Corporate training
Methods, benefits, and best practices
Your in-house corporate training has lost its way: There’s a skilled worker shortage, digital transformation, increasing demands… and your current training approaches are reaching their limits. If you don’t develop your employees effectively, there’s a risk of knowledge gaps and declining competitiveness. Now’s the time to rethink your training strategy. Digital solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. They enable you to meet your employees exactly where they are and prepare them for the challenges of the future. In this article, you’ll learn how digital corporate training can advance your company and secure its long-term success.
What is corporate training?
Corporate training covers all the measures you take to develop your employees in a targeted manner. It’s not just about refreshing existing knowledge, but also about imparting new skills that are essential to the success of your company in a constantly changing world of work. These skills enable your team to keep pace with the requirements of modern markets and prepare for future challenges. Further training is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’, but a strategic ‘must’ when it comes to retaining skilled workers and securing your competitiveness.
Definition and meaning in the corporate context
There’s a shortage of skilled workers in many areas. Qualified employees are hard to find, and companies need to identify ways to effectively promote and retain their existing talent over the long term. With targeted training, you can close knowledge gaps, train employees up for new roles, and thus reduce your dependence on the external labor market. It also strengthens employee loyalty and ensures you maintain a motivated and productive workforce.
The demands placed on employees have changed significantly with the advent of digitalization. Future skills, such as digital expertise, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to innovate are in demand in almost every industry today. Companies that invest in these skills at an early stage give themselves a clear advantage. They prepare their teams for the challenges of the future and position themselves effectively in an increasingly dynamic environment.
With a well thought-out corporate training strategy, you can build up targeted skills that will make your company ready to face the challenges of the future. You’ll be able to create a working environment in which continuous learning is encouraged and actively practiced. In turn, this will enable you to focus on the sustainable development of your company and create a positive learning culture in which change is seen as an opportunity.
Digital corporate training vs. traditional employee training
Corporate training has changed considerably in recent years. Where traditional classroom training used to be the standard, more and more companies are now turning to digital learning formats. The digital transformation, more flexible working models, and the growing demand for more efficient training processes are driving this trend. You’re likely faced with the challenge of determining whether traditional training or digital approaches are more suitable for your company and your employees.
Both have their justifications and offer specific advantages. The main benefits of traditional training courses are the level of personal interaction and the ability to respond immediately to participants’ questions and needs. Digital training, on the other hand, offers flexible learning opportunities, lower costs, and the option of providing content individually and on demand.
In the following overview, we’ll look at the main advantages and disadvantages of both approaches so you can make an informed decision for your own corporate training program.
Flexibility
Traditional training courses are tied to fixed times and locations. This restricts flexibility and requires employees to be physically present. Digital corporate training, on the other hand, enables staff to learn from anywhere and at any time, which takes the pressure out of the workday and is more compatible with flexible working models.
Costs
The costs of traditional training courses are usually high. Rooms, trainers, and travel costs quickly add up. Digital training involves significantly lower outlay due to its one-off learning platform implementation costs and scalable content.
Learning methods
Traditional training courses often use presentations or workshops that rely on direct interaction. Digital approaches use interactive platforms, webinars, videos, and gamification elements to make learning content more vivid.
Number of participants
Traditional training courses are often restricted to a limited number of participants due to finite physical capacities or trainer resources. Digital training programs, however, allow you to train an unlimited number of participants at the same time.
Practical relevance
Traditional training courses offer direct contact with the trainer, which facilitates quick feedback and opportunities to complete practical exercises. Digital training courses offer simulations and interactive tasks, but the interpersonal exchange is restricted to virtual channels.
Accessibility
Your employees need to be at a specific location for traditional training courses. This can be particularly problematic for larger or internationally distributed teams. Digital training is available anytime and anywhere, which is a great advantage, especially in global companies.
Individualization
Traditional training courses are usually standardized and offer little room for customization. However, digital learning platforms offer personalized learning paths that can be tailored to employees’ individual needs.
