How to Choose the Best Training Methods for Employees

Employee Development Methods | Training of Employees

Not everyone is a natural learner. Some people need others to show them how to do things, and they can quickly get the hang of it on their own. Others learn best when they are given an overview of something and left to explore on their own. And still, others want so much information that they have no idea what’s relevant or not anymore. The variety of training methods available means that employees can learn according to their style and immediate needs. It also means they can learn on the go — at any time or place.

When jobs are relatively simple, they often require basic knowledge and skills to learn with little practice. However, the best training techniques for employees with complex technical jobs require active participation, like interactive training methods.

How to Choose the Best Training Methods for Employees

Here are some things to consider when choosing appropriate training methods for employees: First, you need to identify the training needs of every employee.  The learning style of each employee may be different.

Every employee should have their development plan in place to help them grow within the company and meet their career goals over time. 

Ideally, the training method you choose should suit the individual’s learning style, experience and their development plan. Then evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each training method to find the suitable one for individual learning needs.

1. Identify the Training Needs of your Employees

First, conduct a skills gap analysis to identify any trends in what your employees need help with. A skills gap analysis is a process that examines the difference between what an employee knows and does not know and what they need to learn.  

You can identify how well employees are using their current knowledge and skills to do their jobs effectively. You can do a skills gap analysis on any employee regardless of their experience to identify gaps in their competencies.

Create an employee training and development plan based on your evaluation and communicate this or agree with them individually.

What is an Employee Training Plan? The employee training and development plan is a document that outlines what the employees will need to do to be successful at their jobs.

It typically includes ongoing, mandatory training for all staff members who demonstrate a need for additional skill development.

2. Identify What Type of Learner Each Employee is

The learning style of each employee differs from person to person. This means it is essential to ensure that everyone has a chance at success. For this reason, the one-size-fits-all method of training will only produce limited returns on investment in employee development and performance.

Training should be personalized and aligned to an individual learning style as much as possible so each employee can quickly learn what they need.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best by listening. They can listen to a lecture, hear the information once again in their minds, and easily remember it all.

Auditory learners think in pictures, and they best understand concepts when they hear them explained verbally. Auditory learners may have difficulty when it comes to reading and writing but excel in listening and speaking.

Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best by seeing things presented before them either as diagrams or pictures with words next to them like PowerPoint slideshows or videos that demonstrate how something is step by step done. This allows for a more in-depth understanding of what they’re learning.

Hands-on Learners

Hands-on learners learn best by doing — they want to get up close and personal with a problem or task so they can comprehend it better through trial and error.

They prefer to explore, experiment or experience something firsthand, get their hands dirty, and test out the things on their own before they can fully understand it. They learn better when they can try new things rather than just be told in lecture learning.

Read also: How to Create a Culture of Service in the Workplace

3. Evaluate Options for the Right Training Method

Evaluate and compare Different Methods of Training Available including, in-person, online, or blended learning.

In-Person Training Method

In-person training has several benefits. It is the best way to understand hands-on skills, and it allows for group discussions which are sometimes is difficult with online courses.

With in-person training, you can ask questions and get answers from your instructors in person. You get to know other trainees with whom you will work together and learn from each other.

In-person training has many benefits that make it an excellent choice.  But for it to be effective, you need to consider first:

  • Training sessions need to be interactive with a variety of activities to keep your employees engaged. More importantly,  you need an effective trainer who knows how to engage the trainee and make them feel not bored during the training session.

On-the-Job Training Method

On-the-job training is one of the most effective ways for employees to learn new skills. This type of training typically occurs on the job, with an experienced team member or supervisor, and can take as little time as a few hours depending on what needs learning.

In the on-job training method, employees learn by actively doing and participating in real activities that relate to their current or future jobs.  For on-the-job training to be effective:

  • Employees must have the opportunity to learn in their own time and at their own pace. You will have to give your employees a chance to practice new skills in a low-pressure environment before introducing them to challenging tasks

Interactive Training Method

Interactive training is one of the best methods to train employees because they engage in their own learning experiences.

When you use the interactive approach rather than the traditional lecture method to train employees, they are more likely to retain and apply what they learn on the job. For interactive training to be effective; 

  • It’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want your employees to know, do, or feel after they complete the interactive training. Also, make sure the training is engaging by using a variety of teaching methods, including demonstrations, simulations, discussions, games, and activities.

Online Training Method for Employees

Unlike in-person or face-to-face, online training allows you to train employees on the go and at a time that is convenient for them. You can conduct training from the convenience of your office.

And employees don’t need to take time off work to do job training. Besides, online training is portable. All the employee needs is a laptop and an internet connection, which means that you don’t have to be in one location to do a training. Before opting for an online-training method, consider these few things first:

  • Be sure that all materials are accessible before, during, and after the session.  Consider whether you want them to have access to their own devices or if you’ll provide laptops for them. Decide on a format: online, instructor-led, blended, or self-paced.

Read more: What Skills and Qualities Do Employers Look for?


Choosing suitable training methods for personalities with different learning styles and preferences is not always an easy task. But it can be made much easier if you select a training program tailored to suit their needs.

With so many options available out there, finding and choosing the necessary training method is critical to employee development success because not all will benefit them or your company objective.

Also remember, that each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but you want to find the one that fits your employees’ training needs.

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