[one_half]The training you provide to agents prepares them for what’s to come in the workplace. Rather than put people outside their comfort zones by asking them to perform tasks they know nothing about or complete requests they haven’t been introduced to, you ease them into a position of leadership by giving them the skills they need to be successful. You essentially provide tools that make the workplace better.

1. Regular Training Sessions. Hold regular meetings with agents to keep them in the loop on new policies and procedures, safety programs, software and hardware, etc. Traditional training sessions give employees the opportunity to see, hear, and participate in activities that help the workplace. But also allow them to attend conventions, classes, and workshops to learn from others outside your organization.
2. Video Conferencing. Telecommuting changed the way employees work by giving them the opportunity to work from the comfort of their own homes. Video conferencing takes the place of traditional meetings. It gives employees from all over the globe the opportunity to work together easily. Rather than require travel, lodging, and transportation, men and women from different cities, states, and countries access an application such as BlueJeans from their computer or mobile device to attend training sessions and conferences.
3. Storytelling. Who doesn’t like a good story? Using real examples, companies identify potential problems and allow employees to come to their own conclusions on how to solve issues quickly and effectively. Test critical thinking skills and encourage discussion by hosting this type of training session.
4. Automated Workforce Performance Measurement. This software monitors an employee’s workplace performance by identifying time wasters. Set this up in marketing dashboard fashion so that you can see exactly how much work is getting done on a daily basis – and by whom. This allows you to reward or train the individual further.
5. Workplace Incentives. Interested in a reward for a job well done? Very few people argue with the logic of workplace incentives. Small gifts and public praise motivate employees to work smarter not harder. Incentives create a positive atmosphere, increase productivity, and discourage absenteeism. Employees like to feel good about what they do. A recognition programs helps employers meet goals by giving workers guidelines to follow in order to reap the benefits offered for performance.

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6. Online Training Tools. Online training tools serve a valuable function. They give employees specific instructions on how to efficiently complete tasks and meet customer needs. Accessing online training tools is easy. Many are mobile-friendly and available 24/7 to meet the needs of employees on-the-go.
7. Shadowing. Rather than spending valuable time in a classroom, employees can learn the ropes by working side-by-side with another employee. This individual provides a hands-on training experience by showing the new employee how to do things by insisting that they try the task themselves. Shadowing is an old-fashioned but effective way to train.
8. Small Group Discussions. Trainers can use small group discussions as a training tool. One example is to give each group case studies to review. Each group comes to a conclusion and shares their opinions with others in the training session.
9. Role-playing. Role-playing is ideal for customer service and supervisory positions. This tactic allows employees to act out possible scenarios in front of others and learn how to handle situations quickly and effectively.
10. Demonstrations. A seasoned employee can demonstrate how to use a tool or complete a task. That person calls on another employee to share what they learned. He or she then walks through each step of the procedure as part of the review process.

Well-trained employees take pride in what they do. They display confidence in every task and ask for help when they’re unsure of job requirements. They are absent less, are better leaders, and can be next in line for promotions. Having a well-trained workforce increases productivity and gives your customers and clients a better idea of your company’s plans for the future.[/one_half_last]