Since the coronavirus pandemic, workforces around the globe have shifted to a remote or hybrid work environment. Given this new culture, employees have certain training needs they didn’t have before. 

Now, employers either develop their own remote employee training programs, or turn to third-party providers and consultants. While these training programs can be applicable to many organizations, remote-first employees should have more training on certain concepts.

Whether you currently have or want to create remote employee training courses, here are some important topics you should include:

1. Time management
2. Technology and tools
3. Cybersecurity
4. Communication
5. Diversity, equity, and inclusion
6. Collaboration
7. Team leadership
8. Stress management

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Time management 

The traditional work environment offers structure to an employee’s workday. Remote workers have less unexpected interruptions, so days can overlap. This can make it more difficult for employees to manage their time effectively. 

Remote employee training courses should discuss how to build effective habits, such as regular breaks. They could even offer employees specific guidelines on when to reach out to their team leader for support.

Educators should provide techniques for managing time, like to-do lists and time blocking. Materials can describe how to use technology and digital tools such as calendars and project management software for managing time efficiently. 

2. Technology and tools

Technology is everywhere, but remote workers rely on it for everything they do. Employees use a variety of platforms to perform day-to-day tasks, like using email or instant messaging for communication. 

It’s important to include topics related to specific tools that employees will be using so they can perform their job duties, which can vary by industry. However, all remote workers will be using communication tools and collaboration platforms. Try to find out what the organization is using to refine the remote employee training material. 

If that information is not available, cover popular tools in Microsoft 365 or Google Suite. Explain best practices for using video conferencing, email, and messaging. Consider training on project management tools as well, like Asana or Wrike. 

3. Cybersecurity

As technology advances, so does cybercrime. In fact, the global damage from cybercrime is predicted to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025. With the growing number of threats, it’s essential for remote employee training programs to address cybersecurity. 

Many employees practice poor security hygiene simply because they don’t understand the risks. Educators should focus on basic security best practices, such as password management and updating software regularly. Discuss social engineering tactics, like phishing, so employees can recognize common attacks.

Unlike in traditional work environments, remote workers are responsible for maintaining their own Wi-Fi networks. Incorporate information on how to secure home networks and protect devices. Remote employee training could also describe what a crisis response plan is and how to make one, plus how to identify a breach, assess damage, and prevent future incidents. 

4. Communication 

Communication is a crucial soft skill. In remote environments, it’s even more important since tones of voice are absent, misunderstandings are common, and norms of behavior are changing. Fortunately, remote employee training can help. 

Training courses can discuss how to use tools to communicate. In addition to written communication skills, talk about video conferencing with emphasis on active listening and non-verbal cues.

Communications training might be a good idea for young hires or those at their first remote job as they learn professional etiquette. For global businesses, this type of training may help communicate with partners abroad, so that they can respect cultural differences in communication as well.

5. Diversity, equity, and inclusion 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training is essential in any workplace. In a virtual environment, however, employees are more likely to encounter others from a variety of backgrounds.

There are lots of concepts within DEI, but remote employee training can start with fundamental basics with explanations on what diversity, equity, and inclusion are. Describe the importance of promoting DEI within the workplace and encourage all employees to start using inclusive language. 

Educators can also provide strategies on how to avoid bias with positive and negative examples. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate the organization’s DEI policies and outline steps to take in DEI-related conflicts. 

6. Collaboration

At first, collaboration in a remote environment can seem complicated. But thanks to the variety of digital tools and remote employee training, collaboration has never been easier. 

Collaboration training can expand on technology training by explaining effective uses of project management software. Educators can provide guidance on how to share work, ideas, and documents through cloud-based tools for real-time collaboration. 

Since remote employees can be all over the world, course material should touch on time zone considerations. Discuss plans for dispersed teams, including scheduling meetings and setting deadlines in different time zones. 

7. Team leadership 

Leadership training has been a high priority for many organizations. Now with remote work, there is additional training needed as leaders start or settle into their new working environment. 

Including the topics we’ve already discussed in your remote employee training material will help team leaders immensely. But there are some additional topics instructional designers should incorporate. 

Show how team leaders can set goals and expectations to manage team performance. Educators can also discuss team building exercises, conflict resolution, and additional communication skills. This type of training can have interactive course elements to help coach team leaders through difficult scenarios. 

8. Stress management 

As mentioned, working remotely can make days overlap and cause employees to overwork themselves. Too much of this can lead to burnout or stress, ultimately affecting productivity. 

A training course for stress management can prevent this. Remote employee training should focus on methods to manage stress, including meditation exercises, how to deescalate tense situations, and mental health awareness. To help employees decrease their chances of stress from their workload, these topics can also link back to time management.

Training for team leaders should cover signs of burnout and how to promote mental health in the workplace, like offering mental health days. In addition, training material could provide tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance for all employees. 

Support remote employees with new training courses

Instructional designers and employers should be mindful of training needs for remote workers. Start incorporating these eight skills to proactively support employees. Once you implement a remote employee training program, don’t forget to measure its effectiveness. 

If you haven’t created training courses yet, check out LearnDash LMS. As the leading learning management system for WordPress, it offers a variety of advanced features for course creators. You’ll have complete control to build an engaging course with a drag and drop builder, course creation wizard, and so much more. Try it yourself with the LearnDash demo.