Earlier this year, a training consultant from the Denver Training Group (DTG) remarked on the widespread occurrence of “Zoom fatigue.” With mass vaccination rollouts still in progress at the time, employees were growing weary of endless virtual meetings.
By the summer, as the majority of the U.S. workforce became vaccinated, organizations felt increasingly confident in returning to in-person training—a welcome relief for employees tired of video-based interactions. However, the emergence of the Delta variant threw a wrench into many companies’ plans, forcing decision-makers to once again consider virtual training options for team gatherings.
Virtual Flexibility vs. In-Person Interaction
Interestingly, while some employees were excited about in-person interactions, others had grown comfortable with the flexibility remote work provided. Virtual meetings and training sessions became an acceptable format for many, relieving the stress of commuting and being fully present in an office environment from 9-to-5, five days a week. In fact, some companies, after transitioning to remote work in 2020, discovered the cost savings and productivity benefits of not returning to the office at all.
With a clear divide between employees who prefer in-person interactions and those content with virtual setups, the question arises: What does the future hold for corporate training in a post-pandemic world?
Classroom Learning vs. Online Learning
Earlier this year, Onrec.com, an online recruitment resource, featured an interview with DTG, discussing the benefits and challenges of classroom learning versus online learning.
“Zoom fatigue is real, and employees are eager for the post-pandemic days when they can return to in-person training sessions,” says Linda Guyette Anderson of The Denver Training Group, a leadership training firm in Denver, Colorado. “While many are happy with the end of daily commutes and are comfortable with video conferencing, the majority of employees we’ve spoken with seem to prefer face-to-face classroom instruction.”
Embracing the Hybrid Learning Model
Now that we’ve experienced the realities of virtual learning, including its advantages and drawbacks, it seems likely that the future will include a hybrid learning approach—combining the best of both in-person and online formats. This blended learning model will leverage the benefits of remote learning while retaining the value of direct, in-person interactions. Emerging hybrid trends include:
- Utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS): A centralized portal for resources, discussions, and document sharing.
- Pre-session reading: Allowing participants to engage with core material before in-person training, facilitating deeper, more focused discussions.
- Pre-recorded webinars: Covering essential topics that employees can revisit to reinforce learning.
- LMS homework uploads: Assignments can be easily submitted and tracked through the platform.
- Virtual follow-up sessions: Supporting the main training with virtual check-ins and in-person coaching to reinforce learning.
The Future of Corporate Learning
Although blended learning has been evolving since the early 2000s, the pandemic has accelerated its adoption. According to the 2020 Trends for the Training & Development Industry report, most organizations plan to implement some form of hybrid learning:
- 54% plan to use a combination of in-person and remote learning.
- 14% will maintain a fully remote learning environment.
- 12% plan to return to fully in-person, instructor-led classroom training.
- 11% aim to enhance their current remote learning programs by reintroducing instructor-led training.
Blending Technology and Classroom Training
As technology continues to evolve, hybrid learning is set to become a foundational aspect of corporate training, blending the strengths of both digital and in-person methods. The pandemic has undeniably shifted our expectations, but it has also paved the way for a more flexible and adaptive approach to employee development.
