When it comes to offering employee training programs, your company can’t afford to wait. Your teams are looking for more than just a paycheck—they want more opportunities for development. Many learning and development teams have realized that investing in employees through training leads to better retention, productivity, and satisfaction. In fact, a recent LinkedIn survey revealed that nearly half of L&D teams have put upskilling and reskilling employees at the top of their list for 2022.
To cultivate a highly engaged and high-performing team, you need an employee training program that can deliver results. But, if you’ve never built a structured training program, it can be challenging to start from scratch.
While your company’s employee training program will need to be crafted to meet your organization's unique requirements and goals, you can use pre-built training plan templates and checklists as jumping-off points to build a scalable and productive training initiative.
We’ve gathered some of the top employee training checklists and templates and paired them with some of our best tips for building a better employee training program. Use these resources as the building blocks to help you design a dynamic, scalable training process for your organization, and download our handy employee training checklist to speed up the process and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Make sure you cover all your bases.
Download
Employee training policy templates
Training policies are the foundation of your program. Launching a brand-new L&D program involves a lot of decision-making. It can be challenging to know where to start. These employee training policy templates can help you nail this step by making sure you don't miss anything important when writing your first policy.
If you're putting together a formalized employee training plan, perhaps based on a collaborative learning approach, start by writing a policy that covers your organization's approach to or perspective on training and how it supports growth. Your training policy should include the following essential components.
- The objective or purpose of your program. To build a training program that will get C-suite buy-in, align your goals with the overarching company strategy (see our Chief Learning Officer roadmap for more details).
- Responsibilities. Outline the roles involved and the expectations of each. Include duties for program organizers, course creators, and learners.
- Types of employee training available. You may offer online, in-person, or blended learning programs. They may take place independently on the employee's own time or in groups. Outline each type of training, its scope, and potential availability to employees.
- Guidelines for participation. Outline the procedure for creating new courses or programs and the guidelines for employee participation.
These training policy templates offer concrete examples of how to structure your guidelines:
- 11 Training Policy Templates (Template.net)
- Employee Training and Development Policy (Workable)
- Employee Training Policy Example (Keka)
Training plan needs assessment templates
At its core, providing valuable training to employees is about identifying the most pressing training needs and then fulfilling those needs through courses, seminars, or other learning materials. But how do you pinpoint what your employees need to learn?
Traditionally, managers or L&D leaders have owned the training needs analysis process. They identify areas where they think employees would benefit from training, then push those needs to the appropriate parties. The problem with this top-down approach is that it’s time-consuming and not consistently accurate. Without employee input, managers are simply making their best guess.
Instead, we recommend a bottom-up approach to training needs analysis, where you source potential training needs directly from employees. Employees propose possible training courses based on their experience and the gaps they see in their knowledge. With the right tools (like a learning platform that combines collaborative tools with the power of a Learning Management System), you can even have employees vote on each other’s ideas. This ranking system helps you determine the scope of each potential training need. Using our platform, for instance, employees can upvote learning needs, which improves the visibility of skills they're most interested in learning.
After you’ve created a list of employee-sourced training needs, learning managers should prioritize them in terms of their potential impact on employee performance and the cost and effort to fulfill them. This skills gap analysis will help you choose which training to create first and which to put on the back burner.
These training plan templates can help you assess and prioritize training needs:
- Training Needs Assessment Template (Excel Templates)
- Training Plan Template (Process.st)
- Employee Training Gantt Chart Template (Template.net)
- Free Training Plan Templates for Business Use (Smartsheet)
Employee development plan templates
You can create the most impactful learning content the corporate world has ever seen, but it won't matter if your teams don't know how to find and use it. Employee development plans serve as a roadmap for individuals, outlining what they need to do to enhance their skills and progress within your organization.
Organizations employ development plans throughout the employee lifecycle to:
- Guide new hires through onboarding
- Boost performance for struggling employees as a component of a performance improvement plan
- Manage corporate reskilling or lateral company shifts
- Help ambitious employees reach new levels of success
Ideally, every employee should have a customized development plan to guide their training journey. Managers are typically responsible for setting these learning paths during conversations with employees about their goals and knowledge gaps.
Employees would then pursue these learning goals by taking courses and finding other learning opportunities like listening to podcasts or taking specialized LinkedIn courses. This self-directed learning isn't just more efficient; it also encourages employees to take complete ownership of their career ambitions.
There are many different ways to organize and format an employee development plan. At 360Learning, we use Trello to create a macro view of major training processes, like onboarding.
