Four reasons employers should offer distance learning training

Distance learning courses have become increasingly popular with both companies and individuals. The Higher Education Academy reported that employers favoured distance learning as a way of delivering career-related study.

Investing in staff training encourages distance learning courses is not only beneficial for employee development, it also delivers real, lasting benefits to a business. It can however cost a lot of money and time – luxuries many businesses cannot afford.

Let’s explore the benefits of distance learning and how this can offer a valuable solution to both employers and employees.

1. Enhanced level of flexibility

Time is an asset many businesses don’t have enough of and taking staff away from the office can be a struggle. Employers are hesitant, or sometimes reluctant, to allow their employees a few hours out of the office to attend training sessions. The distance learning model circumvents the need to attend classes at a set time every week; employees can fit learning around existing professional responsibilities and gain a new qualification.

2. Affordability factor

One barrier for employee training is often the financial cost; small business budgets mean that staff training is often the first thing to be cut. A very important advantage to distance learning is its cost-effectiveness; distance learning courses provide the same level of higher level learning opportunities as with larger companies, but at a fraction of the cost and with no travel costs or time.

3. Upskill your employees

Your employees are arguably your organisation’s most valuable asset. Training can improve business performance and profit by ensuring your staff are up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the business landscape. Distance learning programmes offer your employees the chance to develop their skills and knowledge, which gives them the tools to do their jobs to the best of their ability and therefore increases their contribution to the business.

4. Retain talented employees

Want your staff to stay? Make training a priority. Investing in staff training not only encourages employee engagement and motivation but it also creates a sense of loyalty to the organisation. Showing that you are willing to invest in your employees makes them feel valued – happy, focused workers tend to stay with their employers.

In-Company Training with Online Business School

Online Business School has developed in-company training courses which are mapped against OFQUAL RQF credits and provide access to top up university programmes. Companies can purchase access to the materials for their staff and the materials can be used as standalone CPD resources and can of course be supported by live training or mentoring. Read more here.