company. It involves integrating new hires into the organization, providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to succeed in their roles. In this long-form blog, we will explore the top must-know onboarding statistics that highlight the importance of effective onboarding practices. These statistics will shed light on the benefits of investing in a robust onboarding program and provide valuable insights for organizations looking to optimize their onboarding processes.

1. The Impact of a Strong Onboarding Program 

 

A strong employee onboarding program can have a profound impact on an organization. It sets the stage for new hires to feel welcomed, supported, and equipped to contribute effectively from day one. From the moment an employee joins the company, a well-designed onboarding program ensures they are provided with the necessary resources, training, and information to understand their role and responsibilities. This not only boosts their confidence but also accelerates their integration into the team and the overall organizational culture. Additionally, an effective onboarding program nurtures a sense of belonging and engagement among employees, leading to higher retention rates and increased productivity. By investing in a robust onboarding process, companies can foster a positive work environment, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately drive business success.

Companies with a well-structured onboarding process experience 54% greater new hire productivity

Effective onboarding programs can improve employee retention by 82%

Organizations with effective onboarding processes see 50% higher new employee retention rates

    2. The Role of Technology in Onboarding

     

    Technology plays a crucial role in streamlining and enhancing the onboarding process for new employees. From online portals and software applications to virtual training modules, technology offers numerous benefits that make the entire onboarding experience more efficient and effective. Firstly, it enables companies to automate administrative tasks such as paperwork, document signing, and form filling, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, technology allows for the seamless sharing of information and resources, ensuring that new hires have access to all the necessary materials they require to succeed in their roles. Virtual training programs and e-learning platforms enable employees to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, making the onboarding process more flexible and accessible. Furthermore, technology facilitates better communication and collaboration among team members, fostering connectivity and relationship-building, especially in remote or distributed work environments. Overall, incorporating technology into the onboarding process not only increases efficiency but also enhances the employee experience, leading to higher engagement, retention rates, and long-term success for both the individual and the organization.

    69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experienced excellent onboarding

    Organizations that use technology for onboarding see 50% higher productivity levels in new hires

    77% of HR professionals believe that automation technology improves the onboarding experience

     

    3. The Importance of Onboarding Duration

     

    The duration of an employee onboarding program is of utmost importance as it sets the stage for a successful integration into the company. A well-designed and comprehensive onboarding program that spans an appropriate length of time can greatly influence an employee’s engagement, productivity, and long-term success within the organization. A brief and rushed onboarding program may leave new hires feeling overwhelmed and ill-prepared to tackle their responsibilities, leading to potential mistakes and a lack of confidence. On the other hand, an overly lengthy onboarding process can result in disengagement and boredom, as new employees may feel like they are not making progress or being challenged. Striking the right balance in the duration of the onboarding program enables new hires to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to become productive members of the team while also ensuring they feel supported, valued, and ready to contribute. By investing in a well-structured onboarding program that spans an appropriate timeframe, companies can maximize the potential of their new employees, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately drive organizational success.

    Companies with onboarding programs that last longer than three months have 91% higher retention rates

    Employees who go through a structured onboarding program are 58% more likely to stay with a company for three years

     

    4. The Role of Manager Involvement

     

    Manager involvement is crucial during the onboarding process of new employees. When managers actively participate in onboarding, it sends a strong message to the new hires that they are valued and supported by the organization. Managers play a vital role in introducing new employees to the team, providing guidance, and clarifying expectations. They can offer insights into the company culture, provide context for the role, and offer support in navigating the organizational structure. Manager involvement also helps establish clear communication channels from the start, enabling new hires to feel comfortable seeking guidance and asking questions. Additionally, managers can set goals and objectives, provide feedback, and monitor progress during the onboarding period. This level of involvement not only accelerates the integration process but also fosters a sense of trust and connection between the new employee and their manager. Ultimately, when managers actively engage in the onboarding process, they contribute to the new hire’s sense of belonging, motivation, and overall success within the organization.

