Language can be an obstacle to optimum learning. Learning
needs are as unique as the learner is; age and culture make effective
instruction a huge challenge. In fact, these are among the many challenges
employers face when training new hires and experienced employees alike regarding
workplace safety.
The generation gap makes it all the more complicated.
Older employees are known to be resistant to change, while the younger ones
repel anything too conventional or canned, preferring creative and mentally
stimulating activities.
What trainers should understand is that different worker
generations have different sets of beliefs, work ethics and perception of
safety. Furthermore, each generation retains information differently. It is
important that these values and views be taken objectively, and differences be
understood well so effective communication can be established and
generation-appropriate training techniques can be applied.
In order to identify proper learning techniques,
employers should first recognize the generations comprising today's workforce.
•Baby Boomers
These are workers born from 1946 to 1964, and makes up
38% of all US workers, making them the largest population. Veterans as they are
called, these employees have been working even before OSHA and its guidelines
were established in the 1970s - making them a bit hesitant to undergo training.
These people are known for their dedication to improvement and persistence and
their ability to work well in a team.
• Generation X
Gen Xers were born from 1965 to 1975 and comprise 32% of
the working population. Their life goals seem to revolve around family and
finding the perfect balance between their career and family life. In general,
they are independent and take instructions well, especially if delivered
online. However, they also tend not to trust authority, thus making them also
resistant to work trainings.
• Generation Y
Also known as millennial, these are people born from 1976
onward to the new millennium, and are the smallest segment of the working
population (21%). Because of the technological advancements they have been
accustomed to, they can be impatient and quite dependent on technology and all
things instant, thus requiring more supervision than Baby Boomers or Gen Xers.
On the flip side, they are known to be excellent
multitask, brimming with ambition and creativity. They absorb information well
in a robust environment that requires them to actively participate in concise
discussions.
Training That Fits Individual Needs
Considering how unique these individuals are, safety
training programs should be carefully mapped out according to their specific
needs. Training programs should be flexible and interesting and instructors
should exercise creativity for better absorption of the topics at hand.
Consider these teaching must-do's for safety training.
• Seek the expertise of older
generations.
There is a wealth of insight and experience that Gen Y
professionals can learn from veterans and Gen Xers. When hiring new employees,
pair them up with their older counterparts for them to not only obtain more
information, but also to draw inspiration from the experience of veterans
• Utilize sophisticated
technologies.
With how far technology has come, it is now much easier
to transcend boundaries and access information on safety. Take advantage of the
power of the Web and other technology tools like mobile applications. You can
perhaps allow participants to download training guides into their mobile
devices for review at a later time.
• Develop safety training
programs that are engaging yet informative.
Be it hazardous materials training or a lecture on mining,
trainings are best maximized and absorbed by the audience when the content is
delivered in an engaging manner. Regardless of the generation they belong to,
participants learn best if the content is not too verbose and lengthy.
Keep presentations simple. Use interactive visuals.
Incorporate charts, statistics, diagrams and info graphics to maintain
interest. Encourage active discussion and interaction among participants.
Another helpful tip is to use demonstrations for a particular scenario then requires
a return demonstration from attendees. This does not only make the training
livelier, but also helps the trainer evaluate if the attendees indeed
understood lectures on safety practices/
Training can be an incredible challenge for employers,
moreso if participants belong to different generations. Consider the needs and
strengths of each worker when coming up with a safety training program, so you
can establish objectives and outcomes more efficiently. When it comes to
conducting specialized training like Onsite Spanish MSHA Training, you would be
better off hiring experienced companies that specialize in safety management
services like ETC Compliance Solutions. They have the tools, technologies and
the right people to train your employees effectively, regardless of their
generation.
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