On-the-job Performance Support
Most organizations put nearly all of their training dollars into classroom presentations, seminars, e-learning, and other forms of formal instruction. Formal training is certainly important, but what is often neglected is after-training follow-through to ensure that what has been “learned” is actually applied on the job.
To protect your training investment and enhance the transfer of learning to the job, it’s a good idea to plan follow-up support along with new training materials. This might take the form of:
- A scheduled email and instant messaging campaign to stimulate after-training recall and retention;
- A repository of on-demand resources for employees who will need a quick on-the-job refresher, an update on recent changes, or immediate help if something goes wrong;
- Webinars to share fast-breaking news or add detail to a previous training event; and
- Job aids such as user manuals, process charts, checklists, special-purpose calculators, diagnostic aids, and specification sheets that are readily at hand when performing a job function.
Informal Learning
Supporting and encouraging a robust culture of informal learning is also an effective way to support a high level of on-the-job performance. Where workplace learning is concerned, “Informal” doesn’t mean unplanned or unstructured. Informal learning can be harnessed deliberately by, for instance: creating workplace task groups in which members are expected to support one another; designating (and rewarding) experienced colleagues to serve as subject matter “champions”; organizing information-rich events and setting time aside at staff meetings to share ideas and discoveries. The Internet presents many additional opportunities for informal learning, from purposeful “Googling” to participation in online professional forums and communities of practice. Employees can be equipped to make the most of these opportunities.
Androcom Can Help
Androcom can help you enhance performance support and informal learning in your workplace by:
- Including specifications for follow-up support as part of the instructional design process
- Creating performance support resources such as Standard Operating Procedures, user manuals, and job-centred web sites
- Coordinating Webinars and instant messaging campaigns
- Developing a strategy to promote a culture of sharing and mentoring
- Identifying and enhancing existing informal learning practices in your workplace
- Organizing informal learning events such as lunch-and-learn or cross-unit information sharing sessions