    70% of employees who had a good relationship with their manager during onboarding felt more connected to their team and company. (Source: Digitate)

    60% of organizations reported that involving managers in the onboarding process increased new hire productivity

    Companies that provide new hires with a mentor or buddy for onboarding have 23% higher retention rates

    5. The Impact of Personalized Onboarding 

     

    Personalized onboarding for new employees has a significant impact on their overall experience and success within an organization. By tailoring the onboarding process to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual, companies can create a more engaging and effective onboarding experience. Personalization allows new hires to feel valued and supported right from the start, leading to higher levels of engagement, job satisfaction, and retention. When onboarding is personalized, it enables new employees to receive the specific information, resources, and training necessary for their roles, enabling them to quickly become productive contributors. Additionally, personalized onboarding helps build stronger connections between new hires and their team members, managers, and mentors. By understanding the individual’s background, interests, and goals, personalized onboarding enables organizations to provide a more tailored and meaningful experience. This level of personalization not only strengthens the employee’s sense of belonging but also positively impacts their long-term commitment and loyalty to the company. Overall, personalized onboarding sets the stage for a successful employee journey, fostering a positive work culture and driving organizational growth.

    Organizations that deliver personalized onboarding experiences see 63% greater employee engagement

    New hires who go through a structured onboarding program with personalized elements are 30% more likely to feel connected to the company culture

    83% of HR professionals believe a personalized onboarding experience positively impacts long-term employee engagement. (Source: Aptitude Research)

    The statistics surrounding effective employee onboarding highlight its significance in driving productivity, retention, engagement, and overall business success. By implementing a well-structured onboarding program, leveraging technology, involving managers, and personalizing the experience, organizations can unlock the full potential of their new hires. Investing in a robust onboarding process is not only beneficial for new employees but also for the company as a whole. By understanding and utilizing these must-know onboarding statistics, organizations can pave the way for long-lasting employee success and organizational growth.

    Onboarding with Wranx is super easy. You can train new starters on anything from your products and services, to company culture, or policies and procedures in 30 days or less. New starters love that training takes just 2 minutes per day and can be completed on the go. Whilst your HR team and hiring managers can quickly and easily enroll new employees on training modules which are relevant to their job role in seconds. See how you can supercharge your employee training program – Book a demo here

    Effective Retail Training for Disparate Workforces 

    Effective Retail Training for Disparate Workforces 

    In the retail industry, maintaining high performance can be challenging due to the dispersed nature of the workforce. This poses additional challenges for companies, particularly in terms of onboarding and reinforcing training. With constant product updates and evolving practices, it is crucial for a company’s long-term survival to effectively deliver new information to employees while ensuring consistency and quality. This can be achieved through digital training. At Wranx, we transform your training content into a digital format and deliver it to learners. Our unique platform breaks down training into manageable pieces, which are repetitively shown to learners over time. Through our “daily drills,” all learners receive the same content, regardless of their location. This allows you to have full visibility into what your employees are learning and eliminates the need to send trainers across the globe.

     

    Here, There, Everywhere 

    Effective communication can be a formidable hurdle for businesses with a disparate workforce. Let’s consider this scenario: You oversee a specialty clothing company with an upcoming major product launch. Ensuring the right information reaches all store employees is crucial. Unfortunately, despite an initial training session, there is no follow-up reinforcement to help them retain the knowledge. Customers often evaluate a product’s value in relation to its price. Thus, sales assistants require up-to-date product knowledge and strong communication skills to secure sales. Given the significant impact on employee performance, it becomes vital to provide consistent and engaging training. As we recognize the advantages of digital training, it begs the question: Is traditional classroom training truly sufficient?

     

    What are your employees retaining?

     There is a common misconception that once employees learn something, they will automatically remember it. Unfortunately, as humans, we are prone to forgetfulness. This becomes even more challenging when you have employees working in different locations, as it becomes difficult to keep track of who knows what. Without proper reinforcement, the value of initial training diminishes over time, as employees are not incentivized to retain what they have learned. This can lead to significant financial implications.

     

    Success in the Workplace 

    Wranx has experienced consistent success in collaboration with The North Face, the renowned retail company specializing in outdoor clothing and pioneering technological advancements. Having already trained over 2,000 learners, Wranx anticipates a substantial increase in this figure.

     

    What was needed? 

    Through Wranx’s customized content conversion process, The North Face’s learning materials were transformed into easily digestible 50-question modules, perfectly designed for maximum impact.

    The North Face’s commitment to self-improvement highlighted the necessity for continuous and effective training across various disciplines including product knowledge, customer service, and behavior-based training. Their ultimate objective with Wranx was to elevate the customer experience by establishing a solid foundation of product knowledge within their workforce. 

     

    What was delivered? 

