Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Agile Coach and Scrum Master Onboarding Experience Strategy (6-slide PowerPoint presentation). Problem Statement: In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, many organizations face challenges in onboarding Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters effectively. The problem lies in the absence of a structured and comprehensive onboarding experience, resulting in a lack of alignment with the [read more]
5 Ways to Save Time with On-the-Job Training for Onboarding
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Onboarding can be a time-consuming process, especially when it comes to training new employees. You want to ensure they have all the information they need to succeed in their role, but you also don’t want to overwhelm them.
Onboarding new employees are essential for businesses. You want to ensure that your new employees are getting the best training possible so they can be productive members of your team as quickly as possible. One way to speed up the onboarding process is by using onboarding software. Subsequently, you can employ an LMS to deliver just-in-time training as employees start assimilating into their roles. Some onboarding software also offer training features, essentially eliminating the need for a separate LMS for on-the-job training.
In this blog post, we will explore five ways on-the-job training can save you time when onboarding new employees.
What Is On-the-Job Training?
On-the-job training (OJT) is defined as “a planned activity designed by an employer to provide employees with the skills needed to perform a specific job.” OJT is usually conducted at the workplace and can be supplemented with classroom instruction.
OJT is an essential part of the onboarding process for new employees, as it allows them to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties effectively. When done correctly, OJT can save employers time and money by reducing the need for formal training programs.
There are several ways to conduct on-the-job training, including:
- Supervision: The most common form of OJT, supervision involves a more experienced employee showing a less experienced employee how to perform tasks step-by-step.
- Job shadowing: It allows employees to observe others performing their duties. This type of OJT can be helpful for new employees who are still trying to understand their role within the company.
- Mentorship: In a mentorship program, an experienced employee is paired with a less experienced employee and provides guidance and support on professional and personal development issues.
The Benefits of On-the-Job Training
- On-the-job training is one of the most time-effective ways to train your employees.
- It allows employees to learn while working, so they don’t need to take time out of their day to attend a training session.
- It is also a more interactive way of learning, as employees can ask questions and get feedback from their trainer immediately.
- On-the-job training is also more flexible than other types of training, as it can be tailored to the specific needs of the business and the individual employees.
- It can be a cost-effective solution for businesses, as there is no need to pay for external trainers or venue hire.
How to Implement an On-the-Job Training Program
On-the-job training is an effective way to onboard new employees and quickly get them up to speed. There are a few things to keep in mind when implementing an OJT program:
- Clearly define the goals and objectives of the program.
- Identify who will be responsible for providing the training. This could be a manager, a senior staff member, or a peer.
- Once the logistics are worked out, it’s time to start the training. Be sure to provide clear instructions and allow plenty of time for questions and practice.
- Finally, remember to follow up after the training is complete. Make sure your new hires understand what they’ve learned and how to apply it on the job.
On-the-Job Training Tips
When you’re short on time, on-the-job training can be a great way to get your employees up to speed quickly. Here are a few tips to make the most of this type of training:
- Schedule training blocks in advance. This will help you avoid overlap and ensure everyone gets the training they need.
- Create a dedicated training space. This will help employees focus and minimize distractions.
- Utilize technology. Many great online resources can supplement your on-the-job training.
- Make it interactive. Engage your employees in learning by incorporating activities and games into the training.
- Give feedback regularly. Make sure to give positive and constructive feedback so employees can learn and improve along the way.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that onboarding can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. From using technology to automate tasks to incorporating on-the-job training into your onboarding plan, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time and get your new employees up to speed quickly and efficiently. By following these five tips, you can streamline your onboarding process and save valuable time in the long run.
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About Shane Avron
Shane Avron is a freelance writer, specializing in business, general management, enterprise software, and digital technologies. In addition to Flevy, Shane's articles have appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes Magazine, among other business journals.Top 5 Recommended Documents on Onboarding
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