These training templates can help you build your employee development plans:
- 30 60 90 Day Plan Template (Trello)
- 90-Day Plan Template (Confluence)
- Employee Development Plan Template (Process.st)
- Employee Development Plan Template (DevSkiller)
- Individual Development Plan Template (Indeed)
- Employee Development Resources Template (Airtable)
- Free Employee Training Plan Template to Speed up Onboarding (Monday)
- Performance Improvement Plan Template (Atlassian)
Employee tracking and training schedule templates
After you’ve laid out learning objectives and a training roadmap, you need to track each employee’s progress toward those goals.
We present these tracking and training schedule templates with a caveat: tracking training progress manually is becoming increasingly obsolete. It’s far more efficient to invest in a learning platform that automatically tracks employee progress and performance. The right software makes it much easier to keep tabs on each employee's training progress.
- Employee Training Management Template (Airtable)
- Employee Training Record Template (At Your Business)
- Employee Training Schedule Template (Template.net)
- HR Team Learning Tracker (Trello)
- New Employee Training Tracker (Excel Templates)
- Training Record Template (JotForm)
Training ROI templates
It's essential to measure your training programs' ROI to prove their efficacy and get more buy-in and a bigger budget. Training ROI templates can help you gather the data you need. While it can be easy to let ROI reporting slide, keeping careful records of your program’s impact and overall benefit to the company is crucial for the long-term health and growth of your L&D program.
But measuring training ROI is notoriously difficult. How do you assign quantifiable value to improvements that are primarily qualitative?
We have a few tips.
- Start each training program with concrete goals for what success should look like. Whenever possible, attach numbers to these goals to create a better understanding of what someone is working toward. Instead of "improve customer service," try "achieve an average Net Promoter Score of 7." These goals should also tie to larger company initiatives, like "building a better customer experience."
- Take a baseline measurement before you begin training. Initial metrics will help you measure change over time. For example, if you're working on improving customer service, it would be helpful to know what your Net Promoter Score is today.
- Commit to tracking metrics over time. At a bare minimum, you’ll want to track course completion rates to make sure employees finish their training. But the more data you have on how employees use and interact with your courses, the better. Choose a training platform that lets you gather as much data analytics as possible.
- Use integrations when possible. Some online learning platforms will connect with other tools to help you directly measure the impact of training. For example, you can connect 360Learning with your CRM to measure the effect of training on sales performance.
Here are some helpful training templates for calculating and documenting your program’s ROI:
- Employee Engagement Survey Template (Airtable)
- Training Cost Calculator (Excel Templates)
- Training ROI Calculator (360Learning)
Training templates are great for fleshing out your training programs, but to create a scalable, sustainable online training program, you also need the right software.
A great eLearning software platform will automate many of the processes described above, eliminating paperwork and potential disorganization and confusion. Automation saves a great deal of time, eliminates redundancy, and allows L&D leaders to focus on the most critical parts of a great employee training program: robust goals, impactful content, and innovative thinking. And when you’re not bogged down in paperwork, you can focus on the greater purpose of actually helping employees learn, grow, and get results.
360Learning makes it easy to assess training needs, create individualized learning paths, and track employee performance, course completion, and ROI. It also lets your employees collaborate and create courses, so they can learn from one another.
Interested in seeing 360Learning in action? Book a demo whenever you like.
training methods employee training learning culture
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to the new,
(unboring) way of learning
Our weekly newsletter of the best insights from L&D peer to L&D peer.
Subscribe
FAQs
What are training templates? ›
Individual employee training plan template
An employee training plan is a document that details a training program, outlines the goals of the training, learning outcomes, training method, strategies, and curriculum to train employees across the organization.
- Write Down the Training Plan.
- Assess Training Needs and Align Goals.
- Identify Gaps in Your Training Programs.
- Determine Training Frequency.
- Determine Leadership Alignment.
- Put Your Plan Into Action.
- Invest in the Right Tools.
It helps a new employee understand the organization in terms of mission, work structure, expectations, rules and regulations; A new employee becomes socialized to the existing staff, including management level.
What are the 10 steps in creating an employee training program? ›- Assess your needs and develop goals and success metrics. ...
- Determine the type of employee training plan. ...
- Keep adult learning principles in mind. ...
- Develop learning objectives/outline. ...
- Finalize your training plan. ...
- Design and develop training materials.
- Assess training needs: The first step in developing a training program is to identify and assess needs. ...
- Set organizational training objectives: ...
- Create training action plan: ...
- Implement training initiatives: ...
