Checklist: 5 Tips For Perfect Onboarding

To ensure that new employee training is a success, it is essential that it is accompanied by a well thought-out onboarding concept. The following article reveals how this can be done and provides clear examples from language training in the company.

Tip 1: Motivation is the key to learning success

The rollout of a new training solution in a company should always be accompanied by good communication. On the one hand, this is of course about informing employees about the new training. But on the other hand, it is also a good opportunity to emphasize the importance of learning for the further development of the entire company. A sense of community and a clear goal act as a real motivation booster. A personal address, for example by the direct supervisor, is better suited for this than a sober text. How this can also be implemented for a large number of learners is shown by the successful example of Deutsche Post DHL, where the introduction of the new language training was cleverly accompanied by LinguaTV with a likeable welcome video from the head of department. In addition, animated explanatory videos were used in this case to make it as easy as possible for employees to get started with the new training.

Tip 2: Individual needs analysis and placement tests

Too easy? Too difficult? Not relevant? These three cases can quickly thwart learners' motivation and lead to frequent training dropouts! The best way to prevent this is a detailed needs analysis. On this basis, an individually optimized curriculum can then be created. Placement tests can also be useful, especially in language training. These not only help to determine the learner's current level and recommend suitable learning content. The test can also be repeated at any time if necessary, thus providing learners with a motivating opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have already made.

Tip 3: Identify technical hurdles

Unforeseen technical problems are probably the nightmare of every training professional. Whether an employee training course will actually be a success is often decided in the first few days. The first step is to ensure that all participants really do have access to their courses and that all technical requirements are met. Supposedly small details such as a firewall or internal company browser restrictions are typical stumbling blocks that can very quickly mess up the smooth start of the training. A technical check under real conditions should therefore be carried out consistently before the introduction of any new employee training course.

Tip 4: Minimize obstacles to learning

Keep it easy! Getting started with the new training - as well as the learning itself - should be made as easy as possible for the participants. Face-to-face training costs a comparatively large amount of time and effort, especially if it involves a longer journey. Browser-based solutions may offer the convenience of a large screen, but are mainly suitable for employees with their own PC workstation. When learning on a mobile device, on the other hand, users can access the training at any time, exactly when they need it and no matter where they are. Mobile devices are therefore ideal for the use of microlearning: Short but regular learning units that minimize the barrier to entry, increase learning motivation and lead to demonstrably better learning results! Depending on the target group, a barrier-free design of the training solution should also be considered. In the case of language learning videos, for example, subtitles are an important aid. These not only help deaf people, they also make it easier for non-native speakers to understand the content and, if necessary, can be supplemented with translations into other languages at a later date.

Tip 5: Consider the diversity of learners

When designing onboarding, as well as training as a whole, it is still relatively common that the diversity of learners is not sufficiently taken into account. In every company, there are different learner types: From the more independent learners who are most successful when they can learn autonomously and at their own pace, to those who require a high level of supervision. A comprehensive range of different formats, content, and methods combined with blended learning offers an extremely effective solution for this. Facility management provider Gegenbauer, for example, not only relies on a combination of language learning app and virtual classroom instruction to train its employees, but also uses LinguaTV's mobile coaching offering as an additional supplement. If required, learners thus have a personal contact person who supports them in the first steps and in the further course of the training.

Conclusion: Successful start to new employee training

Without a real onboarding concept, even the best employee training is unfortunately doomed to fail very quickly. The five language training tips presented here have proven themselves in practice and create the best conditions for a successful start to the new digital training.

By the way: Our language training for Deutsche Post DHL employees has already received several awards. One of the reasons is the successful onboarding concept! For more information on this project, we will be happy to provide you with the complete project description as a free whitepaper.

Do you have further questions?

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