Remote training is essential for keeping distributed teams skilled, engaged, and productive. But without in-person interaction, companies must rethink their approach. Here are seven proven best practices to make remote training effective, engaging, and scalable.
Why? Remote employees often work across time zones.
How?
✅ Use pre-recorded videos (Loom, Trainual) for self-paced learning.
✅ Offer live Q&A sessions (Zoom, Slack AMAs) for deeper dives.
✅ Provide written guides (Notion, Google Docs) for quick reference.
Example:
New hires watch onboarding videos before a live "Welcome Session."
Why? Attention spans are shorter remotely.
How?
✅ Break training into 5-15 minute modules.
✅ Focus on one skill per lesson (e.g., "How to Use Slack Huddles").
✅ Use quizzes & interactive checkpoints (Kahoot, Typeform).
Pro Tip: Gamify progress with badges or certificates.
Why? AI personalizes learning and saves time.
How?
✅ Chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT for instant Q&A).
✅ AI-powered summaries (Fireflies.ai for meeting recaps).
✅ VR training (for immersive role-playing, like safety drills).
Example:
A sales team practices pitches in a Meta Horizon Workrooms simulation.
Why? Employees learn best from each other.
How?
✅ Buddy system – Pair new hires with tenured employees.
✅ Shadowing – Let trainees observe real meetings (Zoom "listen-only" mode).
✅ Internal "Lunch & Learns" – Employees teach skills they excel at.
Engagement Hack:
Create a #skills-sharing Slack channel for peer Q&A.
Why? Ensures training is working.
How?
✅ Completion rates (Are employees finishing courses?).
✅ Skill assessments (Quizzes, mock projects).
✅ Feedback surveys (e.g., "Rate this training 1-5").
Tools to Use:
LMS (Learning Management System) like TalentLMS, Docebo.
Google Forms for quick feedback.
Why? Passive = Boring = Forgotten.
How?
✅ Interactive videos (Clickable scenarios, branching paths).
✅ Polls & live discussions (Slack, Mentimeter).
✅ Real-world tasks (e.g., "Submit a mock client report").
Example:
A cybersecurity training where employees "hunt" for phishing emails in a simulated inbox.
Why? Skills decay without practice.
How?
✅ Monthly "Refresher" courses (e.g., "Advanced Excel Tips").
✅ Curated resource libraries (Notion, Guru).
✅ Stipends for external courses (Coursera, Udemy).
Pro Tip:
Tie training to career paths (e.g., "Complete X courses for promotion").
✔ Before Training:
Test all tech (links, logins, videos).
Share an agenda & expectations.
✔ During Training:
Mix formats (video, text, interactive).
Encourage questions (Slack thread, live chat).
✔ After Training:
Follow up with a recap.
Measure impact (e.g., "Did sales calls improve?").
Great remote training is flexible, engaging, and data-driven. By following these best practices, you’ll build a team that’s skilled, confident, and ready to excel—no matter where they work.