    According to reports from The North Face, users found it easier to retain what they had learnt using Wranx’s method of repeating questions over time. As a result, The North Face observed a direct improvement in customer experiences. Positive customer reviews revealed that purchasing decisions were heavily influenced by staff members’ advanced product knowledge. These findings are supported by the fact that 87% of users felt that training with Wranx would enhance their performance in their respective roles. This clearly demonstrates the remarkable value added by Wranx. By engaging in daily drills, employees consistently reinforced their understanding of key product information, preventing it from being forgotten.

     

    Click here to read our case study with The North Face 

    The Wranx Approach 

    The Wranx platform explores the synergy of advanced e-learning technology and science proven to foster employee knowledge retention. By mitigating our natural memory fade, Wranx optimizes long-term learning efficacy. Information is strategically presented at spaced intervals, tailored to individual confidence levels. This gradual reinforcement effortlessly reinforces knowledge, countering our mind’s predisposition to forget.

     

    Measuring your employees’ progress 

    Wranx Analytics offers a comprehensive solution for tracking employee performance. It provides a centralized platform where employers can easily access data and filter it by team or division. This allows for a detailed breakdown of training progress by region. With just a few clicks, employers can gain valuable insights into learner confidence and completion rates. 

    By cross-referencing this data with employee performance, employers can effectively measure the impact of Wranx training on knowledge and confidence levels.

    In addition to daily drills, Wranx offers multiple-choice assessments, including Certainty Based Marking (CBM) assessments. These assessments add another layer to training, by providing measurable feedback on employee’s confidence in their knowledge. This valuable option helps identify areas for improvement and allows employers to gain deeper insights into what employees know and how confident they are in their answers. For instance, The North Face managers discovered that 80% of learners improved their CBM scores, highlighting the effectiveness of Wranx as a powerful learning tool.

     

    Why Is Wranx Worth It? 

    A diverse workforce has the potential to feel disconnected from their organization. However, by providing an inclusive training method, staff will feel more connected and aligned with the organization’s goals. This stems from a place of confidence and pride in performing their jobs well. Achieving this outcome is made possible with Wranx. Our platform combines innovative e-learning technology with established memory science, maximizing learners’ ability to retain crucial information. With its natural adaptability, Wranx can cater to each company’s specific needs and deliver various types of training, from product knowledge to customer care for vulnerable individuals. Managing a diverse workforce becomes more efficient with Wranx, reducing training costs by streamlining its delivery. Furthermore, our focus on analytics allows employers to monitor employee progress, measure development, and ensure consistent, high-quality training content regardless of their location.

     

    Learn more about how Wranx can enhance training for retail teams and request a demo to see the platform and app in all it’s glory. 

     

    How to Effectively Onboard Retail Christmas Staff

    How to Effectively Onboard Retail Christmas Staff

    The holiday season is a busy time for retailers, requiring additional staff members to accommodate the influx of shoppers. Seasonal staff or temporary employees are often new hires that require onboarding and training to ensure they are ready to work efficiently and effectively during the period of high sales. Unfortunately, traditional onboarding methods can be time-consuming and overwhelming for both employers and new hires. This is where Wranx comes in. Wranx is microlearning learning platform that makes onboarding quick, engaging and tailored to your specific business needs. In this blog, we will explore how to effectively onboard retail Christmas staff with Wranx.

     

    Create a Customized Learning Plan

    The first step to effectively onboard retail Christmas staff is to create a customized learning plan. With Wranx, you can easily create a learning plan that fits your business needs and aligns with your sales objectives. The platform allows you to customize content, assign training modules, and monitor progress effectively. Wranx uses Spaced Repetition training, with algorithms that aid in memory retention, ensuring that the training sticks with your staff.

     

    Personalize the Experience

    No two learners are the same, everyone picks up information at different paces, so it’s important that your onboarding program is personalized to ensure maximum success. Wranx algorithms ensure information is repeated as spaced intervals until it’s firmly retained. And, if your learners aren’t confident answering certain questions, or keep answering incorrectly, they will repeat the questions and answers until they have fully grasped them. We also understand that different learning styles appeal to different people, so Wranx has varying quiz-style question types to keep your learners engaged and ensure learning is fun. 

    Monitor Progress Effectively

    Tracking and monitoring progress is vital for successful onboarding. It allows employers to identify any knowledge gaps and provide additional support to ensure employee success. With Wranx, managers can easily assess progress and get real-time insights into how their employees are performing. Wranx reporting dashboard highlights engagement, confidence, how learners are increasing their knowledge and who may need additional support.

