On-the-job learning strategies for 2024

On-the-job training is a crucial aspect of employee development and can greatly contribute to the success of an organization. It allows employees to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge while actively performing their job duties.

However, not all on-the-job training programs are equally effective. To ensure that training efforts are fruitful, it is essential to implement strategies that promote learning retention and application.

Mentoring: Fostering a positive learning environment

Mentoring plays a significant role in on-the-job training programs. By pairing experienced employees with those who are new or less experienced, organizations can create a positive learning environment that encourages knowledge exchange and skill development.

Mentors, who can be individuals on a strong career progression track rather than direct supervisors, guide mentees in their overall skill set growth and help them succeed in their roles. This approach focuses on more than just specific tasks; it nurtures a positive attitude and sets employees up for success in their careers.

Coaching: Providing continuous support

While mentoring takes a broader approach, coaching is more specific and task-oriented. Coaches observe employees as they work and provide ongoing feedback to help them improve their performance.

They focus on ensuring that employees have the necessary information, skills, and support to complete their tasks effectively.

By keeping an eye on overall goals and the impact of individual performance on the team’s success, coaches can make adjustments and provide guidance to enhance employee performance.

Job shadowing: learning through observation

Job shadowing is a powerful method that combines elements of mentoring and coaching. It involves assigning new employees to shadow experienced ones, allowing them to observe and learn from their day-to-day activities.

Job shadowing not only teaches valuable job skills but also promotes the company culture and fosters teamwork.

However, it is crucial to select the right employees to be shadowed to ensure the effectiveness of this strategy. Managers can also personally shadow employees before assigning new hires to follow along.

Technology-enabled learning

Incorporating technology into on-the-job training can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Scenario-based learning, for instance, immerses learners in virtual scenarios where they can apply their learning in a safe yet challenging environment.

Adaptive learning systems personalize the learning experience according to individual employees’ needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Spaced repetition, through bite-sized learning modules and assessments, helps reinforce knowledge retention over time.

Performance support tools, such as job aids, checklists, and infographics, provide quick references and reminders for on-the-job tasks.

The rise of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming corporate learning at an unprecedented pace. As Josh Bersin, a leading HR thought leader, points out, AI is revolutionizing the L&D space, making it more efficient and effective.

Generative AI tools like Galileo can synthesize, consolidate, and deliver information from a large corpus in ways that traditional instructional designers could not. This AI-driven approach enables learning in the flow of work, allowing users to ask questions and receive answers relevant to their needs.

AI can also help tailor learning paths to individual needs, improving upon traditional models that assign learning paths based on job roles. AI can understand the details of content and use that information to personalize the learning experience.

This approach is far more effective than the cluttered learning experience platforms (LXPs) that often fail to truly understand the details of the content.

HRD Connect Curators of the New Business Landscape. HRD Connect produces industry-recognized content for senior HR leaders. Through articles, case studies, Q&As, podcasts, events, and more, we offer truly progressive and cutting-edge insights designed to help people leaders address core HR challenges and add greater value to their business.

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