10 Innovative Training Strategies For New Employees

Training strategies for new employees remain an essential task to the success of any organization.

Effective training programs help new employees acclimate to their new roles and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs efficiently.

Traditional training methods such as lectures, videos, and quizzes are still valuable but may need more to keep new employees engaged and motivated.

In this blog, we will explore ten innovative training strategies for new employees that can help your organization achieve its goals whether you work in an Employment Services arena, a Fortune 500 company, or a mom and pop store.

The Cost To Implement Training Strategies For New Employees

The cost and time required to train a new employee in 2023 depend on various factors, such as the job’s complexity, the employee’s level of experience, and the training methods used.

However, providing adequate training strategies for new employees is essential to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to perform their job responsibilities effectively.

According to a study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the average cost per employee for training and development in the United States in 2020 was $1,299.

This cost includes employee salaries, training materials, and instructor fees.

However, this figure varies depending on the industry, job position, and training method.

One of the most significant factors that impact the cost of training is the time required to train a new employee adequately.

The time it takes to train a new employee varies depending on the complexity of the job and the training method used.

Research has shown that it takes an average of 3-6 months to train a new employee adequately.

Ouch!

During this period, new employees require continuous guidance, feedback, and support to understand their job responsibilities and the company’s policies and procedures.

If new employees are adequately trained, it can lead to higher productivity, decreased job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates.

The cost of not properly training new employees can be substantial.

Additionally, well-trained employees can make mistakes that could lead to legal liabilities, customer dissatisfaction, and financial losses.

Therefore, organizations should invest in their employees’ training and development to ensure long-term success.

By providing proper training and support, organizations can increase employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention rates, ultimately contributing to the organization’s success.

The cost and time required to train a new employee in 2023 depend on various factors, such as the job’s complexity, the employee’s level of experience, and the training methods used.

The cost of training can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per employee, depending on the industry and job position.

Adequate training can take 3-6 months, but ensuring employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention rates is essential.

Ultimately, investing in employee training and development is critical for the long-term success of an organization.

10 Innovative Training Strategies For New Employees

On-the-job training

On-the-job training is one of the most effective training strategies for new employees. It involves having new employees learn by doing the job they were hired for, with guidance from experienced employees.

On-the-job training can be done in various ways, such as shadowing, mentoring, and apprenticeships.

This training strategy is beneficial because it provides new employees with hands-on experience that helps them develop their skills while building relationships with their colleagues.

Check out Indeed’s Career Development Page for some ideas here.

Gamification

Gamification is incorporating game-like elements into non-gaming contexts to engage and motivate people.

In the workplace, gamification can create training programs that are more engaging and interactive.

For instance, you could use online games, simulations, or quizzes to test new employees’ knowledge and skills.

Companies like Deloitte use gamification to train their employees on cybersecurity.

They use a game called “Deloitte Cyber Detectives” that simulates real-world cyber-attacks to train their employees.

Microlearning

Microlearning is a training method that involves breaking down information into bite-sized pieces.

This method is ideal for new employees because it allows them to learn at their own pace and schedule.

Microlearning content can be delivered through various mediums, such as videos, podcasts, and infographics.

Companies like LinkedIn Learning use microlearning to deliver their training content.

Their courses are short and focused, with each video lasting between 2 to 10 minutes.

Peer-to-peer learning

Peer-to-peer learning is a training strategy involving new employees learning from their colleagues.

This approach helps new employees build relationships with their peers while learning from their experiences.

Peer-to-peer learning can take various forms, such as lunch and learns, mentoring, and job shadowing.

For instance, Microsoft’s peer-to-peer learning program called “Mentor Match” connects new employees with experienced mentors.

Blended learning

Blended learning combines traditional classroom training with online learning.

This approach allows new employees to learn at their own pace while benefiting from the interaction and feedback they receive from their colleagues and instructors.

Blended learning can include a mix of e-learning, face-to-face training, and self-directed learning.

Companies like Google and Amazon use blended learning to train their employees.

They combine traditional classroom training with online courses to deliver their training content.

Experiential learning

Experiential learning is a training strategy involving new employees learning by doing.

This approach helps new employees develop their skills and knowledge through hands-on experience.

Experiential learning can take various forms, such as simulations, role-playing, and group projects.

For instance, Ernst & Young (EY) uses experiential learning to train their employees on consulting skills.

