Corporate training has had a total revamp coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise of virtual sessions and a decrease in office footprints, large, sprawling training rooms have often been reduced to more intimate, focused spaces.
The way that we approach trainees has also had to adapt. A focus on workplace wellness has become prominent, zeroing in on participants’ well-being to increase productivity and efficiency. A holistic approach to space hinges on how we navigate those spaces to make them as productive as possible.
That starts with considering the needs of your trainees and how their space and instructors help them throughout their sessions.
Uncluttered, Flexible Furniture
Uncluttered doesn’t always mean boring. A modern design aesthetic is defined by clean lines and accents that don’t distract. Starting with furniture, seek solutions that are easy on the eyes and well-suited to your training style.
Flip Top Tables
When they’re in use, they’re the easiest option for setting up a layout tailored to your training session. These tables are usually on casters and can create any configuration, from a collaborative horseshoe to an attentive series of rows. The tabletop flips down when they’re not in use, and they will most likely nest. If your storage area is visible, these are the most discrete option.
Comfortable, Movable, Sleek Chairs
Your seating should match the flexibility of your tables. Even if you’re in a space with fixed seating, casters with locking legs are an excellent option to enable fidgety guests who’d like a little movement while satisfying people who prefer stationary seating. There are always options with the features you’re looking for (some chairs may stack for easy storage, some may feature breathable backs for added airflow, some may have arms, etc.), so keep your eyes open for the perfect choice.
Tech-Ready Instructor Tools
The options have expanded in recent years. Some emerging options include integrated power options, laptop stands, cable management, and built-in controls. There are even mobile solutions that still have the features you’re looking for, all in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many instructor’s stations have built-in storage for personal belongings, such as laptop bags, to keep the workstation clean.
Success in Smaller Spaces
A smaller population makes it easy to focus on trainees’ workstations as they relate to the topics. This reduction comes in two ways: smaller classes in larger rooms and smaller rooms themselves:
Same Space, Different Use
With fewer participants comes more personal space. Where it may have been more common to sit two to a table, there are new opportunities to seat trainees at more significant, more distanced seats. Enrich these larger workstations by adding clever storage, such as hooks for laptop cases or small drawers with commonly used supplies.
Smaller Rooms, Clever Solutions
A more petite footprint might have a little less real estate, but there’s always ample opportunity for innovative layouts. Make sure your furniture is flexible enough to be tailored to the number of participants, ensuring that the space doesn’t feel overly crowded.
Make the Most of Your Time
A prosperous training session takes a bit of thoughtful preparation. Account for the cadence and topics you’ll need to cover and make sure that everybody is well aware of what’s to come:
Provide an Outline
Time and structure are critical when there are a lot of topics to cover. Either ahead of the event or at the start of the session, give participants an itinerary for how their time will be spent. Even just a few simple details are great ways to ensure that nobody is blindsided or overwhelmed.
Work Within Time Constraints
If you’ve planned your itinerary ahead of time, this should focus on time management. Respecting the time you will spend in your training session benefits everybody involved. Ensure that your start and stop times are adhered to and don’t bleed into others’ schedules.
Set (and Meet) Expectations
While it all comes back to that itinerary, it’s essential to ensure that the start of your session communicates the following events. For example, if you’re planning on time for questions, give trainees a heads-up so that they can keep track of their thoughts. Remember that what you allow is what will continue, so make sure that everybody knows how to engage with the training session from the start.
Amenities and Time to Enjoy Them
Sometimes a few simple accommodations can make all the difference, especially during longer sessions. However, if there isn’t time to take advantage of them, it’s wasted time for whoever is setting up and a missed opportunity for attendees.
Beverage Stations
Who doesn’t love a cup of something tasty to get themselves ready to learn? Choose what works best for you, such as a coffee station, mini-fridge, electric kettle, or fresh juices for self-service. Disposable cups and single-serve options are best to keep things clean and hygienic. If you’re going above and beyond, a few simple snacks are an excellent complement.
Personal Storage
Whether it’s jackets, bags, laptop cases, or lunch bags, consider where your employees are coming from and what they might bring. Visiting trainees’ personal belongings add clutter and distractions to the training space and are best left in a secure, well-organized closet outside the training room.
In the end, the way we approach training and continuing education begin with the space itself. Particularly in how it relates to the people who will be spending their time within it. A well-working training room increases the efficacy of training sessions, benefitting the trainees, instructors, and their companies.
