Conquering Online Training Stress: 6 Stressors and Tips to Get Employees in the Right State of Mind

Thomas Bril
L&D Specialist
Conquering Online Training Stress: 6 Stressors and Tips to Get Employees in the Right State of Mind

Imagine a world where employees are excited to tackle their online training, eager to learn, and fully prepared for the challenges ahead. This utopian vision may seem like a pipe dream, but it’s not as far-fetched as you might think. By addressing common online training stressors, Learning & Development professionals can help their employees enter the right state of mind and unlock their full learning potential. In this post, we’ll explore six online training stressors and share practical tips for overcoming them.

Stressor #1: Technical Difficulties

Nothing stops an eager learner in their tracks quite like a technical glitch. Whether it’s a slow loading video or a broken link, technical difficulties can derail an employee’s progress and motivation. To minimize these stressors, L&D professionals should:

  • Test all e-learning content and platforms thoroughly before implementation
  • Provide clear instructions and troubleshooting guides for common issues
  • Offer readily available tech support to assist with any unexpected problems

Stressor #2: Information Overload

It’s said that the human brain can only hold so much information at once. Bombarding employees with excessive amounts of content can lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult for them to retain and apply newfound knowledge. To prevent overload, L&D professionals can:

  • Break content into smaller, manageable chunks (microlearning)
  • Focus on the most essential information first
  • Encourage employees to take regular breaks to give their brains a chance to process the content

Stressor #3: Time Pressure

Employees often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines, making it difficult to set aside dedicated time for online training. As a result, they may rush through their learning or procrastinate until the last minute. To alleviate time pressure, L&D professionals should:

  • Set realistic expectations and deadlines for completing training
  • Encourage managers to allow employees to block off time for learning during work hours
  • Offer flexible training options that cater to different learning styles and schedules

Stressor #4: Lack of Social Interaction

Collaboration and peer support are key components of a successful learning experience. Online training can sometimes feel isolating, leading to disengagement and diminished motivation. To foster a sense of community and support, L&D professionals can:

  • Implement collaborative learning tools and platforms
  • Encourage employees to form study groups or discussion forums
  • Provide regular opportunities for employees to share their progress and insights with one another

Stressor #5: Fear of Failure

Failure is a natural part of the learning process, but it can also be a significant source of stress for employees. Adopting a growth mindset and providing constructive feedback can help employees view challenges as opportunities rather than threats. L&D professionals should:

  • Emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes
  • Offer personalized feedback and guidance to help employees improve
  • Create a supportive and non-judgmental learning environment

Enter Learnexus: Your Key to Overcoming Online Training Stressors

At Learnexus, we understand that addressing these online training stressors is crucial for creating a positive and effective learning experience for employees. As a freelancer marketplace for Learning & Development, we help companies quickly and easily find and hire expert L&D freelancers with the skills and experience needed to create engaging, stress-free online training solutions. Ready to unlock your employees’ full learning potential? Discover how Learnexus can save your organization time and money while eliminating procurement issues with a single master services agreement. Join the Learnexus revolution today.