THEcommitment of field teams in training is an essential lever for improve their practical skills, strengthen their motivation and, at the end of the day, increase the overall performance of the company.
Only 6% of French people were committed to their work in 2021 (Gallup's “State of the Global Workplace” report). Organizations with highly committed employees grow 2.5 times more in turnover than other similar businesses.
The engagement of employees in training is therefore a major challenge for modern companies. It is measured by the rates of participation, completion of training and by the effective acquisition of skills by learners.
The more employees are committed to their training, the more they can acquire knowledge, develop skills and achieve their professional potential. This is all the more true for employees in the field, with their many specificities and needs!
In this article, we explore why this commitment is crucial and how businesses can maximize it!
Why commitment to training is crucial
Employees who are not properly trained do not hesitate to look for training opportunities elsewhere. Incomplete training limits their employability and career prospects, which is one of the main reasons for disengagement.
According to a Wrike study (2020), the lack of visibility on career development is a major cause of employee disengagement. A study by Bodet Software in 2022 reveals that 89% of respondents consider the opportunities for development to be important. Recognition and opportunities for growth within the company are crucial motivational levers.
On the business side, the disengagement of learners directly affects performance. Disengaged employees do not complete their training courses, do not increase their skills and therefore cannot achieve the objectives set.
Why pay particular attention to the commitment of field employees for training?
1. Improving practical skills
Field employees, such as sales employees or technicians, often have to perform specific tasks that require practical skills. A high commitment to vocational training ensures that they have mastered the necessary techniques and procedures, which improves the quality of their work and reduces errors.
In sectors such as sales and service, the commitment to training results in better customer interaction. Trained employees are better able to provide quality service, manage complaints effectively, and create a positive customer experience, which can build customer loyalty and attract new ones!
2. Adaptability and flexibility
Field work environments are often dynamic and can change quickly. Employees committed to their training are better prepared to adapt to new situations, technologies and methods. This is especially important in sectors like retail, where rush periods and new trends require great flexibility.
3. Security and compliance
For many positions in the field, safety is a major concern. Engaging in regular training on safety protocols and regulations in force ensures that employees comply with safety standards, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
4. Motivation and productivity
Employees who engage in training and personal development programs often feel more valued and invested in their work. Employees who understand their responsibilities well and have the necessary skills can complete their tasks more effectively, improving overall team and business productivity.
5. Combating isolation and strengthening the sense of belonging
Field employees can sometimes feel isolated and detached from the business and its goals, especially when they work away from the main offices or central team. Regular, interactive training can help bridge this gap by creating opportunities for connection, communication and to strengthen team cohesion for field employees. By feeling included in training initiatives and seeing their skills recognized and developed, employees feel more integrated and aligned with the company's culture and goals
How to maximize engagement in training populations on the ground
Maximizing the engagement of field employees in training programs is essential to ensure their effectiveness and job satisfaction. Here are four key strategies for doing so:
1. Adopting mobile-first solutions
La flexibility is essential for employees in the field, who often have irregular schedules and varied responsibilities.
Offer short training modules (microlearning) that can be completed in a few minutes allows employees to learn without significantly interrupting their working day.
Mobile first solutions are designed to be used on mobile devices, which is crucial for employees in the field who don't always have access to a computer. With 82.6% of the French population owning a smartphone in 2022, it is imperative to capitalize on this accessibility.
Employees can thus access training courses at any time and from anywhere., whether while on the go, during breaks or even outside of work hours. This eliminates logistical barriers and makes learning more fluid.
Mobile applications can offer interactive features such as quizzes, videos, and simulations, making learning more dynamic and engaging.
2. Develop attractive and gamified content
Training content must be relevant to capture and maintain learners' attention. La Gamification is an effective technique to make learning more fun and motivating.
Integrating game elements such as points, badges, rankings, and challenges can stimulate competitiveness and learner engagement. For example, organizing cross-team challenges can create positive emulation and encourage regular participation.
Ensure that the content is directly linked to the daily tasks and challenges of employees. Encouraging learners to immediately apply what they have learned in their daily work helps to strengthen and solidify their new skills. Concrete examples and practical scenarios can help anchor learning in the context of their daily work.
3. Encourage interaction and exchange
In addition to providing quality content, it is also important to promote peer sharing. Employees can benefit from the experience and advice of their colleagues. Discussion groups or video tips can be set up to encourage the exchange of information, advice and best practices between employees.
To personalize learning, the creation of virtual communities plays a crucial role. Learners can exchange business tips, “tips”, in various formats, organize challenges, participate in games...
For workers who are often isolated, it is also a way of feeling integrated into a team or community, thus reinforcing the feeling of belonging. In this environment, gamification is emerging as an additional driver of interaction between learners.
4. Valuing learners' progress and feedback
By aligning training with the personal and professional goals of employees through personal development plans, they are allowed to clearly see how training helps them achieve their aspirations.
Recognition and awards, such as certifications and career development opportunities, also play a key role in keeping them engaged.
To maximize the commitment of populations on the ground, It is crucial to provide them with regular and personalized feedback, while collecting feedback from learners to identify areas for improvement. Using regular evaluations to measure the effectiveness of programs allows content to be adjusted according to results, thus ensuring their relevance and impact.
Employee engagement in training is essential for talent retention, company performance and the attractiveness of training content. By adopting solutions adapted to the needs of employees, by making training accessible and by using gamification methods, companies can maximize this commitment. Boost the engagement of your employees with your LMS and investing in effective training strategies is an essential lever for the long-term success of any organization.