Motivation
Direct interaction in traditional training courses can boost motivation, as personal connection often has a stimulating effect. Gamification boosts motivation in digital formats, but these still require a certain amount of self-discipline.
Blended learning approach to corporate training
The ideal combination of digital and traditional employee training
Blended learning combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility and efficiency of digital learning formats and the practical experience of traditional classroom training. This type of learning strategy enables you to make targeted use of the strengths of both approaches and combine them effectively to create your corporate training program.
Theoretical content and basic knowledge can be effectively conveyed digitally. eLearning modules, interactive videos, and webinars offer your employees the opportunity to learn flexibly and from any location. This not only saves time, but also offers scope for individual learning planning. With especially comprehensive or technical content in particular, learners can proceed at their own pace and repeat the material if necessary.
Live webinars and digital group learning formats—also known as collaborative learning sessions—enable employees to delve deeper into what they have learned and apply it directly through dynamic interactions. Your employees benefit from interaction with colleagues and trainers, but without the restrictions of a fixed location. These formats also encourage networking and collaborative problem-solving within the team.
The second, decisive component of blended learning is the in-person phase. Some content is best learned through practical experience. Direct contact with the devices is particularly important in the skilled trades, when operating machines, or when using complex technical products. You can explain a machine on the screen, but you only learn how to actually operate it when you have it in your own hands. Blended learning offers the advantage that participants can immediately put the theoretical knowledge they have acquired into practice in the classroom-based modules.
This combination maximizes learning outcomes as it blends self-directed, theoretical learning with real-world practical experience. This makes your corporate training more efficient, practical, and sustainable.
What you need to implement digitalized corporate training
To digitalize your corporate training, you’ll need the right software and tools that both deliver learning content and help you manage the training efficiently. Here are the most important components you’ll need:
Authoring tool
If you want to create your own learning content, an authoring tool is indispensable. These programs enable you to design customized trainings, tutorials, and courses that are specifically tailored to the needs of your company and your employees.
Digital learning content/online courses
You can either create learning content yourself using an authoring tool or utilize ready-made courses that have been purchased externally or developed by specialist service providers. This content can be used flexibly and offers you a way to continuously update and expand your employees’ knowledge.
Learning management system (LMS)
The LMS is the heart of your digital training. It’s where your learning content is delivered and your employees’ learning progress is tracked. LMSs also offer extensive administrative functions, such as learning path organization and calendar management for face-to-face events. This enables you to keep track of all the various learning activities and effectively manage your team’s progress.
Learning experience platform (LXP)
An LXP goes beyond the functionality of a classic LMS. Learning is personalized and optimized with AI-supported suggestions for learning content and paths. The LXP combines content from different sources and offers your employees an individual learning experience that is specifically tailored to their needs.
Scenario-based learning
Scenario-based learning allows employees to simulate practical situations and practice in a realistic environment. This immersive form of training helps to reduce inhibitions and boost self-confidence, especially in advance of face-to-face training on the same subject, making it ideal for shy or reserved participants.
Flashcard app
A flashcard app is the perfect solution for completing quick learning units in between other tasks. Gaming-inspired elements such as quizzes and scoring systems provide motivation and encourage employees to learn in regular, bitesize chunks. Microlearning approaches are particularly effective when it comes to consolidating knowledge.
Talent management software
Talent management software enables you to think ahead instead of just reacting. AI-supported analyses help you recognize your employees’ potential at an early stage and promote them in a targeted manner. This, in turn, enables you to identify specialists and future leaders and develop long-term career paths that will advance both the company and the employee.
Skill management tool
A good skill management tool enables you to record your employees’ skills and develop them in a targeted manner. These systems help you recognize which skills are available in your team and where there is a need for development. This increases the flexibility of your workforce and helps you make optimum use of existing resources.
Methods for digital corporate training
There’s a wide range of digital corporate training methods that can be flexibly tailored to the needs of your employees and the requirements of your company. Here’s an overview of the most important approaches that have proven successful for companies like yours:
Online courses (web-based training)
Online courses are probably the best-known eLearning method. They offer employees the opportunity to work through learning content flexibly and from any location. They’re particularly suitable for teaching basic knowledge and during onboarding programs.
