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Last Updated on August 31, 2018 by Work In My Pajamas
More companies than ever before are employing remote workers and transitioning many positions to working from home. Not only does this result in increased employee productivity and satisfaction, but it saves the company thousands on infrastructure. A remote workforce does present challenges, and one of those is training.
However, through using a learning management system or LMS, companies can train employees at a distance. A learning management system is a software application that delivers, documents, and reports on educational courses or training programs.
If you are going to work in your pajamas, you can also train in pajamas if the company or clients you work for have a learning management system. Here is how and why they work for remote workers.
In This Post:
Flexible Learning Times
One big advantage of learning management systems is that digital delivery means the student can learn anytime. For companies like Buffer who employ entirely remote workforces all over the world, this means it makes no difference what time zone or even country the worker is in. This also means that, regardless of their native language, the courses often can be translated or are available in different languages.
As an employee, what this means is that no matter what your peak working or learning time, you can engage in courses and training anytime. Whether you are a morning person, a night owl, or peak somewhere in the afternoon, it makes no difference. As long as you complete the training courses, you can do so on your own schedule.
You can also complete them at your pace. While most employees face deadlines, the timeline is often generous, and if you need to absorb something over time you can, or if you already have a grasp on a concept, you can speed ahead. This is a distinct advantage over more traditional training programs.
Learning from Anywhere
In the opening paragraph, we mentioned how remote workers are very spread out. With an LMS, you can take courses from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to Wi-Fi. However, the training is even more flexible than that. You can be sitting at a coffee shop, be in your office, in your bedroom, or on your porch enjoying the great outdoors.
For a business, this means your employees will be comfortable in the learning environment that is best for them. Sitting around a conference table or in a lecture in a folding chair is a horrible way for most people to learn. Flexible learning that can also be done from anywhere offers your workforce a distinct advantage.
Whether you are an employee who works in your pajamas or an employer who hires those same pajama-clad workers, being able to offer and engage in training anywhere is the best way to ensure participation and retention.
Cost Savings
The amount of money a company will save by having an LMS in place is huge. The overhead of an office, training time (including the productivity lost before and after meetings), and the simple cost of equipment and training preparation is huge.
As an employee, one of the biggest cost savings is not having to commute. No driving and fuel is expended, something that is better for the environment and for your wallet. As a remote worker, the savings is even greater. There is no need to fly to where your company is located, or pay for lodging, along with potential car rentals and other costs.
One of the many reasons for working remotely and working in your pajamas is the ability to work without the cost of commuting, certain business clothing and daycare. An LMS allows you to go through training and learn to do your job better without leaving home.
Uniform Education
Of course, another great advantage is that you get the same training as those who may be working in an office at a distance. Using the same LMS means that everyone gets the same information, the same training, delivered in the same way. Your education is no different, eliminating any advantage someone working physically in the office might have over remote workers.
From the business side of things, if everyone gets the same training delivered in the same way, no one can claim they were not properly informed or did not know about certain information. You can make policies, procedures, and industry knowledge standard across the board. This also ensures that your customers or clients will get the same experience regardless of where they are located in the world and who helps them.
Uniform education brings a uniform experience for employees, customers, clients, and for the employer as well. It allows for the standardization of expectations across the board, a huge asset to everyone involved.
Workforce Retention
A happy workforce is more likely to stay in their current positions. There are fewer of the mistakes associated with new employees, making both customers and employers happy. The cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees is significant, and workforce retention is a huge bonus of having a good LMS in place.
However, the employer is not the only beneficiary. Even as a remote worker, changes in jobs can be stressful, and working consistently for the same company produces less anxiety and a more stable existence. Being able to rely on your employer is huge.
An LMS affects this, as employees feel more valued, like they are learning, growing, and moving somewhere in their company. The employee is happier and healthier, and therefore, so is the business.
Learning management systems are ideal for remote workers. You could even argue they are almost a requirement. If you are going to work in your pajamas for a company that hires remote workers, ask about an LMS. And if you have your own business and hire remote workers, be sure that you offer one as part of your employment package.
