15 Nov #2 Why Traditional Training Methods Are Failing in the Hybrid and remote Workplace

Do you ever feel like workplace training is stuck in the dark ages? Sure, we’ve moved past dusty chalkboards and squeaky whiteboards, but when it comes to remote and hybrid teams, a lot of training still feels… outdated. Let’s face it: what worked before just doesn’t cut it anymore, and HR leaders are left wondering—how do you keep teams engaged and learning in this new world?

Do you remember the good old days of cave drawings and stone tablets? Wait, what?!

Ah, do you remember the good old days of presenting with cave drawings? No? Stone tablets, perhaps? Okay, okay, I guess you’re not that old and, thankfully, things evolve with time so it’s more likely to be PowerPoint and projectors unless you’re addicted to the toxic smell of marker pens on whiteboards, of course! 

And what did your highschool English teacher use?  ‘Headway’ or ‘English File’? Or were they really modern and use ‘Cutting Edge’? 

And what about your in-company language trainer? Hopefully they’re not using these same highschool books because hormonal highschool teenagers don’t have much in common with working professionals, do they? 🤔

Personally, I used to like ‘Market Leader’ and ‘Intelligent Business.’ because they at least gave me something ‘meaty’ to work with and the material wasn’t teen-focused and cringeworthy!

How Has the Rise of Hybrid/Remote Work Changed Training Needs?

Of course, the elephant in the room is that training, including in-company language training, has changed dramatically since companies embraced hybrid and remote setups. Any time spent in the office is precious and normally reserved for meetings (not necessarily the best use of time some would argue!) and brainstorming / problem-solving  sessions while language and IT training, for example, have moved to Teams and Zoom.

Banky’s “Elephant in the room” depicting a major problem or controversial issue which is obviously present but is avoided as a subject for discussion – a very British phenomenon!

And those textbooks? While there have been gallant attempts to digitalize them (#glorifedPDF), they don’t work well and, frankly, they’re still often boring.

New Objectives: What Does Your Team Really Need from Language Training?

Before looking at the new objectives, we need to consider what else has changed. There are two other BIG parts of the equation that have changed in this new era: language level and objectives.

Language levels

The modern reality is that the bar has been raised and people are sailing over the “intermediate” threshold these days.

She makes it look easy!

Yes, there are still adults that are at “beginner” level but they no longer represent ‘the norm’ (by the way, we do NOT recommend the Watch and Talk Method for lower level students, instead we recommend ‘blending learning’ for lower level students).

This [generally] means that language learners already have a decent grammar base (though many have been indoctrinated by ‘the system’ to believe they still need to perfect their grammar – a blog post for another day!) and can hold a conversation to a certain degree. Consequently, it’s listening and speaking practice they need, not more grammar and fill-in-the-gaps!

Human Connection

The other big element is the need for moments of human connection in this new hybrid and remote world. Given the option, yes, physically meeting up together especially in a social environment (think Christmas parties, team bonding days, or private Dua Lipa concerts etc) is ideal but it can be hard to achieve with any frequency and without breaking the bank!

So, to sum up a little, hybrid and remote companies now need language training that can be efficiently and effectively delivered to hybrid and remote teams and, at the same time, help bring colleagues closer together making stronger connections and relationships with an emphasis on listening and speaking. Did I miss anything?! 

That’s quite a tall order but there is a solution…

Why video-based learning Outshines Traditional Training for Remote Teams

And the winner is… Youtube. YouTube is a never-ending library of accents, topics, and debates that textbook publishers can only dream of! There is some great quality and incredibly interesting material and, with a bit of curation, skill and experience, videos can be turned into engaging and stimulating language lessons which can be flawlessly delivered over Zoom or Teams. 

Why Are Videos the Secret to Engaging Workplace Training? 

• The videos themselves help develop listening skills and students can get used to a variety of accents from around the world.
• They provide a focal point for deeper conversations and debates (a.k.a. speaking practice) connecting to the students’ own worlds and interests and can help boost their vocabulary. 
• Colleagues can get to know each other far more as sessions are peppered with personal stories and anecdotes and opinions are shared.
• A (very big) added bonus is that, because the sessions are fun and engaging, the drop out rate remains low so companies get far better value for money and can reach the magic 75% attendance rate if it’s a government funded course.

Want Proof? Here’s What Our Clients Have Experienced

If you don’t believe me check out what our clients at TecnoCampus have said or do your own web detecting!

Want to Boost Engagement in Your Training? Let’s Talk!

So, if you want language training that engages your hybrid or remote team and helps create a stronger team bond, get in touch and we’ll see what we can do for you. 😉