Employees who are required to attend an educational training deserve a learning environment that will foster personal and team growth. If you are on the planning team, you can control a multitude of environmental factors before the big day arrives and help ensure success.
Here is a list of 10 questions you should ask yourself BEFORE bringing your team together:
1. Have I made sure the time of day/day of the week is inclusive?
- Is it appropriate across all shifts, including for overnight workers, if applicable? Is it mindful of afterwork childcare or second job obligations?
2. Have I made sure to pay hourly staff for their attendance?
- Am I giving comp time for salaried employees if the session goes beyond normal business hours?
3. Have I given sufficient notice to my team?
- At least two weeks notice should be given and in an effort to avoid surprises. Also, have I shared with my team the topic/purpose?
4. Have I collected RSVPs, confirmed a headcount and provided a sign in sheet on the day of?
- Was a reminder email sent/sign posted within 24 hours of the actual meeting? When you know who to expect you can start on time!
5. Have I created name tags and if applicable, made a seating chart based on the room configuration?
- This is a great best practice to foster communication amongst departments and separate cliques.
6. Have I considered the hunger of participants and communicated appropriate expectations?
- If the session is first thing in the morning, consider muffins, fruit and coffee. If the session is in the afternoon, consider soft pretzels and fruit infused water. And if you aren’t planning to serve anything, please be sure to share that as well so everyone can plan accordingly.
7. Have I blocked out my own schedule so I can stay for the session?
- Your presence is critical to achieve buy in and tells participants that their attendance really matters. Plus you’ll get to organically observe behavioral patterns (good and bad) of your team that may surprise you.
8. Have I secured a space that is large enough for my group?
- Bigger is usually better to allow for teamwork, activities and role plays, etc.
9. Have I considered any special accommodations in an effort to be inclusive?
- Does anyone on your team have a physical limitation and/or require learning support in order to participate at their fullest?
10. Have I tested the A/V in advance?
- Not only do you need to make sure you have the appropriate A/V set up (i.e.: connectivity, speakers, microphone, etc.), but you need to confirm it is operational before your team enters the room.