Training Virtual Teams: 15 Tips & Techniques for Success

Jump to...

• What is virtual team training?
• Types of virtual training
• 7 techniques for training virtual teams
• 8 tips for effective virtual team training
• Cr‎eate effective virtual training materials with Scribe
• Th‎e importance of training virtual teams
• FAQs

With flexible or hybrid work on the rise, having a virtual team seems like the norm. However, managing virtual teams creates specific challenges for your business. You have to consider diverse personalities, cultural differences, time zones, and ways of working.

Virtual team training can help you create a productive hybrid work culture, ensuring your team is effective, productive and well-versed in your organizational culture.

This article will discuss techniques for training virtual teams, best practices and how you can implement these strategies in your organization.

TL;DR: Training virtual teams

• Virtual training is becoming the norm for organizations, offering cost-effective and reusable learning solutions.
• Virtual training improves efficiency by taking less time to complete compared to traditional classroom-based training.
• Different types of virtual training include video modules, web-based training and mobile e-learning, instructor-led training, and rapid learning.
• Tips for effective remote training include defining KPIs, creating engaging sessions, keeping employees accountable, adapting training to different learning styles, and generating knowledge-based training materials.

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Wh‎at is virtual team training?

Virtual team training is any training delivered to a team remotely using technology such as video conferencing, online learning platforms, or webinars.

Virtual team training helps teams overcome the challenges of working remotely, such as communication barriers, time zone disparities, and lack of in-person interaction. It can also help teams to learn new skills, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.

Ty‎pes of virtual training

There are a number of different ways to develop a virtual team training program. Here's a brief overview of some of the most common methods:

1. Live online workshops

Live online workshops are the most interactive and engaging type of virtual team training. They typically deliver real-time training using a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. During a live online workshop, the trainer can present training material and examples, lead discussions, and answer questions in real time.

2. Self-paced online courses

Self-paced online courses are a more flexible and affordable option for virtual team training. They allow team members to learn at their own pace and on their own time. Self-paced online courses can be delivered using a variety of platforms, such as learning management systems (LMSs), e-learning platforms and team training software.

3. Blended learning programs

Blended learning programs combine elements of both live online workshops and self-paced online courses. Blended learning examples typically include a mix of live online sessions, pre-recorded video tutorials, and other self-paced learning activities. Blended learning programs can be a good option for managing a growing virtual team because they offer the best of both worlds: the interactivity and engagement of live online workshops with the flexibility and affordability of self-paced online courses.

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4. Virtual coaching and mentoring

Virtual coaching and mentoring programs provide team members one-on-one or small group support from a qualified coach or mentor. This type of training is typically used to develop specific skills or to help team members overcome challenges.

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Top 7 te‎chniques for training virtual teams

Let's explore some techniques for managing remote teams and enhancing employee engagement and productivity.

1. Clear communication channels

One of the most critical aspects of training virtual teams is establishing clear communication channels for remote collaboration. Without face-to-face interaction, it's crucial to have reliable tools and platforms for team members to communicate effectively and overcome remote work communication challenges.

Video conferencing software, instant messaging platforms, and project management tools can help facilitate seamless communication and cross-departmental collaboration among team members.

2. Virtual team building activities

Building a sense of camaraderie and teamwork is essential for virtual teams. Virtual team-building activities can help create a positive remote onboarding experience, foster relationships and enhance employee engagement. These activities include virtual icebreakers, online games, or virtual team lunches.

Creating opportunities for team members to connect on a personal level strengthens virtual teamwork and improves overall productivity.

3. Training on remote work best practices

Remote work requires a different set of skills and practices compared to traditional office work.

Providing training on remote work best practices can help employees adapt to this new work environment and maximize their productivity. You can cover topics like:

• Time management.
• Setting boundaries.
• Maintaining work-life balance.
• How to use communication and collaboration tools effectively.

By equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge, you can ensure your remote & virtual teams thrive.

4. Regular check-ins and feedback

Regular check-ins and feedback sessions are crucial for virtual teams. Managers leading remote teams should schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss progress, address any challenges, and provide feedback.

These check-ins help keep employees engaged, provide an opportunity for clarification, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Team leaders should also encourage remote and hybrid teams to provide feedback to each other, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

5. Virtual training sessions

Virtual training sessions are an effective way to provide ongoing education and virtual team development.

Technology like virtual training software and training video software can make it easier to develop and deliver virtual training sessions.

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6. Create self-paced learning resources

The ideal virtual training program contains elements of both synchronous and asynchronous training. Once you run a training needs analysis, you'll be ready to create a tailored self-paced program.

Create a variety of self-paced training content to use to provide post-training support to your team, including:

• Step-by-step tutorials.
• How-to guides.
• Training manuals.
• SOPs.
• Process overviews.
• Checklists.
• Templates.
• Product knowledge training documents.

