Running a small business often means wearing multiple hats and juggling numerous responsibilities. One way to simplify and enhance your operations is by outsourcing your online training programs. This strategy not only saves time but also ensures that your employees receive high-quality training.
The Growing Importance of Training for Small Businesses
According to the 2023 Training Industry Report by Training Magazine, small companies (those with 100 to 999 employees) increased their average training budgets from $368,891 in 2022 to $459,177 in 2023. This significant increase highlights the growing recognition of training's importance among small businesses.
Small companies also spent an average of $1,420 per employee on training in 2023, compared to $1,396 per employee in 2022. This 1.7% increase demonstrates a continued commitment to employee development, even in challenging economic times.
To remain competitive, small businesses under 100 employees also need to invest in their people, to ensure skills, soft and job specific, remain current and strong.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Online Training
Before diving into the "how," let's understand why outsourcing online training is beneficial:
1. Expertise and Quality: Leverage the expertise of professional training providers.2. Cost Efficiency: More cost-effective than developing in-house training programs.
3. Scalability: Easily scale training programs up or down based on your needs.
4. Focus on Core Business: Free up internal resources for core business activities.
5. Access to Latest Trends: Benefit from the latest training trends and technologies.
A common guideline for training budget allocation is between 1% and 5% of an employee's annual salary. For example, if the average employee earns $50,000 annually, the training budget could range from $500 to $2,500 per year per employee.
Companies typically allocate between 2% and 5% of their total budget to training.
How to Streamline Your Operations with Outsourced Online Training
1. Reduce Administrative Burden
- Identify administrative tasks related to training (scheduling, tracking progress, managing logistics)
- Choose an outsourcing partner that offers comprehensive management of these tasks
- Reallocate internal resources to focus on strategic initiatives
2. Ensure Consistency and Compliance
- Review your current training standards and compliance requirements
- Work with your outsourcing partner to develop standardized training content
- Implement regular audits to ensure consistency across all training modules
3. Improve Employee Performance
- Assess your current skill gaps and performance issues
- Collaborate with your training provider to design targeted, engaging programs
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of training on employee performance
4. Speed Up Onboarding
- Analyze your current onboarding process and identify bottlenecks
- Work with your outsourcing partner to create a comprehensive, efficient onboarding program
- Implement a system to track new hire progress and gather feedback
5. Provide Flexibility and Accessibility
- Evaluate your employees' work environments and schedules
- Choose an online training platform that offers anytime, anywhere access
- Implement mobile learning options for maximum flexibility
Industry standards suggest that the average cost of training per employee is around $1,200 annually, but this should be adjusted based on each company's specific needs and industry benchmarks.
How Lone Armadillo Learning Can Help
At Lone Armadillo Learning, we offer cost-effective online training solutions designed specifically for small businesses. Our platform provides:
- A catalog of over 95,000 high-quality, professionally prepared courses
- Pre-curated learning paths for specific job roles, industries, soft skills, and manager training
- Customizable content to fit your company's specific needs
- User-friendly interface accessible on multiple devices
- Progress tracking tools for both employees and managers
- Regular updates to keep your training content current and relevant
With our extensive catalog and pre-curated paths, we can get your team up and running within days, not weeks. If you need custom content, our network of highly experienced instructional designers can prepare tailored materials to ensure your team is trained and ready to help your business succeed.
Remember
Implementing outsourced online training is not just about cutting costs – it's about creating a more efficient, productive, and skilled workforce. By partnering with the right provider, you can transform your training from a time-consuming task into a strategic asset that drives your business forward.
Companies typically allocate between 2% and 5% of their total budget to training. This investment in employee development can lead to significant returns in terms of productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business performance.
Take Action
Ready to streamline your business operations with outsourced online training? Explore our comprehensive training solutions and start optimizing your business processes today!
FAQ
1. How long does it typically take to implement an outsourced online training program?
While the industry standard is 6 weeks to several months, with Lone Armadillo Learning's pre-curated paths and extensive catalog, implementation can be as quick as a few days.
2. Can outsourced training be customized to fit my specific industry needs?
Yes, reputable training providers like Lone Armadillo Learning offer customization options to ensure the content is relevant to your industry.
3. How do I measure the ROI of outsourced online training?
Track metrics such as employee productivity, reduced error rates, improved customer satisfaction, and decreased turnover rates.
4. Is outsourced online training suitable for all types of businesses?
While beneficial for many, it's particularly valuable for small to medium-sized businesses looking to optimize their resources and improve efficiency.
5. How often should online training content be updated?
Training content should be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes in your industry or business practices.
