Human resources plays a critical role in nearly every company, essential or not. As 2020 continues to undergo massive changes in the way business is done, HR professionals need to be on top of their game.

Your HR department is the sector responsible for ensuring employees are well equipped to do their jobs well and are your eyes and ears when you’re involved in higher level work. Here are several key HR training trends for 2020 that you can expect to see more of as the year continues.

1. Microlearning

Simply defined, microlearning is any learning or development activity that occurs on a smaller level than traditional L&D. For example, instead of heading back to a conference room for a half-day of training, imagine an employee watching a ten-minute video before starting their workday.

Microlearning has the potential to revolutionize the way learning and development takes place, particularly within the human resources industry. Watch for microlearning practices to be adopted by more businesses in 2020. Because microlearning is so effective at creating memory retention in employees, expect this trend to continue rising into 2021 and beyond.

2. Visual Storytelling with Video  

Visual storytelling -- often done via the use of video -- is a highly effective tool for training your human resources professionals (and anyone else for that matter). Storytelling helps employees engage in why they need to have a certain skill, which makes the development of said skill easier and less abstract.

Out of 1,800 working professionals surveyed by Wainhouse Research (WR), the large majority of employees suggested that video learning was a highly effective training resource. 90% of professionals questioned reported that on-demand and live video makes it easier for businesses to communicate important details and need-to-know information in a way that is easy for employees to digest and internalize.

3. Gamification

Gamification is defined as taking an activity that isn’t ordinarily “gamified” and making changes to it that create a more “game-like” experience. For example, a simple way to gamify HR training courses is to assign points to completed courses.

4. Incentives for Training

Along with gamification comes training incentives. What good is “earning points” when you have nothing to do with them? This year, we’ll see more HR professionals offering their staff members small but motivating incentives, like paid time off or lunch ordered in when they complete predefined training goals.

5. Soft Skills Training 

Soft skills, once known as “people skills,” are a group of behavioral skills that are exceptionally important for human resources professionals. Soft skills include natural personality traits and attitudes that are inherent for some individuals, as well as skills that can be developed like social and emotional intelligence.

Expect HR training courses to include robust information on soft skills and how they can be strengthened during work as a human resources representative.

Why Choose Human Resources Training Programs for 2020?

During this time of uncertainty for businesses across the globe, your company may be wondering if it’s a wise investment of critical funds to invest in HR training this year. However, HR professionals are critical in nearly every aspect of essential business, from healthcare to food service to hospitality.

Virtual learning and development for human resources professionals has grown exponentially in the last few years and will continue to do so. With the abrupt changes that early 2020 has brought, you can expect companies to dive right into online learning initiatives with less hesitation than in years prior.

Your HR staff plays a significant role in the success of your company, and you simply can’t afford mistakes caused by untrained or inadequately trained human resources professionals. Engaging, flexible HR training programs can help you meet the needs of your company and your staff affordably, in minimal time, and with maximum efficacy.

HR Training When You Need It with Business Watch Network’s On-Demand Human Resources Training Webinars 

Don’t be one of the last companies to understand the importance of robust training this year as businesses undergo massive changes in a very short amount of time. Keep abreast of top HR news and trends with training modules available 24/7/365 from Business Watch Network.

Help your HR staff engage in easy, fun eLearning and develop incentives that encourage them to learn and employ their new skills in a meaningful way in the workplace. Ready to get started? Register now.