     

    Provide Ongoing Support

    The onboarding process does not end with the completion of a course. Ongoing support is essential to ensure employees continue to perform optimally. Wranx offers ongoing learning to employees, allowing them to engage with the platform and continue to improve performance throughout the holiday season. The Spaced Repetition algorithm ensures information is retained long term and employees can recall information confidently when out on the shop floor during busy periods.

     

    Create A Competitive Atmosphere

    Wranx incorporates gamification features to motivate staff to continue learning and complete their daily training drills. Leaderboards, hot streaks and badges bring out a competitive element in your staff, whilst incentives and rewards can really push your team to do their best. Without an incentive training can become just another task to complete, but rewards can significantly boost enjoyment. Clients of Wranx have successfully used employee incentives to further increase sales. 

     

    In conclusion, improving your Christmas staff onboarding experience with Wranx can lead to a more productive and engaged team. With Wranx’s personalized learning, Spaced Repetition algorithms, and easy-to-use platform, retail staff can learn quickly and retain information for real-life application. Additionally, Wranx’s monitoring and progress tracking enable effective management making it easier to identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement. Finally, Wranx’s gamification features lead to increased employee satisfaction and sales. Therefore, if you’re looking to onboard retail Christmas staff, we recommend that you choose Wranx as your onboarding platform and partner.

    Certainty Based Marking (CBM): Measuring Training Success

    Certainty Based Marking (CBM): Measuring Training Success

    Creating effective learning is a continuous challenge for corporate businesses. The introduction of new technologies has eased this by opening up more ways for employees to take part in workplace training, such as e-learning platforms, video learning, and virtual reality. Formal training has vastly progressed over the years, but there is room for improvement through assessments, and that’s where Certainty Based Marking (CBM) can have a huge impact on training and development.

     

    Multiple-choice assessments remain the most common and convenient method of evaluation; scoring is quick and simple, multiple versions can be created and simple metrics highlight who knows the subject matter and who doesn’t. However, these traditional metrics aren’t completely reliable. They fail to demonstrate how training impacts the employees’ performance, their confidence, or how effectively knowledge is retained over time. Despite the convenience of multiple-choice assessments in terms of distribution and the metrics it provides, they are problematic. Multiple-choice assessments make it easier for the learner to guess the answer, rather than demonstrate that they know specific information. 

    Multiple-choice also tests the learner’s ability to recall information, as opposed to showing that the learner understands the answer’s application in real-life situations. For example, a salesperson might be taught their organization’s sales processes and be able to identify them correctly in a multiple-choice question, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be able to remember that information independently and put it into practice in the workplace. Assessments help organizations understand their employees’ knowledge levels. By tracking the correlation between performance and training results, organizations can clearly see the impact training has had on their workforce. Additionally, there is a third metric that can also contribute to how effective training is: employee confidence. We have found that measuring a learner’s confidence in their knowledge is not only a good way to test how solid their knowledge really is, but it also provides a strong indication of how well a learner can put that knowledge into practice.

     

    What is Certainty Based Marking?

    Certainty Based Marking (CBM) can be utilized to evaluate assessments. Not only must learners indicate what they think the correct answer is, they must also rate how certain they are of it (from ‘High’ to ‘Low’). For example, if a learner gets the answer right with high certainty, they are sufficiently knowledgeable. However, if a learner gets the answer wrong with high certainty, the unique scoring system alerts organizations to any ‘confidently incompetent’ employees. CBM was theorized by Tony Gardner-Medwin, a professor of physiology at University College London in 1994. According to him, past experiments show that asking learners to indicate their confidence levels stimulate a higher level of thinking, which assists learning and recall:

    “When properly set up, it motivates students to think carefully about whether they can see reasons for either sound justification or uncertainty about the answers they give in tests. It is particularly helpful as a study aid in self-tests, providing a stimulus and challenge, and a warning signal when misconceptions have arisen. But it has also been clearly shown to improve the statistical reliability and validity of assessment data.” CBM enhances traditional assessment approaches by measuring both competence and confidence. It also avoids false indications of accuracy, as learners are unable to simply guess the right answer. To encourage honesty from learners, the CBM assessment scoring system does not penalize for incorrect answers with low confidence. Therefore, organizations can be more confident that they’re getting an accurate reflection of a learner’s knowledge. In addition, unsure but careful thinkers are not deflated by receiving a minus score – they are actually encouraged because more considered responses receive higher marks.

