Corporate Training in the Hybrid Workplace: Best Practices for Engagement

While there has been some pushback against hybrid and remote, the former is still rising in popularity. As of 2024, 27% of workers work from home and in-office — up from 26% in 2023.

Combining in-office and remote work offers flexibility and efficiency. It can also help companies save on property. However, this working arrangement presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to corporate training. 

Corporate training is pivotal in equipping employees with the skills they need to succeed, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and driving organizational growth. The benefits of corporate training are extensive, including boosting productivity, enhancing employee satisfaction, and improving retention rates. However, it can be challenging to train employees when they’re off-site, as they can’t participate as easily with those in the office.

In hybrid working environments, traditional approaches to training need to be reimagined to create inclusive, interactive, and effective learning experiences.

This article will dive into actionable strategies to maximize employee engagement during corporate training sessions in hybrid work environments. We’ll cover integrating virtual training tools, fostering inclusivity, and incorporating social learning to unite remote and in-office employees effectively during training.

Best Practices for Training Remote and In-Office Employees

The hybrid work environment is a unique landscape for training simply because you have learners in different places with different tech setups. For training in this setting to be successful, you’ll need to find a balance between digital tools and human connection. The best practices below will get you started: 

Use Virtual Training Tools

When you can’t bring people together in person for training, the next best thing is to bring them together in the online world through virtual instructor-led training. A platform that allows for real-time interaction, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex, can bridge the gap between remote and in-office learners, creating a cohesive learning experience.  

But how do you keep remote learners engaged? Staring at a computer screen is different from in-person engagement during a class or training. Here are a few ways you can get trainees interested:

• Quizzes: Get trainees actively involved by asking questions and providing rewards for correct answers.
• Breakouts: Small discussion groups ensure everyone has a voice, fostering collaboration and participation.
• Competitions: Rivalry is one of the most effective ways to motivate people, and it’s no different in corporate training. Divvy trainees into teams and add a point system to get them focused on the curriculum. 

Remember: get creative. When training is just a PowerPoint, it can be hard to pay attention, whether you’re at home or in the office. 

Foster Inclusivity in Training Sessions

One of the biggest challenges in hybrid training is ensuring that remote participants feel as valued and involved as their in-office counterparts. Cultivating inclusivity in training sessions can bridge this gap and ensure learners who aren’t in the office get the same excellent training experience.

Pairing remote and in-office learners for group training sessions encourages collaboration and builds relationships. Mixed teams foster diverse perspectives and ensure remote participants have equal opportunities to participate in discussions and activities.

Consistent and transparent communication is equally crucial. Trainers should establish an environment of open dialogue where all participants feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions. Simple practices like calling on remote learners during discussions or using chat features for input can ensure everyone feels heard. Learners are then equipped to carry this mindset into their daily work, creating a company culture where questions are welcomed. 

Support Social Learning and Feedback Mechanisms

Want to really enhance the impact of corporate training in the hybrid workplace? Implement social learning and feedback loops. They’re the catalyst for consistent engagement, collaboration, and improvement — all critical for successful training. 

What Is Social Learning in a Hybrid Environment?

Social learning is the process of learning through observation, collaboration, and interaction with peers. 

In hybrid environments, social learning can be supported by virtual platforms that both sets of learners can use to their advantage. For instance, you can create virtual communities or discussion forums on platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or specialized learning management systems (LMS) like Intellum that incorporate social learning elements. These spaces enable learners to share knowledge, ask questions, and discuss training topics beyond formal or synchronous sessions, supporting and deepening connections between hybrid workers.

Feedback and Iteration

No matter how you conduct your training, you need to get feedback about its impact. Feedback is essential to understanding the effectiveness of training sessions and making necessary improvements. Regularly seeking input from learners can help you identify gaps, address concerns, and enhance engagement.

Using tools like surveys, anonymous feedback forms, or post-session polls ensures that all learners—remote or in-office—can voice their opinions comfortably. For example, tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can collect structured feedback, while real-time polls during sessions provide immediate insights.

Collecting and acting on training feedback is equally important. Learners may be hesitant to share feedback because they think they’ll be treated differently or, worse, that their feedback won’t be taken seriously. Trainers must welcome feedback through surveys and one-on-one sessions and make learners feel comfortable sharing it. 

Review the input, identify trends, and iterate on training methods to ensure continuous improvement. A feedback loop where learners see their suggestions implemented fosters trust and demonstrates that their opinions are valued.

Follow Best Practices, Get the Best Results

Engaging learners during corporate training in hybrid work environments requires a thoughtful approach that leverages technology, fosters inclusivity, and embraces collaboration. 

By integrating virtual training tools, creating inclusive training sessions, and incorporating social learning and feedback mechanisms, you can create impactful learning experiences that resonate with everyone on your team.

Corporate training is about skill-building and fostering a culture of growth and connection. As HR leaders, corporate trainers, and learning and development professionals, evaluating your current training methods and implementing these best practices can significantly enhance engagement during training and drive organizational success.

Now is the time to reimagine your corporate training strategies. The benefits — greater employee satisfaction, improved performance, and a stronger sense of community — are well worth the effort.