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3 key steps for retail eLearning success
The retail sector, it seems, is getting tougher by the minute. From big name technology outlets like HMV and Jessops, to fashion brand closures like Republic, many stores are struggling just to keep their doors open in today’s tough economic climate, and those that are staying afloat face a faster pace of work than ever in order to remain competitive. The stores that are surviving are the ones that have embraced digital methods – and not just when it comes to e-commerce. eLearning is a vital training resource for any e-retailer: it makes training their staff easier, quicker and ultimately more effective. The 3 following factors will maximise the efficiency of any retail eLearning strategy, so if you’re a retail manager, it’s time to take note!
1. Accessibility
One of the biggest difficulties for retail managers when it comes to staff training is getting everyone in the same place, at the same time, as soon as a new process or product comes in store. Sales staff have variable working hours and can be situated in a variety of locations up and down the country (and beyond!), so making training easily accessible at all times is a vital part of their development – particularly when time is of the essence. Giving your staff the option of eLearning and m-learning makes it easier for them to access educational resources when they’re on and off the clock. Just bear in mind that incentives may be required if you’re asking them to do extra work out of hours.
2. Simplicity
Sales staff are focused on sales, and not much else, so it’s important that any training approach is simple, straightforward and gets them as quickly as possible to their target with minimal fuss. Solutions like Absorb LMS or Storyline prioritise ease of use, with convenient functions like automated enrolment, to offer intuitive sales training without the associated technical hurdles – essential if you want to get them up to speed without getting stuck on jargon.
3. Empathy
Learning is a personal process, and training programmes need to be tailored to individual requirements and preferences if they are to be truly effective. Staff connect best with resources that have been carefully designed to help them solve the specific issues they face on a day to day basis, and eLearning offers the potential for customisable, interactive training functions that can be used as needed. In fact, it’s even more important to remember this personal aspect with eLearning and mLearning – there is always someone ready to help on the other side of the screen.
When combined, these elements create a comprehensive, effective eLearning programme that benefits managers and staff alike. With the world of retail moving at a faster pace than ever, itÂ’s imperative to offer the highest standard of training to enable your staff to deliver the highest standard of results.
