Digital Signage

Electronic billboards are an excellent example of digital signage. The messaging is bright and eye catching, and uses colorful graphics with few words to draw attention to the topic at hand. The messages change with regular frequency, keeping the information fresh for viewers. Even if the topic is not of interest, it is hard to look away and even harder not to watch as the messages move from image to image. The same is true for digital signage used in workplaces today. The content can be a simple PowerPoint or a more complex array of graphics and animation. Regardless, it is an engaging way to highlight an important topic, provide timelines, update the workforce, or display key company metrics in real time.

There are a number of strategies to consider with digital signage. Placement of monitors should be carefully thought through to ensure they are at points where most or all employees will have the chance to see them. A main hallway, cafeteria, or break room may be a preferable location. Content can consist of corporate messaging, worksite information, weather updates, human-interest topics, and anniversaries, and birthday announcements, just to mention a few ideas. Changing out the content on a regular basis and keeping a good mix of information is a best practice for the use of digital signage.

Coordinated Communications

Building an ecosystem around internal training is critically important to protecting your training investments. Adults are creatures of habit, and training alone does not ensure an impactful training program. “Sit and Get” training is evolving with the inclusion of 24/7 communication programs as a holistic training system in which training is complemented by contextually coordinated posters, huddle guides, digital signage content, and on-the-floor observations. This systematic approach encourages supervisor-employee interaction as the key resource for learning, accompanied by the use of print and digital media. In a recent beta test of several manufacturing companies, retention test scores rose an average of 5% when using a coordinated communications program in addition to traditional training.

There is no more powerful reinforcement post-training tool than an engaged, knowledgeable supervisor coaching his or her employees with huddle guides and on-the-floor observations, while using posters and digital signage as additional reinforcement touch points. Taking a training program to a training ecosystem is a smart move.

Advances in technology will continue to play a role in all facets of business. Keeping abreast of digital learning trends is important for training programs that are looking to evolve into training ecosystems. Don’t be afraid to try new things and evaluate the latest and greatest. It will keep programs fresh, learners interested, and provide the forward momentum needed to transition employee learning within your company from adequate to stellar.