So what about training employees and tour guides training? Online training and e-learning are more relevant than ever.  The Learn Tourism has done its research. Recent statistics show that 41.8% of the American workforce is working from home, an increase of 87% since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.  Even after our return to “normal,” it’s expected that 36.2 million workers (22% of the workforce) will work from home by 2025.  That’s a lot of remote workers!

As we shift to home offices, our professional development and how we train staff is changing as well. The days of internal motivational speakers and training days may be numbered.

Employers are discovering that online learning is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to expensive conferences or consultants. It also allows employees to learn in ways that fit their busy schedules.  

However, there is a catch.  E-learning requires self-motivation and instruction.  Most people are new to this kind of independent learning and may not rise to the challenge at first.

So, how do you help your staff get the most out of online training? We have a few sure-fire strategies to get them moving in the right direction.

1. Prioritize Goals

Solid organizational skills are clutch when beginning an online learning program. Set the tone early by establishing a clear timeframe for course completion and prioritizing goals.  Put your most pressing objectives first and focus on outcomes that accomplish your end game.

If you pile too much on your teams’ plates, they may become overwhelmed and unproductive.  Stick with the big picture and prioritize your goals.

2. Establish Accountability

When you run a training program in-house, you designate a team leader to manage the process.  This person is responsible for ensuring workers participate in and complete the course.

The same holds true with online professional development.  It’s a little more complicated when employees are working from home, but someone should be accountable for facilitating training, setting benchmarks, and encouraging learners to meet course objectives.  Establish accountability to ensure success.

3. Create A Community

Online instruction can be an isolating experience.  Learners log on, start the class, and work through the levels independently.  However, some content lends itself to discussion or collaboration with other course participants.

Encourage your staff to participate in these networking opportunities! Working remotely tends to foster disconnect. Use e-learning to create opportunities to share ideas, work on projects, or address team concerns and questions. Create a community of learners and collaborators despite the distance!

4. Offer Incentives

Offer incentives for dedicated learners who complete the class and meet your objectives for professional development.  Encourage staff to complete coursework in modules or tracks.  As they finish each track, they earn a specific certification, financial incentive, time off, etc.

Incentives encourage online learners to complete training and achieve varying levels of recognition.  

As we continue to emerge as a nation of remote workers, online learning will dominate how we train and teach staff.  As you think about how to help your staff get the most from online training, remember to:

• Prioritize Goals

• Establish Accountability

• Create A Community

• Offer Incentives

These four strategies are your secret recipe for online training success!

For more about tourism training, learn tourism at our academy site. 

About the Author: Stephen Ekstrom