Article
10 Dec 2024

Is your compliance training a tick box activity?

by Tony Manwani, Co-founder

In the realm of workplace learning, compliance training often carries a heavy burden. It’s seen as a necessary evil, a box to tick off rather than an opportunity to engage and educate employees effectively. 

But does it have to be this way? Absolutely not.

We believe that every learning experience should be meaningful and engaging, compliance training included. 

After all, the goal isn’t just to ensure employees pass a test; it’s to foster real understanding and behavioural change that benefits both individuals and the organisation as a whole.

Importance of engagement.

Compliance training covers crucial topics that affect not only day-to-day operations but also the safety, wellbeing, and ethical standards of your workplace. 

From health and safety regulations to data protection laws, these are areas where ignorance is not bliss – it can lead to serious consequences.

However, the traditional approach to compliance training often misses the mark. Long, text-heavy modules that employees click through mindlessly do little to achieve the desired outcomes. They can even foster resentment and disengagement among learners, spreading a cycle where learning becomes a chore rather than a tool for empowerment.

Increasing engagement.

So, how do we break this cycle and transform compliance training into something that employees look forward to – or at least don’t dread? 

It starts with making learning fun and interactive.

  1. Bite-sized: Break down the training into smaller, manageable chunks rather than long, exhaustive sessions. Regular, small doses of learning are more effective and provide time for reflection. This approach helps to maintain engagement and ensures better retention of information.
     
  2. Scenario-based learning: Instead of presenting dry facts, use real-life scenarios that employees can relate to. This approach helps learners understand the practical application of compliance rules and encourages critical thinking skills.
     
  3. Personalisation: Utilise adaptive learning technologies that tailor the training experience to individual needs and knowledge gaps. This ensures that each employee receives the right level of challenge and support, increasing the likelihood of meaningful learning outcomes. It also ensures learners don’t repeat information they’ve retained. 
     
  4. Interactive multimedia: Embrace multiple elements such as videos, animations, and knowledge cards. Cover all variations of learner preferences, to make complex information more digestible and memorable. Incorporating gamification elements, such as quizzes and rewards, further enhances engagement, achievements and information retention.

Embedding learning.

Beyond engagement, the true measure of effective compliance training lies in its ability to drive behavioural change. It’s not enough for employees to simply understand the rules – they must internalise them and apply them consistently in their roles.

Updating your approach to compliance training to focus on embedding learning means creating experiences that resonate with learners on a personal level. When employees see the relevance of compliance to their own work and understand how it contributes to the organisation’s success, they are more likely to embrace it willingly.

Lasting impact.

Compliance training doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By prioritising engagement, interactivity, and personalised learning experiences, organisations can transform compliance training into a catalyst for positive change. 

When employees are genuinely invested in their own learning and see the value in compliance, everyone benefits – from improved workplace safety to a more trustworthy and ethical company.

Want to make compliance training something to look forward to? Happy to chat: [email protected]