In yesterday’s post, we discussed the importance of using eLearning in your new hire onboarding experience, as well as the benefits this strategy has to offer. If you’re considering using a learning management system (LMS) tool for your training process, you’ll want to keep these six features in mind.
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1. User-Friendly Interface
First, the software has to be easy to access and navigate, even for new hires who aren’t tech-savvy. HR personnel and hiring directors should look for LMSs that offer a great user experience. Staff members should be able to quickly utilize the LMS platform to get the information they need. In addition, a responsive design that allows for multiplatform accessibility can unlock the full potential of your online training resources.
2. Personalization
Personalized training paths allow new hires to choose online training resources, activities, and support tools that are relevant to them instead of being forced to participate in a generic program that might not effectively engage them. Many employee onboarding software solutions feature customizable training paths that automatically adjust based on the employee’s performance. For example, say a new hire isn’t performing as well as expected during a task simulation. The system will add some helpful online training modules and activities to bring him or her up to speed before moving on.
3. Certification System
Certification support features help you track employee performance and verify that everyone meets certain standards throughout the training process. For instance, you can require all new team members to earn a company policy certificate to demonstrate that they are familiar with organizational protocols. In addition, safety certifications might reduce the risk of work-related accidents. You can even set up automatic renewals for employees to refresh and reinforce the knowledge on a timely basis.
4. Assessment Tools
A built-in assessment engine is an essential LMS feature for employee onboarding software. You can use diverse assessment and question templates to evaluate new hires’ knowledge and skills, then adjust your strategy to meet their individual needs. Systems can grade the assessments and offer personalized feedback so employees can seek out resources on their own to address any gaps.
5. Gamification
Even when they offer little real-world value, badges, points, and leaderboards bring a level of fun and excitement to what can be an otherwise tedious process. But these game mechanics do more than add a boost to morale; they also enable new hires to gauge their progress. Harness this energy, and look for an LMS that offers gamification features and customizable rewards—preferably one that offers templates and themes you can use to develop eye-catching incentives that align with your brand image.
6. Advanced Reporting and Analytics
When onboarding new employees, employers must be able to assess individual performance and pinpoint skill deficits quickly. LMSs with built-in reporting and analytics features allow you to monitor your onboarding program and each new hire’s development.
Once you’ve drafted an LMS must-have list that hits these targets and will work with your company’s training process, vet the vendors and look up online reviews to find the best candidates. Sign up for free demos to determine how the systems translate to the real world. Assess whether the features align with your objectives and the interface suits the skills and talents of your team. Make sure the software works for you.
One of the worst things an onboarding process can do is take new hires who are excited about a job at your company and dampen their spirits. With the right LMS, that danger will become as obsolete as your old manual in the three-ring binder.
| Christopher Pappas is the founder of eLearning Industry, the largest online community of eLearning professionals in the world. Pappas established the company as a safe online community for eLearning professionals and instructional designers to connect and share their knowledge. Pappas holds an MBA and a Master of Education from Bowling Green State University. Connect with him on Twitter. |