To create effective training documents, keep these 5 tips in mind:

1. Create microlearning modules: Break the activity down into small, manageable steps to make it easier to understand.
2. Provide clear instructions: Learners should know exactly what they need to do in order to complete the activity.
3. Use visuals to support the text. Images, diagrams and screenshots can explain concepts and procedures more clearly.
4. Provide examples and illustrations to help learners understand concepts and procedures.
5. Make sure your learning materials are well-organized and easy to follow.

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7. Recognition and rewards

Recognizing and rewarding virtual team members for their achievements is essential for maintaining high levels of engagement and motivation.

Managers should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their virtual teams regularly. This can be done through virtual team celebrations, public recognition, or even small tokens of appreciation.

By recognizing and rewarding their contributions, you can foster a positive work environment and encourage productivity.

8 ‎tips for effective virtual team training

Virtual team training can help teams improve their communication, collaboration, and performance, and it can also help to build trust and camaraderie among team members.

Here are 8 tips for effective virtual team training:

1. Set clear goals and objectives for the training. What do you want your team members to learn or be able to do by the end of the training?
2. Consider the learning styles and preferences of your team members. Some people may prefer live online workshops, while others may prefer self-paced online courses.
3. Choose a training method that is appropriate for your team and the topic being covered. For example, live online workshops are good for interactive and collaborative learning, while self-paced online courses are good for learning new skills at one's own pace.
4. Use a variety of training activities and resources. This will help to keep your team members engaged and learning.
5. Make sure the training is well-organized and easy to follow.
6. Provide opportunities for team members to practice what they are learning.
7. Encourage remote team collaboration through discussion groups, online forums, or group projects.
8. Get feedback from your team members on the training. This will help you to improve the training over time.

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‎Now that you have an overview of virtual team training, it's time to set up your own training. Simplify the process by letting Scribe do the work for you.

With Scribe, you can create training materials, step-by-step procedures, SOPs, and training manuals in seconds.

Simply turn on the extension and Scribe captures every interaction as you go through your process, auto-generating easy-to-follow visual step-by-step guides—saving you hours each week.

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You can share guides instantly as a PDF document, embed in wikis and your preferred platforms, or send directly with the URL link.

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Th‎e importance of training virtual teams

Virtual training is proving to be a fantastic alternative to traditional methods. According to LinkedIn, 90 percent of companies offer their employees some form of digital learning. Companies now organize more virtual workshops than ever because of the ongoing advancement of virtual training solutions and their increased usability. 

Why are organizations investing more in training in a virtual environment?

Cost-effective & reusable

Switching to e-learning methods means saving millions of dollars on training. Think that’s an exaggeration? IBM saved itself about $200 million by using technology-based distance learning for computer training, management development and new-product information for its sales force.

Moreover, once you make a video or virtual learning material, you can use it as many times as you want. As long as you follow the same techniques and workflows in the organization, you can just circulate the material as it’s still relevant.

🎓 Related resource: Top Sales Training Topics You Need to Know

Improves efficiency

A study from Brandon-Hall Group has shown that eLearning programs take around 40-60% less time to finish than comparable, classroom-based instructional courses. That means they have more time to invest in other work responsibilities.

Boosts engagement

Giving people the freedom to choose their training materials promotes trust-based learning culture. This lays the groundwork for higher employee engagement, motivation, and overall job satisfaction—and a successful virtual team.

Accessible from anywhere

Employees can easily access their training modules anytime and from any location. This means they can start training whenever they want. LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning report states 58 percent of employees prefer to learn or train at their own speed. They can also repeat sections of the material they’re struggling with.

Learning in a virtual environment allows participants to interact more. However, there’s not only one method you can go with. There are multiple virtual training modules to implement in your organization. Each can be tailored to your company and employee learning paths.

FA‎Qs

What are the 7 steps to make a strong virtual team?

Here are seven key steps to build a strong virtual team:

• Define clear goals and expectations.
• Establish effective communication channels.
• Promote trust and collaboration.
• Provide the right tools and technology.
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities.
• Encourage regular check-ins and feedback.
• Invest in team-building activities.

What team building activities can you do virtually?

There are several virtual team-building activities that can promote team bonding and engagement.

• "Two Truths and a Lie" game: team members share three statements about themselves, and the rest of the team guesses which one is false.
• "Virtual Scavenger Hunt": team members complete a list of tasks or find items within a specified time frame.
• Other virtual team-building activities include online trivia games, virtual escape rooms, and virtual happy hours.

How do you work effectively in a virtual team?

Working effectively in a virtual team requires effective communication, collaboration and time management skills.

• Establish clear communication channels and protocols such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software.
• Conduct regular check-ins and meetings to ensure alignment and updates on task progress.
• Foster trust and mutual respect among team members for effective collaboration.
• Encourage open and transparent communication, actively listen to others' ideas, and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure each team member understands their roles, responsibilities, and task deadlines.
• Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and effectively manage time to ensure timely project completion.

Conclusion

By implementing these techniques for training virtual teams, you can ensure your virtual teams thrive and achieve their goals in the remote work environment. Ready to create comprehensive virtual training materials in a matter of minutes? Sign up for Scribe today and get started!