compliance training for employees
compliance training for employees

Falling Leaves, Rising Standards: Keeping Compliance Training for Employees Fresh and Engaging

Elle Tsivka |

“Reframing compliance training as a net positive empowers your team and fosters a culture where compliance is a facilitator of innovation.” – Madeline Reigh, PMP, RIMS-CRMP, Director of Enterprise Risk Management at Mitratech

Compliance training is not a tick-box exercise — it’s a cornerstone of cultivating a respectful and legally sound workplace. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about fostering a workplace where ethical choices are understood and valued.

In a KnowBe4 State of Employee Compliance Training Report, nearly half of the respondents identified user engagement as the biggest challenge in delivering compliance training to their organizations. Luckily, there are many methods to keep compliance training for employees engaging, from creating a risk-aware culture to leveraging technology.

The Role of Engagement in Employee Compliance Training

According to a Harvard Business Review survey, 81% of respondents strongly agree that highly engaged employees perform better, highlighting the importance of engagement in reducing turnover and increasing loyalty. When employees are actively engaged, they better retain crucial information, understand ethical and regulatory requirements, and apply these principles in their daily tasks. This helps mitigate risks, avoid legal issues, and fosters a culture of integrity and accountability.

However, when employees find training boring or irrelevant, they are less likely to absorb crucial information, leading to non-compliance and potential legal issues. Insufficient training also results in underreporting of workplace issues, further exacerbating risks.

7 Key Strategies To Increase Employee Engagement with Compliance Training

Engaging employees in compliance training requires innovative approaches that capture their attention and maintain their interest. From incorporating interactive elements to scenario-based training, these strategies ensure training is not only effective but also captivating.

Develop Customizable E-Learning Modules

Customizable e-learning modules provide the flexibility to tailor content to specific organizational needs and employee roles. This personalized approach ensures that training remains relevant and engaging for all participants. Integrating various formats, such as foundation courses, microlearning sessions, and communication tools, keeps the learning experience dynamic and varied.

Utilize Scenario-Based Learning

By immersing employees in realistic scenarios, this method allows them to apply compliance principles in practical, meaningful ways. According to Ohio State University, some of the main benefits of scenario-based learning include:

  • Authentic Narratives and Situations: Uses real-life scenarios to frame key questions or problems.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Encourages analysis and decision-making in low-risk environments.
  • Flexible Time Commitment: Can vary from short tasks (5-10 minutes) to longer activities (30 minutes to an hour).
  • Increased Access and Inclusion: Suitable for diverse learning preferences and can be delivered asynchronously or synchronously, individually, or in groups.

Craft Culturally Conscious Content

Recognizing and respecting cultural differences ensures that training is effective and respectful, fostering a more inclusive workplace. This not only enhances engagement but also builds trust and cohesion within the team, making compliance training more impactful.

“Know your audience and tailor your training to be relevant. Be culturally conscious; a comment that might seem silly in one country could be offensive in another.”

Madeline Reigh
PMP, RIMS-CRMP, Director of ERM at Mitratech

Implement Gamification Methods

Gamification transforms compliance training into an engaging experience by incorporating elements like points, badges, and leaderboards. According to Forbes, 90% of sales directors reported a positive impact on sales and revenue from gamification. Imagine applying this powerful tool to compliance training: it could significantly boost participation, enhance knowledge retention, and foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Incorporate Interactive Elements

Another way to enhance employee engagement in compliance training is by incorporating interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and simulations. These activities encourage active participation, provide immediate feedback, and help employees apply the material in practical scenarios, leading to better retention and effective compliance practices.

Leverage Technology

Leveraging technology, specifically Learning Management Systems (LMS), enhances compliance training by providing customizable and user-friendly learning experiences. Looking ahead, the integration of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) technologies holds the potential to make compliance training even more immersive and engaging, transforming how employees interact with training content.

Create a Risk-Aware Culture

With a stronger, more risk-aware culture, organizations can ensure that compliance training is not just a mandatory task, but a vital part of the company’s ethos, promoting a safer and more compliant work environment. As Madeline Reigh, Mitratech’s Director of Enterprise Risk Management, aptly states,

“Compliance training starts from the top down. When leaders are involved, it helps everyone better understand the context and importance of the training, reinforcing its significance throughout the organization.”

To build a risk-aware culture, it’s crucial to encourage participation at all levels. Leaders should actively engage in the training, setting an example and demonstrating their commitment to compliance. This involvement helps employees see the value of the training and its impact on the organization.

The Future of Compliance Training for Employees

Keeping compliance training fresh and engaging is key to fostering a proactive and innovative workforce.

“When employees understand the benefits of compliance training and feel supported, they can more actively innovate without constant worry about regulations,”

concluded Madeline Reigh. By leveraging these seven strategies, organizations can take the next steps forward in enhancing overall compliance while also empowering their employees to reach their full potential.

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