- Evaluate & revise training:
- Technical or Technology Training. Depending on the type of job, technical training will be required. ...
- Quality Training. ...
- Skills Training. ...
- Soft Skills Training. ...
- Professional Training and Legal Training. ...
- Team Training. ...
- Managerial Training. ...
- Safety Training.
- Assess training needs. Assessing the needs of the workplace requires following these steps: ...
- Teach adults like adults. ...
- Develop learning objectives. ...
- Design training materials. ...
- Compose training materials. ...
- Conduct the training. ...
- Evaluate the training.
- Step 1: Define Your Training. ...
- Step 2: Prepare Your Training. ...
- Step 3: Practice Your Training. ...
- Step 4: Deliver Your Training. ...
- Step 5: Confirm Your Training. ...
- Step 6: Audit Trainee Performance.
Checklists have the objective of overseeing tasks or projects and ensuring nothing important is forgotten during execution. This way, you don't omit anything that might end up compromising your results. Additionally, they ensure activities are completed in orderly, organized fashion.
What are the benefits of a checklist? ›- Help You Stay More Organised. ...
- Acts as a Memory. ...
- Increase Motivation. ...
- Improve Productivity. ...
- Be More Creative. ...
- Training and Knowledge Sharing. ...
- Opportunities for Delegation. ...
- Help to Save Lives.
What are three components of a good training program? ›
- Breathing. Seeing as it usually happens without thinking, breathing isn't always given the attention it deserves when it comes to training. ...
- Strength. Building up strength and endurance is a key part of a proper training schedule. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- The perfect combination.
...
On-the-job training methods
- Informal training between colleagues. ...
- Induction training. ...
- Hands-on training. ...
- Job rotation. ...
- Apprenticeship. ...
- Internships. ...
- Coaching.
- Technology-Based Learning. Common methods of learning via technology include: ...
- Simulators. Simulators are used to imitate real work experiences. ...
- On-The-Job Training. ...
- Coaching/Mentoring. ...
- Lectures. ...
- Group Discussions & Tutorials. ...
- Role Playing. ...
- Management Games.
- Short, specific sessions. You know better than anyone that employees' attention spans aren't long. ...
- Assessments. ...
- Collaboration. ...
- Multimedia options. ...
- Easy access. ...
- Professional development. ...
- Bottom line.
- Step 1: Perform a Training Needs Assessment. ...
- Step 2: Keep Adult Learning Principles in Mind. ...
- Step 3: Develop Learning Objectives. ...
- Step 4: Design Training Materials. ...
- Step 5: Develop Your Training Materials. ...
- Step 6: Implement the Training.
- Endurance.
- Movement Economy.
- Strength/Power.
- Speed.
- Mental Fitness.
- Recovery/Regeneration.
The six key variables discussed here are: (1) intensity, (2) repetitions, (3) sets (4) time under tension (5) rest period and (6) exercise selection. While these variables are discussed separately, they are all interconnected and play off each other.
What are the 3 methods of training? ›...
Here are the nine most popular training methods for employees:
- Technology-based learning. ...
- Simulators. ...
- On-the-job training. ...
- Coaching or mentoring. ...
- Instructor-led training. ...
- Roleplaying.
Being familiar with these basic types helps teams focus and more easily land on the structure of the curriculum, especially when I point out that there are really only three types of employee training that they need to address— new job training, developmental opportunities, and transitional training.
What training method is most effective? ›Mentoring and Apprenticeship
When companies plan to groom people for promotion and growth, this is the best training method to use. Trainees can truly benefit from such a personalized learning structure, boost the mentor-trainee relationship, and facilitate their future career.
Which training is best for employees? ›
- Managerial and supervisory skills. ...
- Customer Care and Client Communication Skills. ...
- Creative Thinking Skills Grooming Program. ...
- Workplace Ethics Awareness. ...
- Change Management Training.
- Technology-based learning.
- Simulators.
- On-the-job training.
- Coaching/mentoring.
- Instructor-led training.
- Roleplaying.
- Films and videos.
- Case studies.
- #1 – Train Every Day. ...
- #2 – Create Learning Objectives. ...
- #3 – Address Skills Gaps. ...
- #4 – Deliver a Consistent Message. ...
- #5 – Blended Learning Methodologies. ...
- #6 – Create Custom Learning Paths. ...
- #7 – Evaluate Comprehension. ...
- #8 – Streamline Administration.
JERRY Diaz, a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer, said there are seven principles of exercise: individuality, specificity, progression, overload, adaptation, recovery, and reversibility.
