Digital or face-to-face training? This might surprise you...

This might sound strange (especially coming from the founder of a digital learning company!) but I don't believe digital training should ever replace face-to-face.

It should support it.

I started out delivering training in-person a long time ago. Before Teams was on every work device, Zoom was a household word or smartphones were in every pocket. Switching to remote delivery was a huge change, and one people can still struggle to navigate now. But...it proved something important to me – remote training can be just as effective as in-person. So when I talk about face-to-face here, I am including remote delivery too.

Why it is not digital vs face-to-face

Too often the conversation gets frames as "which is better?". But digital and face-to-face are most powerful when they work together. Digital training can take care of the foundation - all the knowledge, the processes, the compliance and important must know now stuff. Face-to-face then brings that to life, giving your staff the chance to actually apply it in person - on the shop floor, in the office, on the phone to a customer. All with the support of face-to-face to back it up.

It's nice to know that the numbers back this up too...

A group study found that blended learning (digital PLUS face-to-face) increases engagement and knowledge retention by over 30% compared to digital only or face-to-face only training. (Brandon Hall Group)

According to training industry research, employees retain 25% to 60% more information when they complete it digitally, at their own pace - compared to traditional methods.

What blended learning means for SMEs

This bit is important...

Blended learning will save you money.

It combines online and in-person elements and is a cost effective way to deliver training without losing that vital human connection in house that makes the learning stick.

Let's take onboarding as an example. Let's say you are new to a customer-facing job and hit your first complaint in week one - what do you do? If you have already completed a quick digital induction that covers the in-house complaints procedure, with scenarios and interactions - you go into that situation more prepared. Pair that with a buddy or mentor to guide you through that real-life moment, and you have a model that is efficient and real.

This kind of flipped learning model - where you learn all the foundational knowledge first - makes the best use of everyone's time. Staff arrive with all the starter information they need and managers can focus on coaching instead.

Why SMEs benefit the most

Some more lovely statistics for you...

LinkedIn Learnings 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that companies using a blended approach saw 50% higher engagement from employees compared to those just using one or the other! 50%!

A blended approach gives you:

• Speed: Digital modules can be completed quickly and revisited again and again.

• Consistency: Every staff member gets the same foundation.

• Cost-effectiveness: Less classroom time, or time other staff spend away from their duties means lower cost without losing any of the impact.

• Real-world application: In-person time focuses on practice and problem-solving.

At Emblem, we build those digital foundations and help you design the in-person activities that bring them to life. Training is always most impactful when it comes from within – we don’t come in and deliver it for you. Instead, we give you the tools and resources to make it your own. You can check out our full list of services (Our Services | Bespoke Digital Learning & Training Design)