Internal onboarding and e-learning training – advantages and disadvantages

Introduction

The introduction of new employees to a company and their further training are key elements affecting the efficiency, commitment and retention of the team. In the digital age, more and more organizations are choosing to implement internal onboarding and training via e-learning platforms. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, which are worth considering before deciding to implement them.

What is internal onboarding?

Internal onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee to an organization’s structure, conducted by its own employees, mentors or team leaders. The purpose of onboarding is to speed up adaptation, increase efficiency and reduce the risk of the employee leaving quickly.

Advantages of internal onboarding

• Alignment with the specifics of the company – it enables the transfer of values, mission and organizational culture, which helps the new employee better understand his or her role in the organization.
• Relationship building – new employees have the opportunity to establish direct contacts with the team, which facilitates integration and fosters future cooperation.
• Flexibility – the program can be tailored to the individual needs of the employee and the characteristics of the position.
• Better emotional support – the presence of mentors and co-workers makes it easier to overcome the stress of a new job.
• Faster adaptation to the team – thanks to face-to-face interactions, the new employee gets used to the company’s work methods and rules faster.

Disadvantages of internal onboarding

• Burden on the team – experienced staff spending time on onboarding may be less available to carry out daily duties.
• Lack of standardization – differences in the style and quality of knowledge transfer can lead to inconsistent implementation results.
• Limited resources – smaller organizations may not have sufficient materials or infrastructure to conduct a full onboarding.
• Risk of information overload – too much information delivered in a short period of time can result in confusion for new employees.

What are e-learning trainings?

E-learning training is a form of learning delivered via digital platforms, allowing knowledge to be acquired anytime and anywhere.

Advantages of e-learning training

• Time and place flexibility – employees can adjust the pace and place of learning to their preferences, making it easier to reconcile training with other duties.
• Cost savings – not having to rent rooms, print materials or organize travel translates into lower costs.
• Uniformity of message – all participants use the same materials, which guarantees consistency of knowledge within the organization.
• Access to experts – platforms allow participation of specialists in various fields, even remotely. For example, an English teacher can prepare dedicated modules on technical terminology used in the company.
• Possibility of repeating material – participants can revisit selected content many times, which is especially helpful at the beginning of work, when not everyone is comfortable with asking questions.
• Automation of the training process – e-learning systems offer the ability to track progress and generate reports, which supports knowledge management in the organization.

Disadvantages of e-learning training

• Lack of face-to-face interaction – limited communication with the trainer and other participants can make it difficult to share experiences.
• Self-discipline required – e-learning requires participants to be more motivated and well organized in terms of time, although properly designed knowledge tests can increase learning efficiency.
• Technical problems – equipment malfunctions or lack of internet access can prevent participation in training.
• Limitations of practical skills training – not all topics are suitable for online learning, especially those requiring hands-on exercises, although opinions are divided on this point.
• Lack of immediate feedback – participants may find it difficult to get clarification or answers to questions quickly.

Which solution is best for the company?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution – the choice between in-house onboarding and e-learning training should depend on the organization’s goals, available resources and the specifics of the business. More and more companies are opting for a hybrid solution.

The hybrid model involves conducting part of the onboarding in an in-house or mentoring format, and the rest through e-learning platforms. This approach combines the advantages of both methods, increasing the efficiency and comfort of knowledge acquisition.

Summary

Both internal onboarding and e-learning have their strengths and limitations. The key to success is to put them together properly and tailor them to the specific needs of the company. A hybrid approach, combining traditional methods with modern technologies, can be an effective tool in the onboarding process and further development of employees.