If you are in charge of the training and development initiative within your company, you probably address this question often: Should you bring people together or let them learn virtually as they have time? While a plethora of online tools are available to trainers, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each training option, key questions to ask and how Hartford Technology Rental can help with the implementation process.
Pros and Cons of Face-to-Face Training
Pro: Trainer Has the Undivided Attention of the Audience
Because face-to-face training sessions are usually small, the trainer doesn’t have to worry about the attendee multitasking during the session.
Con: It Can Be Expensive
If you are flying employees in from all over the country, onsite training can be an expensive option compared to a webinar. There are two ways to address this concern: 1) Hold the training as part of a bigger event, such as an annual meeting or 2) Hold a series of regional meetings throughout the country.
Pro: Trainer Can Read the Body Language and Tone of Attendees
Since it is estimated that up to 93% of all messages are non-verbal, an astute trainer can quickly evaluate whether or not their training is resonating with the group and adjust their delivery accordingly.
Con: Because People are Busier than ever, They May Not Have Time for Training
Some training is mandatory, while other training is not. When it falls into the latter category, you may have difficulty getting people there because they have so much on their plate already. This is where great content, outstanding speakers and/or an incentive such as a contest for a fantastic prize or paid time off, can work. Make it worth their time and employees will find a way.
Pro: Attendees can Learn from Each Other
Face-to-face meetings allows for engaging content from attendees as they share their experiences.
Con: Live Training can be “One and Done”
Webinars can be recorded and viewed over and over again, but face-to-face training is delivered and the employee is left to rely on their memory and notes for implementing future procedures. I would suggest recording the training and breaking it up into 2-4 minute segments where employees can access it to refresh their memories. The other way to keep the conversation going after the training is through social outlets, such as Twitter and LinkedIn.
Pro: Live Learning can be Adjusted as Changes Occur
Companies change management, policies and initiatives all the time in order to keep up with customer demands and competitive threats. Real-time learning can adjust to these sweeping, dynamic changes as they occur.
What Training Option is Best For Your Company?
In order to answer this, you need to answer four questions:
- Who needs to attend and where are they from?
Identify who your targeted audience is and where they live. Perhaps 80% of your target is within 100 miles of the training but the 20% that are further away still require the same training. This leads to the next question… - Which option makes sense: face-to-face, virtual or hybrid training?
I would recommend you evaluate each of these options and come up with your own pros and cons. Then, discuss each option with management and design a program that works best for your trainees. - When do the participants need to complete the training?
If it is imminent, you may not have time to set up video training especially if you run a lean, nimble organization. - What technology does your training require?
Take a look at your audio visual rental and computer rental needs. If you are thinking of a hybrid meeting, you will need to understand the capabilities of the venue and then, fill in the gaps with a technology rental provider. You may find yourself benefiting from specific equipment such as ARS that may require software. Researching Audience Response System Apps may be beneficial for your needs.
Once these questions are answered, you will have a clear indication of which training option makes the most sense for your organization.
About Hartford Technology Rental
We can provide your organization with the best equipment at the best price point delivered and set up by the best people. Contact a Hartford Technology Rental Sales Representative today to find out more about our training rental options!