They have an “EY Business Simulation” program that allows employees to work in teams to solve real-world business problems.

Mobile learning

Mobile learning involves using mobile devices to deliver training content.

This approach is ideal for new employees who are always on the go and need access to training content on their mobile devices. 

Mobile learning can include various mediums, such as videos, podcasts, and e-books. Companies like McDonald’s use mobile learning to train their employees.

They have an app called “McDonald’s MyStuff” that provides employees with training content they can access on their mobile devices.

Role-playing

Role-playing is a training strategy involving new employees acting out scenarios they will likely encounter on the job.

This approach helps new employees develop their problem-solving and communication skills.

Role-playing can be done in various ways, such as through simulations, skits, or mock interviews.

Companies like Zappos use role-playing to train their employees in customer service.

They have a program called “The Zappos Way of WOW” that includes role-playing exercises.

Personalized learning

Personalized learning involves tailoring training content to meet the specific needs of individual employees.

This approach helps new employees learn at their own pace and in a way relevant to their job responsibilities.

Personalized learning can be achieved through various means, such as online quizzes, surveys, and assessments.

Companies like IBM use personalized learning to train their employees.

They have an AI-powered learning platform called “Watson” that provides employees with personalized training content based on their skills and knowledge gaps.

Virtual reality training

Virtual reality (VR) training uses immersive technology to simulate real-world scenarios.

This approach helps new employees develop skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled environment.

VR training can be used in various contexts, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.

Companies like Walmart use VR training to train employees on various job tasks, such as customer service and management skills.

Pitfalls To Avoid When Developing Training Strategies For New Employees

When considering training strategies for new employees, there are several pitfalls that organizations should avoid to ensure that the training process is effective and efficient.

In 2023, with the changing nature of work and the evolving needs of employees, it is essential to be aware of these pitfalls and try to avoid them.

Here are common pitfalls to avoid when training new employees in 2023:

Lack of Clarity: One of the most significant pitfalls to avoid when training new employees is a need for clarity.

Providing clear and concise instructions and information about the job responsibilities, company policies, and procedures is essential.

Employees should clearly understand what is expected of them to avoid confusion, mistakes, and low productivity.

Not Providing Enough Feedback: Providing feedback is crucial during the training process to help new employees understand what they are doing right and what they need to improve.

With adequate feedback, employees may feel safe and confident in their performance, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

Therefore, providing regular and constructive feedback throughout the training process is crucial.

Using Outdated or Ineffective Training Methods: Another pitfall to avoid is using outdated or ineffective training methods.

In 2023, several innovative training methods can make the training process more engaging, interactive, and effective.

Using several innovative training methods ensures retention, and job satisfaction, ultimately affecting the productivity and success of the organization.

Overwhelming Employees: Training new employees can be overwhelming, especially if they must learn much information quickly.

Overwhelming employees with too much information can lead to clarity, mistakes, and higher productivity.

Therefore, it is crucial to break down the training process into manageable sections and provide ample time for practice and reinforcement.

Not Tailoring Training to Employee Needs: Every employee is unique, and their learning needs may vary.

It is crucial to tailor the training process to the individual needs of each employee to ensure that they receive the support and guidance required to perform their job responsibilities effectively.

Not tailoring training to employee needs can lead to frustration, low engagement, and lower productivity.

Lack of Support: Finally, another pitfall to avoid is a need for more support.

New employees may require additional support, such as coaching, mentoring, or additional resources, during the training process.

It is essential to provide employees with the support they need to succeed and feel valued, ultimately contributing to their job satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates.

Training new employees is essential to any organization’s success.

However, to ensure the training process is effective and efficient, organizations must avoid common pitfalls such as lack of clarity, not providing enough feedback, using outdated or ineffective training methods, overwhelming employees, not tailoring training to employee needs, and lack of support.

By avoiding these pitfalls, organizations can create a positive and productive learning environment that supports their and their employees’ long-term success.

Concluding How To Revamp Training Strategies For New Employees

These ten innovative training strategies for new employees offer organizations new and exciting ways to train their workforce.

By using these methods, companies can ensure that their employees are engaged, motivated, and equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform their jobs efficiently.

Whether it’s on-the-job training, gamification, microlearning, peer-to-peer learning, blended learning, experiential learning, mobile learning, role-playing, personalized learning, or virtual reality training, there is a training strategy out there that can help your organization achieve its goals.,