6 Fresh Ideas For Your Online Training Podcasts
Podcasts aren’t just for auditory learners who prefer to listen rather than read. Every member of your team can benefit from weekly episodes that offer pointers and personal anecdotes. Especially those who are prone to on-the-job mistakes that hurt your profit margin or put lives at risk. They can listen during the morning commute, before a big meeting, or on the sales floor to avoid common slip-ups. Best of all, these support resources are discreet and downloadable. Here are 6 out-of-the-box ideas for your next online training podcast.
1. Personal Stories That Create A Connection
Tell employees a story about how you made a mistake in the past and what you did to remedy the problem. Let them know that everyone can falter from time to time, even experienced coworkers who have risen up the corporate ladder. They’ll take comfort (and inspiration) knowing that you lost your cool once during a conflict or mishandled a customer complaint. Just make sure that you don’t get too personal. They must still view managers, supervisors, and other higher-ups as prime examples, which may be difficult if the eLearning podcasts make them question whether the team leader really deserves their role based on personal biases or opinions they revealed during the episode. You want to form a connection, not make them see you in a less favorable light.
2. Troubleshooting Tips
Produce two-minute troubleshooting eLearning podcasts that explore specific compliance risks or task issues. If you are unaware of pain points, conduct surveys and assessments to get inspiration for upcoming episodes. For example, many of your employees need help with recent regulatory changes or new task protocols. Highlight the top five common mistakes or misconceptions that employees should know. Then offer tips on how to improve productivity and avoid violations.
3. Quick Recaps With Follow-Up Reflections
Employees may need a brief reminder of what they learned in the certification course or what was covered during the last live event. The trouble with these quick recaps is that they can cause cognitive overload. They’re bite-sized but condensed. Employees may find it challenging to assign meaning even if they can absorb the takeaways. So, break recaps into even smaller online training podcast sessions and incorporate follow-up reflections. As an example, the two-minute episode features only one portion of the interpersonal skills course. At the end, encourage listeners to evaluate their own performance. How have they used these skills in the past? Are there any areas for improvement that they should address immediately?
4. Compliance Refreshers
Compliance usually involves rules, regulations, and legal jargon. However, a compliance training podcast distills the information down so it’s easier to understand. Plus, the narrator adds the all-important human element. Especially if they share a story or example that ties into the compliance issue and drives the point home. Develop convenient and easily consumable knowledge refreshers to reinforce knowledge and bring absent employees up to speed. For instance, the customer service staffer who was unable to attend the last workshop.
5. Performance Pointers
Workplace performance management includes a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from skill-building to task mastery. So, create podcasts that focus on distinct performance behaviors and obstacles. One might involve a step-by-step walkthrough of the sales process, while another pertains to receiving products in the backroom and safe storage protocols. Employees may not even realize they’ve formed unfavorable performance habits, and a podcast discreetly points out the flaws, as well as offers tips on how to avoid on-the-job mistakes and use online training resources to continually improve.
6. New Hire Acclimation Series
Start a series exclusively for new hires so they can reduce the learning curve and feel like they’re part of the team from day one. Episodes cover everything from the company dress code to brief staff introductions. Every installment helps them find their footing and acclimate to the new work environment. For best results, develop a unique series for every department or group. The customer service team should have its own online training podcast that features relevant skills and challenges. It’s hosted by someone they work with every day, like their manager. They instantly form a connection because it’s a person they trust and know on a personal basis. They can even guest-host their own episode once they’re more experienced to share their words of wisdom.
Insider Tip: Pair Podcasts With Listening Guides
Employees might prefer to read along as the host discusses the topic. Or, they need to access the information but can’t listen to the episode right away. Develop listening guides for every episode that cover all the essentials. You don’t necessarily have to copy the script verbatim, though that is a good idea for employees with hearing impairments. A listening guide simply includes the main talking points and resource links. For instance, tutorials and video demos that employees can use to expand their understanding of the topic. It can also have pop quizzes to test their comprehension or links to additional eLearning podcasts they’ll find useful.
Conclusion
Mistakes are bound to happen; we’re only human, and it’s part of life (at home and at work). However, online training podcasts can help you reduce errors and instill self-confidence in your team. Let them know that they’re not alone with personal stories and troubleshooting tips. Encourage them to reflect on their own performance and offer memory refreshers for JIT support. Finally, offer pointers on how to improve productivity and proficiency through every stage of the employment cycle.
You don’t have to produce podcasts in-house. Reduce development time and tap into outside expertise by hiring an eLearning content provider. Our online directory allows you to search by solution, specialization area, and industry to find the right partner for your project.
