What are good ways to train a remote staff?

Dear

I n this case learning or Virtual learning or Computer base learning is best solution.

 where they will learn at their own time and will be assess also.

It is tricky to motivate a remote staff, but there is a way; take an example of company having head office in Karachi and branch office in Peshawar.

Staff there feels cut off from every one, because they are far from their families. You should first of all give them autonomy to some extent so at least  they feel involved. Moreover you should be in their midst, when an important decision regarding their targets for the year are to be set, this should motivate them, knowing that their suggestion is valued and they are cared for. It will also give them sense of ownership (it is their objective and they have to achieve it).

Apart from this you should allow them to return to their home town once a year for a good while, on shift basis of course. You see in this way their energy shall be recharged and they shall work with zeal.

Training a remote staff is not so much of a problem as it used to be some years back- thanks to technology. Here are some methods that can be adopted-

1. Send the staff self- learning training material; follow up with evaluation. 

2. Interacting with the staff/ imparting training over Skype is also effective. 

Any of the suggested methodologies should however always be followed with regular evaluation to understand the requirements of the staff. 

Hi,

Staff that are based at remote sites often do not feel part of the company and need re-assurance of their importance and contribution. Visiting HQ offices for training with peers or overseas specialist training is reward in itself and needs careful planning to ensure maximum output from the experience.

I can quote numerous experiences of such training and the key is always prioitised training with balance between personnal development and return on investment.

Happy to support any further discussion.

Regards & thanks,

Ed Bulkeley.

E-learning, of course. I mean, you need to use everything is used when delivers e-learning. You need to deliver content in every way possible: Manuals and tutorials; Videos, etc...

Remote site personnel need constant follow up and reassurance. On site visits by Operations Directors, and follow up invitations to corporate headquarters for training and motivation will add to their self value and contribution.