March 3, 2021 6 min read
The opinions expressed by the entrepreneur’s contributors are their own.
Training an effective workforce is nothing new. However, Covid-19 gives it a new purpose. In view of the crisis, companies around the world were forced to switch from stationary operations to work from home almost overnight. A year later, this trend is more pronounced as companies remain virtual – and may continue to do so in the future.
Although it was necessary to commission the change, relatively few organizations were willing to make the move. Why? While the concept sounds simple, the transition to a remote working environment is required. Success requires special resources and a mobile, modern mindset.
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For entrepreneurs, this can be a distinct advantage, where agility and flexibility take precedence over longstanding corporate practices. Those starting out can adopt a liquid workforce strategy, a phrase coined by Accenture. The idea is to adapt and move forward.
It’s a strategy where the best candidates are sought from anywhere and remotely engaged in an ever-evolving business. Ensure the continuous development of employees in an organization that is designed to work and learn from near and far during ongoing operations. In short, make it virtually viable.
Technology enables virtual operations
Get started first – To be successful, organizations must ensure that employees have robust technology systems, internet access, and networking capabilities to enable virtual operations.
For technology-based training, employees must have a professional environment and separate audio and video equipment to ensure safety and not interfere with the learning process.
For startups, this quickly becomes part of their DNA. High tech not only enables a company to work from home, it can make it a thriving business – small but powerful.
Yes, instant access to the proven technology is part of the solution. Proper outlook is also important as attitudes accept to work virtually.
For example, in December FlexJobs cited compelling statistics: “According to Upwork, 41.8% of the American workforce continues to work remotely. Although an estimated 26.7% will still work from home by 2021, 36.2 million Americans (22% of the workforce) will work remotely by 2025.
With that, the stage is set – and potential players of all sizes are there – to suit the future work environment.
Educators engage employees remotely
In addition to the IT required, remote education not only requires a good, but also an excellent training team for the workforce. Teaching practically requires instructors with in-depth training who use modern methods to engage employees who are spread over thousands of miles in multiple locations. Virtual classrooms also require more sophisticated deployment.
Effective educators know how to make long distance calls to workers. Classes include individual learning through bite-sized information, role-playing, small-group breakouts, and online interactions with teachers and virtual classmates.
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According to business.com, meetings should include auditory, visual, and kinesthetic aspects to keep everyone involved. Educators who are experienced in the virtual classroom learn with tools that animate presentations and captivate employees with infographics and interactive tutorials. To ensure 100 percent participation, course leaders should stimulate participants with stimulated customer service scenarios and tests.
In our multimedia and multisensory world, distance learning must be on a par with the everyday work of employees. The truth is that the educator-led classes emulate real world experiences. It better prepares participants to address current situations and ever-increasing consumer expectations.
This modern approach to learning plays directly into the entrepreneurial mindset and combines virtual training with sustainable business results. Think, do and be. All at once and everywhere.
Caring culture seals the deal
More is required for entrepreneurs to be successful over long distances and in the long run. And that depends on the right corporate culture. A caring culture naturally encourages open communication and stimulates learning for organizations large and small.
Developing a transparent, shared workplace helps individuals feel included and valued, especially for remote businesses – whether start-up or established. You need to connect with people to be able to compete inside and outside the company.
Due to the pandemic, work arrangements where workers split their time at home and in the office are now widespread, HRDive reported last summer.
With this change, however, according to a Gartner survey, there are major concerns about “maintaining the corporate culture”. It quoted: “Sixty-one percent of respondents said they checked in between employees and managers more often.”
Here, emotional intelligence can distinguish a workplace that is in contact from a non-contact workplace, regardless of where people are located. Professionals attract companies where they feel valued and organizations known for attracting high-profile talent. In both cases, the payouts are often reflected in morale and margins.
This applies regardless of the age or size of the company. And when learning is individualized and conveyed within a caring culture, investing in a virtual workforce pays off well beyond the classroom.
Invest for the long term
No matter how thorough the instruction is, the employees will not know everything on the first day of work. This means you come back to deepen important lessons, hear customer interactions, and provide ongoing feedback to reps. The recognition of IDs rewards and promotes ongoing performance after the initial onboarding.
An educator can also create a 30, 60 or 90 day development plan to further improve workers’ skills through a learning management system. Such a system is used to create, distribute and manage the delivery of educational content. It underpins the development of all participants in the virtual classroom and through continuous training.
A shared community website complements all of this and promotes a sense of belonging. This is where employees review their performance, receive business updates, learn about new opportunities and interact with colleagues. Common ground for the common good.
In 2020, new and old organizations have revamped the way they train and work outside of the traditional office. Some made it; others don’t. Regardless, everything should be praised.
With hope in mind, entrepreneurs should apply hard-earned lessons against New Year’s Opportunities in front of themselves, in the office, or virtually. A combination of the two might be best. Because both have leverage in 2021.
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