Blended learning
As already mentioned, blended learning combines the best aspects of face-to-face events and digital learning methods. Theoretical content is taught online, while practical exercises are carried out in-person. This enables your employees to learn the theory flexibly and then apply it in practice with face-to-face guidance.
Scenario-based learning
Scenario-based learning allows you to simulate realistic situations in which your employees have to make decisions and solve problems. Scenarios can emulate complex conversations or customer interactions, for example, which is particularly helpful when preparing for face-to-face training as it offers a chance to resolve initial uncertainties.
Microlearning
Microlearning utilizes short, compact learning units that can be easily integrated into the workday. This method is particularly useful for continuously refreshing knowledge, and can be supplemented with gaming-inspired elements (such as quizzes) that boost motivation. It’s ideal for quick on-the-go learning, especially on mobile devices.
Adaptive learning
Adaptive learning customizes the training program to your employees’ individual learning progress and needs. Learning content and paths are dynamically adapted so that learners can work concertedly on their weaknesses and further develop their strengths. This personalized approach significantly increases learning effectiveness.
Gamification
Integrating gaming-inspired elements into the learning process boosts motivation and fosters engagement. Rankings, rewards, and progress indicators playfully introduce employees to learning and rewards them. This then encourages further participation—especially in long-term learning programs.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a proven method of supporting employees with the help of their more experienced colleagues. In digital training, this can be structured as regular virtual meetings or targeted mentoring programs. Mentoring not only offers opportunities for knowledge transfer, but also encourages the exchange of experience and mutual personal development.
Peer-to-peer learning
Peer-to-peer learning utilizes the benefits of mutual learning and interaction between colleagues. Employees share their knowledge and support each other. This can be done via digital platforms, forums, or virtual groups and both strengthens team spirit and encourages collaboration within the company.
Upskilling
Upskilling is the targeted further development of your employees’ existing skills to prepare them to use new technologies or take on new areas of responsibility. Digital courses, webinars, and practical exercises ensure your employees keep up with the latest developments.
Reskilling
Reskilling refers to the retraining of employees to prepare them for new roles or tasks within the company. Reskilling is particularly important in times of digital change in order to prepare skilled workers for new requirements and ensure their long-term employability. Digital learning content and interactive programs offer a flexible and comprehensive solution for this.
Success factors for corporate training
Certain factors are crucial when it comes to ensuring that your corporate training is a success. It’s not just about the what, but above all about the how of the implementation. With the right approaches, you can create a sustainable learning culture that motivates your employees and strengthens your company over the long term. Here are the most important success factors you should consider:
Step-by-step guide to digital corporate training
The introduction of digital corporate training requires thorough planning and systematic implementation. To make this process a success, you’ll need to work through several clearly defined steps. Here, you’ll find practical instructions on how to digitalize your corporate training.
1. Needs analysis and objectives
The first step is to determine the specific needs of both your employees and the company. What skills are lacking, what new skills need to be developed? Define clear learning objectives that align with your business strategy. This ensures that the training will be relevant and appropriately targeted.
2. Choosing the right learning methods and tools
Based on the needs you’ve identified, you then need to select the most effective digital learning methods. From online courses to blended learning and microlearning—the variety of methods available is huge. Make sure that the tools you choose are flexible, interactive, and suitable for your target group. Invest in a learning management system (LMS) or learning experience platform (LXP) to deliver learning content and monitor learning progress.
3. Creating or purchasing learning content
Depending on your requirements, you can either create learning content yourself or utilize tried-and-tested external offerings. You can use authoring tools to develop customized training courses that are precisely tailored to your needs. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made content so you can start training immediately.
4. Employee training
A smooth introduction of digital corporate training requires all employees to know how to use the new tools and platforms. Offer training courses to familiarize your teams with the LMS and the learning methods. Make sure that all employees understand how to access the content and can follow their individual learning paths.