     

    Using Certainty Based Marking with Assessments

    Employee competence is invaluable to an organization, but only as long as it lasts for the long term, otherwise, the organization could face negative consequences. Employee evaluation and assessments are commonly implemented as a one-off event when in reality they should be implemented consistently in order to successfully track employee’s knowledge levels. Assessments also help inform employers’ training decisions as it highlights the subject areas employees are struggling with. This allows training to be refined and for relevant modules to be delivered in a cost-effective way. To do this, Wranx uses pre and post-assessments in conjunction with CBM.

    A pre-assessment determines the learner’s existing knowledge to act as a benchmark. Spaced Repetition training is then delivered over a given period and upon conclusion, the learner is assessed again to determine the impact of training on their knowledge. This is particularly useful for those falling below the pass-rate, as their progression becomes more clear. On average, using the AMA approach, we’ve found that learners improve knowledge levels by 25 points from pre- to post-assessment. By adding CBM into the mix means we see increased confidence, with high-engagement learners improving by 38% and even low-engagement learners improving by 20%.

    So, as opposed to making assessments a one-off event, they can be delivered at certain time periods to continuously refresh and assess employees’ knowledge. Assessments also help determine the type and frequency of training delivered for each individual on the Wranx platform. Using analytics with assessments Another advantage of using CBM assessments is that they safeguard organizations by exposing employee knowledge gaps that could potentially be harmful. Wranx’s performance analytics can visually demonstrate to organizations a learner’s accuracy against their confidence. We call this the ‘knowledge quadrant’ – this places each learner into a specific category, depending on the two variables: Aligned – Learners who are accurately answering and doing so with high certainty and will likely be applied correctly in practice. These individuals would be considered masters of that knowledge domain, resulting in higher performance and productivity.

    Misaligned – Learners who are somewhat confident in their answers. The individual believes their answer to be correct, but an element of doubt exists that may cause them to not act on that knowledge. Uninformed – Learners who have gaps in their knowledge but are aware of it. They are uninformed and are unlikely to act. Misinformed – A ‘confidently incompetent’ employee. This individual has knowledge that they confidently believe to be correct, but which is actually incorrect. Those who have confidence in wrong information will very likely make mistakes on the job, which could potentially put the organization at risk. Being able to see what category employees fit into will help inform future training decisions for an organization. More focused, relevant learning content can be delivered and close any previous knowledge gaps employees may have – which results in more highly and broadly skilled workforces.

     

    Success in the Workplace with Certainty Based Marking

    While new methods of learning and extending knowledge retention are being developed all the time, knowledge assessments remain one of the key areas that can be improved. Naturally, it’s important to guarantee employees learn effectively, but the next step should be to assess how well they can apply their newfound knowledge in the workplace – both effectively and with confidence. Wranx offers a unique approach to employee assessment through its use of Certainty Based Marking. As explored above, this method requires those being assessed to indicate how certain they are of an answer before proceeding. Not only does this highlight the learner’s ability to recall specific information, but it also provides employers with an understanding of how likely their staff are to implement that knowledge in a workplace scenario. One of our clients who has successfully implemented CBM is The North Face®; they used this technique to assess their employees’ knowledge levels and see the measurable benefits of training with Wranx.

    Following a month-long module, The North Face® saw 80% of their learners improve their CBM score, meaning they were answering more questions correctly and with greater confidence. Being a retail organization, The North Face® focus was primarily on delivering product knowledge training. With such a high volume of information on a wide range of products, it’s crucial that their employees are able to successfully recall key information when speaking with customers. Through the addition of CBM assessments, The North Face® gained a deeper insight into how confident their staff were and which areas needed improvement. In a retail environment, this confidence level can be the key factor in guaranteeing sales.

    The Wranx Approach to CBM

    For a learner to be truly confident in their knowledge, they must be able to use that knowledge in a real-life situation – where it counts most. There is empirical evidence to prove that effective training, which supports knowledge retention and boosts confidence, has a measurable impact on performance and can vastly improve an organization’s success in the long term. The inclusion of Certainty Based Marking assessments fits perfectly into a Wranx training program. By delivering a month-long module between a pre and post-assessment, employers are provided with detailed insight into their learners’ abilities to perform their duties correctly in the workplace. This is a powerful metric – one that helps to safeguard against unnecessary and easily avoidable mistakes. Most importantly, it demonstrates the true ROI of Wranx training.

    Interested in learning more about Certainty Based Marking (CBM) and how it can enhance your training initiatives?

     

    Read more about Wranx’s CBM feature here.