How to improve corporate compliance training
This article is taken from our report ‘Tomorrow’s Lessons Today: Unique insights into the World of Corporate Learning’. Throughout 2023, we asked our online audience a series of questions relating to corporate learning with some interesting results.
To access the full report, click here: Unique Insights into the World of Corporate Learning
Compliance training, often nicknamed ‘tick-the-box’ training, is often seen as a boring but necessary component of the learning journey. However, there are ways to make this type of learning more engaging.
It is essential for organizations to enhance continually their compliance programs to meet the needs of their employees and ensure regulatory adherence.
This poll asked the question: “How would you improve your corporate compliance training program?” The results revealed valuable perspectives from industry experts, with 33% emphasizing the importance of making training available online and 67% highlighting the need for engaging content.
Making compliance training available online
With the increasing prevalence of remote work and distributed teams, it is crucial for organizations to ensure that their compliance training programs are easily accessible to all employees, regardless of their geographical location or time zone. The poll results indicated that 33% of professionals believe that making training available online is a key aspect of enhancing corporate compliance programs.
Advantages of online accessibility
Online training eliminates geographical barriers, enabling organizations to reach a wider audience and scale their compliance programs effectively.
Improved reach and scalability
Online training eliminates geographical barriers, enabling organizations to reach a wider audience and scale their compliance programs effectively.
Cost efficiency
Online training reduces the expenses associated with conducting in-person sessions, such as travel, accommodation, and venue rental costs.
Consistency of content
Online modules ensure consistent content delivery, eliminating variations that may occur with multiple trainers or in different locations.
Real-time tracking and reporting
Online platforms provide robust tracking and reporting functionalities, allowing organizations to monitor employee progress, identify knowledge gaps, and track compliance. Where compliance is involved, this is of the utmost importance.
Implementing a Learning Management System (LMS)
To effectively deliver online training, organizations should consider leveraging a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS serves as a centralized platform for hosting, managing, and tracking training content.
Some of the key features and benefits of an LMS include:
Course management
Easily organize and update training modules, ensuring compliance content is up-to-date and aligned with changing regulations.
Tracking and reporting
Monitor employee progress, track completion rates, and generate reports to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Personalization
Tailor training programs to individual employees based on their roles, departments, or specific compliance requirements.
Mobile accessibility
Opt for an LMS that offers mobile compatibility, allowing employees to access training materials on their preferred devices.
The power of engaging and interactive compliance training
The majority of respondents to our poll (67%) emphasized the importance of providing engaging content in corporate compliance programs. Engaging content not only captures learners’ attention but also enhances retention and application of knowledge. To create an impactful compliance training program, consider the following strategies:
Storytelling and real-life scenarios
Human beings are wired to respond to stories. Incorporating storytelling techniques and real-life scenarios into compliance training can make the content more relatable and memorable for learners. By presenting ethical dilemmas or regulatory challenges that employees may encounter in their roles, organizations can stimulate critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Interactive elements and gamification
Interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, and branching scenarios, can transform compliance training from a passive experience to an active learning opportunity. Gamification techniques, such as point systems, badges, and leaderboards, add an element of competition and fun, motivating employees to actively participate and excel in their compliance training.
Multimedia and visuals
Leveraging multimedia elements, such as videos, animations, and infographics, can enhance the effectiveness of compliance training by catering to different learning styles. Visuals not only break the monotony of text-based content, they also aid in information processing and retention.
Gamification
Gamification, or learning through the use of games, can function as an effective method of delivery, especially for compliance programs.
Continuous learning and reinforcement
To ensure the long-term effectiveness of compliance training, it is essential to go beyond one-time sessions and incorporate mechanisms for continuous learning and reinforcement. Consider the following approaches:
Microlearning
Break down the training into bite-sized modules that can be completed in short timeframes. This so-called microlearning allows employees to access training materials whenever they have a few minutes to spare, promoting continuous learning.
Regular updates
Stay abreast of regulatory changes and update compliance content accordingly. Communicate updates to employees promptly to ensure their knowledge remains current.
Refresher courses
Offer periodic refresher courses or assessments to reinforce key compliance concepts and refresh employees’ understanding of regulations.
Summary
- By leveraging the advantages of online accessibility and incorporating strategies for engagement, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their compliance programs and empower their employees to navigate the complex landscape of corporate regulations.
- Continuous learning, reinforcement, and the use of robust learning management systems further contribute to the success of compliance training initiatives.
- By implementing these recommendations, organizations can foster a culture of compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance the overall integrity of their operations.