What are the 11 training principles? ›- Principle 01: Specificity.
- Principle 02: Overload.
- Principle 03: Adaptation (Rest and Recovery).
- Principle 04: Progression.
- Principle 05: Plateau, Regression and Reversibility.
- Principle 06: Maintenance/Regularity.
- Principle 07: Individualisation.
- Principle 08: Warm-up/Cool-down.
- 1) Comprehensive Orientation. ...
- 2) Classroom Instruction. ...
- 3) Position-Specific Information. ...
- 4) Verification, Monitoring & Continuous Improvement.
Step 1: Define your objectives. Step 2: Clarify key topics and related concepts. Step 3: Organize material. Step 4: Plan presentation techniques.
What are the typical 4 phases of training? ›The macrocycle is the longest of the three cycles and includes all four stages of a periodized training program (e.g., endurance, intensity, competition and recovery).
What is a checklist example? ›A basic example is the "to do list". A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors. A primary task in checklist is documentation of the task and auditing against the documentation.
What is checklist technique? ›Checklist analysis (CLA) is a technique that can be used to identify and manage risk. The checklist is developed by listing items, steps, or tasks and is then analyzed against criteria to determine if the procedure is completed correctly.
What is checklist tool? ›
What is the Checklist tool? The Checklist tool enables you to create checklists to highlight important or required assignments, readings, or other items to complete. Checklists can be used as requirements to control access to other materials using Release Conditions.
What is a quality checklist and what is its purpose? ›A quality control checklist is basically a written guide for your products' contents, packaging, color, barcodes, appearance, possible defects, functions and special requirements. It's also sometimes called an “inspection criteria sheet” or inspection checklist.
What are characteristics of an effective checklist? ›- All items that need to be included should be included. ...
- No items should be included if they don't need to be checked. ...
- Items should be listed in a logical order, so they can easily be found.
It helps people stay more organized, assuring them they will not skip any important step in the process. A checklist motivates us to take action and complete tasks. Small wins and the goal-gradient effect encourage us to reach our goals. Checklists help us move quickly, be more efficient, and save time.
What are the four factors of training effectiveness? ›It consists of four levels of evaluation: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results. Each successive level of the model represents a more precise measure of the effectiveness of a training program.
What are the 3 types of training? ›- induction.
- on-the-job.
- off-the-job.
What is the training matrix? A training or a skills matrix is a tool used in an organisation to track training and skills, both required and the team's desired skills needed to complete a particular project. It's typically used in the assessment of the skills required for the team or a particular project.
What is a training design document? ›It documents how the course structure, navigation, or design should be, the audio and visual elements to be used, and so on. It is a documented proof that all key stakeholders in the project agree with the vision and objectives of the eLearning course.
What are the 3 main components of a training session? ›Training sessions should be developed from two or three goals that have been identified for that session. The elements of a training session that all coaches should include are: session introduction • warm-up • skill and fitness activities • cool-down • review.
What 5 training programs should be conducted to employees? ›- Orientation Training. ...
- Onboarding Training. ...
- Compliance Training. ...
- Product Training. ...
- Leadership Training. ...
- Technical Training. ...
- Quality Assurance Training. ...
- Sales Training.
What are the 5 training techniques? ›
- Technology-based learning.
- Simulators.
- On-the-job training.
- Coaching/mentoring.
- Instructor-led training.
- Roleplaying.
- Films and videos.
- Case studies.
- Step 1: Draft and refine training objectives.
- Step 2: Add each objective to a strategy map.
- Step 3: Assign training KPIs to objectives.
- Step 4: Modify objectives based on learning styles.
- Step 5: Segment employees into training groups.
- Step 6: Connect objectives to other departments.
A training needs analysis can be conducted in four steps 1) define organizational goals 2) define relevant job behaviors 3) define required knowledge and skills 4) training.
What are the five 5 Principles of document design? ›This publica- tion, created for anyone with an interest in designing effective documents, covers the principles of document design: balance, proportion, order, contrast, similarity, and unity.
What are the five 5 indicators that you are designing an effective training program? ›- Needs assessment and learning objectives. ...
- Consideration of learning styles. ...
- Delivery mode. ...
- Budget. ...
- Delivery style. ...
- Audience. ...
- Content. ...
- Timelines.
- Step 1: Perform a Training Needs Assessment. The assessment of a training program has four-step to be followed: ...
- Step 2: Develop Learning Objectives. ...
- Step 3: Design Training Materials. ...
- Step 4: Implement the Training. ...
- Step 5: Evaluate the Training.