Six principles behind training people finish

Authentic: training reflects real tasks and real conditions on the job.

Authentic learning stimulates real-world work practices. Deskless workers are often at the frontlines of their professions like customer service and operations. Hence their learning should be a reflection of the requirements and skills that are required of them perform their daily tasks accurately and safely.

Alignment: what's taught, how it's assessed and what the learner needs to do on the job all point the same way.

Alignment highlights the correlation between learning outcomes and the types of learning assessments used. The usage of incorrect assessment methods can lead to misaligned training, wasting company’s time and resources, and more importantly, lack of engagement and knowledge retention. It is essential for deskless workers to develop practical skills like customer service, which can only be achieved through proper assessments methods.

Holistic: good training builds skills, knowledge and attitude together.

Holistic learning incorporates a balance of knowledge and “soft” skills training. Deskless workers often need to possess both technical skills and interpersonal skills. Holistic training allows learners to upskill themselves through problem solving, observation and simulated assessments. Outside the classroom learning provides a realistic environment for learners to develop a more comprehensive and all-rounded skill set.

Feedback: learners find out how they're doing while it still matters, during the course rather than weeks after it.

Feedback improves performance and ensures continuous progress and development. Incorporating consistent and regular feedback can give workers a better understanding on their performance and areas for improvement. Online platforms that provide real-time feedback are useful as workers will be able to take the feedback immediately into consideration.

Constant feedback allows productive growth and improvement among learners, which is essential for their development in competitive industries like retail and hospitality where employee turnover rate are high.

Judgement: strong training builds a learner's ability to make good calls in situations the course never covered.

Judgement refers to how effectively learners can access their work performance while acting on the feedback received and making objective decisions based on their learning. Deskless workers are often required to work independently (i.e. without a manager to consult in the face of immediate problems), and have to make quick-witted decisions. To develop proper and accurate judgement among learners, self-reflection journals can be incorporated at the end of every training module to prompt learners’ critical thinking and self-reflection.

Future-orientated: the best training prepares someone for where their role is heading, beyond the task in front of them today.

Future-orientation equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to resolve unforeseen challenges and adapt to new situations. Now, apart from being proficient at their jobs, more are expected from deskless workers. Training modules should encourage creative problem-solving and adaptability, which help workers to not only excel in their current roles, but also prepare them for future challenges.