Employee training is a hallmark HR program that helps employers ensure that workers have the necessary skills and abilities to perform their job duties correctly. As workplaces become more complex, with more digital tools, databases, software applications, and devices necessary to complete work, the need for employee training is as critical as ever.
Why simulation-based training?
Simulation training has been used in the corporate sector for decades. The first impression of simulation training is that it requires a healthy investment of time and money. They are not easy to build or implement. So, why would any organization go through that much trouble? Because times have changed, and so has accessibility to best practices in training. Simulated training has real, tangible benefits for the employees and the business.
Using simulations to deliver employee training is one of the most effective training methods available today. Employees who have hands-on knowledge and use of equipment and tools have more confidence and mastery of needed job skills and fewer errors as well. Companies can realize reductions in overall training costs by implementing simulation training in their learning and development programs.
Simulation training provides a virtual environment in which new apps, methods, or tools are introduced in a space that mimics real-life use. Often, simulation training is done digitally, with a virtual environment that mirrors actual work conditions, including background noise, effects, and simulated workspaces. Employees navigate the new work needs within a simulated space that provides real-world examples and scenarios that offer employees a chance to use newly taught skills. Some simulation training requires employees to choose a specific option; if they do not select the correct choice, they are prompted to try again.
There are many advantages to simulation training, and one of the biggest is real-time, informal feedback for you and your learners.
Why is feedback so important?
Learning without feedback is always ineffective. Employees want to perform well, and informal feedback helps them meet their performance goals. If you wait until employees are on-the-job, however, the stakes are higher for both of you and feedback becomes more formal. Informal feedback, however, is spontaneous and less rigidly structured. It can occur at any time or location in real time. Informal feedback is more immediate and reinforces skills and good behavior.
Informal feedback is also important for employee morale. Managers can provide instant praise and recognition when an employee does something right. This praise has a bigger impact when it is given in the moment, as opposed to several months later.
Improve your feedback culture with simulation-based training
With simulation-based training, employees receive real-time feedback that enables them to make adjustments to their response to a given situation. This helps in improving their learning experience. It keeps them engaged and motivates them to focus on getting increasingly accurate results. Constructive feedback should be offered as soon as possible if you wish to avoid errors in the future. This prevents improper behaviors from getting engraved in long-term memory. And, that is why simulations are so helpful.
A healthy feedback culture reinforces learning and growth. If you’re looking to build a strong feedback culture with your company, consider adding simulation-based learning to your training program. At Asymulate, we provide a simulation learning experience that is customized to your company’s situations and needs. Want to know more? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you build a culture of feedback with simulation-based training.