5. Gradual introduction
Do not roll out the learning content to all departments and teams at once. Start with a smaller group, test the systems, and collect feedback. Optimize the program based on the feedback and then roll out the corporate training throughout the company.
6. Supporting and guiding learning processes
It’s important to provide regular feedback and track employees’ progress during the learning process. Schedule check-ins and feedback meetings at regular intervals to see how well staff are retaining and applying the learning content. The role of managers is central here—they should actively support further training and provide guidance to help staff put new knowledge into practice.
7. Performance measurement and optimization
Use the reporting and tracking functions of your LMS or LXP to monitor learning progress. Analyze which content works well and where there is room for improvement. Regular evaluations and adaptation ensure that your corporate training is always up-to-date and meets your requirements.
Best practices
Examples of successful digital corporate training
Digital onboarding at Fressnapf
How Fressnapf trains new employees in 12 countries efficiently and effectively
Fressnapf, Europe’s leading pet retailer, faced the challenge of efficiently onboarding new employees in twelve countries. Together with chemmedia, it developed a digital onboarding program to guide its new team members through their first six months. With the help of interactive online courses in nine languages, onboarding has become more flexible and standardized.The branch managers are under significantly less strain, and new employees feel integrated and connected to the company more quickly. This approach enabled Fressnapf to significantly increase the efficiency of its onboarding program and at the same time achieve a higher level of satisfaction among new employees.
International eLearning at Coop
How the Coop Group delivers online courses to 90,000 employees in 15 countries and 11 languages
Coop, one of Switzerland’s largest retailers, has managed to digitalize its training for 90,000 employees in 15 countries, increasing efficiency and quality in the process. By using Knowledgeworker Create, Coop was able to quickly and accurately adapt international learning content by integrating language packs and localizing media content. This not only led to a reduction in costs, but also made it possible to provide learning content that is specifically tailored to the different countries and languages. Thanks to digitalization, Coop has been able to make corporate training scalable and efficient.
Digital compliance training in the automotive industry
Audit-proof, digital, and cost-efficient training for 150,000 employees worldwide in just four months
An international automotive group had to train 150,000 employees worldwide on new compliance requirements in a short space of time. With the support of chemmedia and Knowledgeworker Create, a digital, audit-proof solution was developed within just four months, which ensured the compliance training was implemented efficiently and cost-effectively. Automated processes and individually tailored content have significantly increased both the completion rates and the efficiency of the training courses. This approach enabled the company to offer internationally standardized training courses with a high degree of flexibility.
Communicating technical expertise digitally
Online academy for technical product training and certification
Certifying over 1,400 specialists annually through product training courses while complying with the legal requirements—an ambitious goal for manufacturers of complex technical products. But it can be done: D+H Mechatronic AG is now training employees, customers, and sales partners in the installation and handling of its complex technical products with the help of an online academy and a unique blended learning concept. In this case study, you’ll find out how D+H Mechatronic AG has managed to boost its training efficiency and optimize its certification processes by introducing a sophisticated blended learning solution. Discover how custom online modules and practical workshops not only impart the necessary knowledge, but also strengthen customer loyalty long-term. An impressive example of how targeted digital strategies and tools can be deployed effectively in a modern academy.
The bottom line.
The future of corporate training lies in digital solutions
Digitalization is fundamentally changing corporate training. Flexibility, efficiency, and individualization are at the heart of modern learning strategies. With online courses and blended learning, you can combine location-independent training with practical face-to-face phases. Scenario-based learning prepares your employees for complex tasks in a realistic setting. Success factors such as clear objectives, relevant content, and the right technical infrastructure ensure lasting success. Companies such as Fressnapf, Coop, and D+H show how digitalization can optimize training and ensure competitiveness.
The digital future of corporate training offers you the opportunity to develop your teams flexibly, effectively, and sustainably. chemmedia AG can support you with digitalizing your corporate training—from strategic consulting to implementing tailor-made eLearning solutions.
Do you have questions or feedback?
Send us a message.
You might also be interested in the following articles
Title image: Moon Safari/shutterstock.com