You’re probably wondering what Beyonce has to do with compliance training. I’ll get to that in a moment…
So it was the same story every year… I’d log on and get some form of communication – Your mandatory compliance training is due. Throughout the years the delivery would come in varied forms, from a PowerPoint slide deck uploaded to the learning management system cobbled together by the compliance team, through to eLearning modules (off-the-shelf, customised, scenario-based, gamified, videos – the lot). Year after year the topics never really changed – diversity, work, health and safety, information security, privacy.
Observing other’s attitudes and behaviours during this time was always interesting:
- ‘I completed it when I got the first notification!’
- ‘I wish the learning management system would stop sending me notifications!’
- ‘This video goes for ages – I’m gonna get a coffee’
- ‘I just keep clicking next until I get to the assessment’
- ‘I keep getting this question wrong – do you know the answer?’
- ‘Aren’t these the same questions as last year?’
- ‘I love compliance training.’ …said no-one ever.
You may have similar observations or hold the same views. I reflected on it, and for the most part, compliance training has all been a bit same-same. I know to evacuate when I hear woop woop. I know toasters with frayed cords next to sinks have the potential to cause harm and injure people. I know that I shouldn’t click on suspect links in my email to claim my Bunnings voucher. I know I shouldn’t respond to requests to wire a desperate old mate in Nigeria a wad of cash. I know I shouldn’t bully or discriminate against others. I know I need to adhere to the requirements of numerous policies, procedures, acts and legislation… and the list goes on…
Yet here we are once again selecting the option where Sally from Accounts bends her knees to lift a heavy box of paper, rather than her back.
Sally from Accounts carrying a heavy box… look at those heels.
Ok compliance training, let’s get in formation
When it comes to compliance training… we believe that it doesn’t need to be boring, repetitive and time consuming. Why make it the Michelle of Destiny’s Child, when it can be Beyonce? #poormichelle
YASS KWEEN. Slay that compliance training.
We worked with a client recently who managed to ‘Beyonce’ their compliance training. Let’s look at how they made their compliance training to be a sweet dream from a beautiful nightmare. How it woke up like this and became flawless. How their employees liked it that they put a ring on it. I’ll stop now. …#serfbort.
Here are the key call outs from their experience:
Human centred design
Human Centred Design takes on a creative approach to problem solving by first starting with the people for whom you’re solving the problem. The approach empathises with them, uncovers their needs, and then comes up with innovative solutions.
Learning objectives
Map out learning objectives aligned to what learners should be able to do and tailor the overall content accordingly. Then ensure assessment questions align with content and demonstrate competency.
Completing assessments first
Flip the script and let employees complete the assessment first – something that’s often spoken about in the learning community but executed by few. This approach acknowledges employees’ existing knowledge – especially given compliance training generally covers the same content each year.
Giving people options
If learners aren’t aware of the content, they have options to explore the content on their own terms to learn more.
Structuring assessments
Develop assessments that aren’t there to catch people out or confuse them using double negatives. Point learners to the resources where they can find the answers if they answer a question incorrectly.
Content curation
Why reinvent the wheel when content already exists? Curate existing content like intranet pages, policies and procedures.
Sharing stories
Compliance training is known to be dry at times. Use employees and get them to share their own stories and personal experiences on the subject to bring it to life.
Blended learning
Veer away from traditional eLearning modules and consider using a range of formats like interactive video, interviews and micro learning. Include conversation starter questions to signal it’s okay to learn from others and compliance training doesn’t live in a bubble.
Results
- An annual spend of 56,000 hours on compliance training is on track to be reduced by 50%
- Significant reduction in completion time
- Increased engagement with compliance training
- Improved perception of compliance training
- Eleven compliance modules reduced to seven
What did people say?
“I can’t say enough times how much I LOVE the new program”
“So much better, well done”
“Just did one, so much better, well done to those responsible”
“Sensational resource page that caters to all learning styles with flexibility to return and use as an effective resource centre for knowledge and upskilling capabilities”