Imagine a world where employees are excited to return to work, armed with newfound knowledge and skills, as the COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out. This is the world we can create by leveraging virtual learning to manage employee expectations in a post-pandemic era.

As we move forward, it’s crucial that companies adapt and evolve their learning and development strategies to match the new normal. In this blog, we’ll explore how virtual learning can help manage employee expectations, and ultimately, drive success as restrictions lift and we emerge into the next phase of the recovery.

1. Communicate Clearly and Frequently

As employees may have concerns about returning to work, it’s crucial to provide clear and consistent communication, bolstered by virtual learning experiences. By offering transparent information and addressing concerns, you can create a culture of trust and support. One L&D professional from a Fortune 500 company said, “We implemented a series of virtual town hall meetings to keep employees informed on new safety protocols and address any questions they had.”

2. Reinforce Health and Safety Protocols

Virtual learning platforms can be used to deliver safety training and courses to ensure employees fully understand and comply with new protocols. An organized and comprehensive safety training program will not only protect employees, but also demonstrate the company’s commitment to their well-being. A Learning and Development Manager shared, “We created several e-learning modules and simulations to help employees understand the new safety measures and what to expect when they returned to the office.”

3. Support Personal and Professional Development

Employees have different learning needs based on their roles and industries. By providing targeted virtual learning opportunities, you can help employees stay engaged, improve their skills, and feel valued. For example, consider offering courses in remote work best practices, diversity and inclusion, or industry-specific knowledge. One L&D expert said, “We saw a significant increase in engagement and satisfaction when we offered personalized learning paths for our employees.”

4. Foster Collaboration and Teamwork

As employees return to work or continue to work remotely, it’s essential to promote collaboration and teamwork through virtual learning. Encourage employees to share their knowledge and experiences, and provide opportunities for team-based projects and activities. An L&D professional explained, “We found that virtual learning platforms allowed our global teams to collaborate more effectively than ever before.”

5. Embrace Learnexus for all Your Learning & Development Needs

Learnexus offers a freelancer marketplace that connects companies with highly skilled L&D professionals. With a 47% cost saving and a single master services agreement, Learnexus makes it easy to find and hire the best talent for your organization’s learning needs. Whether you require expertise in remote work training, diversity and inclusion, or industry-specific knowledge, Learnexus has you covered.