Training an employee is a positive long-term investment for a company. As such, it requires time and money. However, training is only seen as an “investment” if it is effective. If the results do not improve and the objectives are not reached, it becomes an “expense” for the employer. How can you train your employees better? How can you be sure that the program you choose is suitable for both your employees and your company? We have selected 3 tips to help you. They are mainly based on the education system in Finland.

Understanding the factors behind the success of the Finnish education system

The education system in Finland is among the best according to studies conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The success of this system can easily be proven by the academic growth and success of students. So can we take a few methods and apply them in the training of our employees? Let’s first try to understand how they were able to achieve such success.

• Student autonomy and freedom:

Compared to children studying in a Canadian system, those in Finland live in a more relaxed atmosphere. In fact, they receive very little homework to do, in order to give them more time to focus on other activities such as sports. According to a 2004 comparative study, for example, the annual number of hours of compulsory education for 7 to 8 year-olds in Finland is 530 hours, while in Quebec it is 846 hours. In an effort to reduce pressure, Finnish elementary school children are not tested.

• Teacher training:

Teachers are well selected since the system pushes parents to trust them completely. So they must have passed five years of higher education.

• The concept of equality and equity:

The country works to provide a similar education to students, without limits of social background. In Canada, for example, we see a large number of private schools, which inevitably leads to inequality in favor of the more affluent. In contrast, there are very few private schools in Finland! As a result, we often see the children of executives sitting with the children of workers. Also, the meal as well as the medical care offered is the same for all.

An education based on autonomy

Among the sources of success of the Finnish educational system, according to the teacher in Finland Pasi Sahlberg, autonomy is among the most important. On the one hand, students are given the opportunity to develop their ideas and arouse their curiosity so that they themselves understand the value of the curriculum. On the other hand, teachers also benefit from this autonomy. For example, they are free to choose their teaching methods and materials. Also, they are less subject to national controls and inspections. It is therefore up to the teachers to find out from their own experience how to help the students and improve the program they offer. In the context of vocational training, entrepreneurs find it preferable to rely on the autonomy of professionals. Thanks to digitalization, this is possible! For example, there is less reliance on face-to-face training, since e-learning exists! This is the case, for example, with Global Formation, a company that offers e-learning through the use of an application called PAELO. The latter allows employees to access training at any time. On the other hand, the employer, as administrator, can check the progress of his employees. This method also offers the opportunity for professionals to do more research and show more interest in the job. Autonomy could encourage them to identify themselves what they can bring to the company and to the customers. Professionals will also be more motivated as they feel they are given more confidence and less control.

Social equality and equity as a source of success for all

School in Finland, thanks to state funding, is free! This means that children, regardless of their social background, have access to the same education. Some classes even receive free school supplies and materials. Also, in order to increase the success rate, there is often a policy of assistance and support in these schools. This is mainly to help students understand the problems they are facing. Universities are also free of charge and students benefit from considerable social protection. Can we borrow this principle for employee training? Why not? Of course, training usually requires an investment, so the free aspect is not necessarily there. Nevertheless, offering similar training to employees without discrimination is possible! To do so, a company, while remaining strategic, can offer equal training to employees, regardless of their gender, cultural origin or level of education. More and more today, companies have adapted to make their employees grow within their organization and this is what Global Formation is able to do, bring individuals with difficulties to reach realistic and measurable goals thanks to the PAELO LMS platform. By growing employee motivation, we grow the entire company.

The choice of the trainer for the company

If you decide to entrust the training of your employees to an external company, it is important to choose the trainer well. The trainer will accompany you in establishing the important courses and exercises required for the training. As an expert and competent trainer, all you have to do is explain your objectives and expectations to the trainer so that he or she can offer you the right programs. In addition to being qualified, teachers in Finland are flexible and accessible. This makes it easier for students to approach them, ask questions and seek advice. Some students even get on a first-name basis with their teachers! To ensure that your employees understand the courses or to understand the sources of anomalies in their work, opt for a qualified trainer. This is the case with Global Formation. The team that makes up this company offers your employees e-learning tailored to your objectives. Listening to your need, the trainer interacts with your employees to better understand the difficulties they encounter or misunderstood notions. Being familiar with the field and the equipment used in the industry, Global Formation is in a better position to accompany your employees. We also have tools such as the PAELO interactive learning booklet to offer them a more flexible training. If you want to learn more about the PAELO app here’s a little explanatory video to guide you. With the online training and the PAELO app, in fact, your employees can take the program remotely from home or within the company depending on your need and their availability.