No secret here: Attention spans among younger generations lag in comparison to generations past. This helps explain why most companies report little overlap between what employees read in training materials and actual performance on the job.
Training material creation is time- and cost-intensive, which puts added pressure on organizations to transfer dense information as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The key? Increased visuals and a focus on why.
Visuals refers to usage of images and diagrams – not just written copy – to convey key information. When words are punctuated by valuable and engaging visuals, training materials become more appealing, and are more likely to be retained than via reading alone.
Why is shorthand for our data-backed belief that team members need to understand the big picture in addition to their own designated roles. Training needs to stress the importance of a trainee’s role to the organization as a whole. This helps to underscore a user’s potential for workplace impact – a key motivator among MIllennials in particular.
Finally, at the completion of training, provide assessments to ensure that this information has been retained.
The better trained and more familiar with process your staff is, the safer and more reliably your facility will run. The result is successful employees who are more productive on the job – and it all starts with impactful training.
