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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Four ways voice technology can transform workplace learning

As organisations continue to adapt – and embrace – digital development tools to upskill employees, the demand for more in-house education is growing at an accelerated rate.

Whether video webinars, or web-based resources – such as e-books, white papers and downloadable guides – modern-day businesses are looking for more ways to enhance their teams, alongside formal, online qualifications.

And, as internal demand for learning on the job increases, training has to evolve at a rapid pace too – to develop their employees so they remain engaged and loyal to the firm.

But how can voice technology specifically play its part in transforming skillsets within the workplace? And, how can it be used to retain and empower teams to drive the company forward?

Provide ways to multi-task

There are so many duties workers have to think about in order to complete individual tasks – from compiling reports and promoting products and services, to scheduling social media posts and holding meetings across all corners of the globe with clients, customers and colleagues. The same can be said for their learning – employees might often want to access a number of ways to develop on the job, yet still remain productive.

This is where listening to audio – such as voice messages, podcasts or flash briefings – can help. Such a platform gives colleagues the chance to digest information in a different way, and allows teams to log-on and get the details at any time – while not letting – their working days suffer.

Offer efficiency and simplicity

People talk four times faster than they type, so an audible form of communication can save crucial hours in a firm. It can alleviate travel time to a venue for an evening class, or even be used in place of a potentially time-consuming, face-to-face meeting.

With the speed it takes to leave a voice note too, it’s a simple way of connecting employees so they can access internal resources, workplace updates, or reminder alerts about the training – or project – to be completed.

A personable experience

A great way to interact and keep employees engaged, audio allows a personality to come through with the intended tone – which can’t often be managed via an email or text.

It provides a perfect opportunity for mentors or company leaders to tailor messaging too. Whether using it for instant tips and advice or leaving motivational messages to encourage learners, it helps to keep them engaged in their personal development.

And, for organisations, a personable piece of information allows prospects and customers to get a real feel for the business – often setting it apart from competitors. There’s also another artificial intelligence function to tailor communications called sentiment analysis – which allows peers and managers to gain insights into the emotions a message evokes, so they can better understand it.

Accessibility

With the capabilities of connecting people from absolutely anywhere on a number of devices, audio learning can be utilised by all – and via any form, such as webinars or video clips. Further advantages of audio platforms are that they allow for notes to be accompanied by text-based services – such as live transcription – to provide inclusive options for staff and clients too. Also, the power of a well-transcribed message means employees can access the key information clearly and succinctly, in order to deliver the intended outcome correctly.

For brands to consider voice to upskill a workforce, there needs to be effective research undertaken to determine each individual’s educational needs. For example, do companies want to engage staff in webinars? Are work update messages more important? Could it be used to work towards qualifications? Maybe it’s a combination of all the above, but firms need to have their end-goals clear from the start.

To roll out an effective audio-based form of training, firms should look at the variety of tools on offer – and see what the best fit is. Voice technology can offer organisations and employees a completely new way of communicating internal messages, while also improving their own skillsets through learning – which can ultimately impact positively upon overall business growth.

Sean Gilligan – founder of eLearning training provider Webanywhere – is CEO/founder of VoiceFirst start up Sound Branch