
Remote and hybrid work isn’t just a powerful new disruptor; it’s the future of work.
Now that hybrid work is here to stay, the stakes are much higher for learning and development. According to a 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 89% of L&D professionals agree that proactively developing employee skills can help companies navigate the evolving future of work.
So, how do you train employees in a hybrid workplace? Hybrid learning enables you to design effective training programs that cater to both remote and in-office employees.
The hybrid learning model is flexible and accommodates different learning styles and work schedules. Implementing this learning model can help increase productivity, boost employee retention and drive business success.
In this practical guide, we’ll show you how to implement hybrid learning in your employee training program.
Let’s get to it.
Hybrid learning is an educational model where training is delivered both in-person and online.
Trainers lecture both physical and virtual learners simultaneously using video conferencing, content authoring and learning management systems. Another variation of hybrid learning is where trainers may deliver lessons from a remote location to learners in a classroom or online.
The hybrid learning model includes face-to-face, synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous elements.
Hybrid learning and blended learning are two similar learning approaches that combine the best of both worlds—traditional classroom instruction and online learning.
However, there are some critical differences between both of them.
With blended learning, facilitators combine in-person learning with online learning. This means that students still attend classes in person. In addition, they have access to online materials, such as videos, readings and quizzes, that they can complete outside of class.
Hybrid learning, on the other hand, gives students the option to choose whether to attend classes in person or participate online. Students can switch between attending classes in person and watching lectures online, depending on their preferences and schedules.
The beauty of the learning model is that it offers the flexibility of online learning while still maintaining the structure and social interaction of traditional classroom settings.
The hybrid learning model has gained popularity due to its ability to accommodate diverse learning styles, schedules and needs. Effective hybrid learning models require a balance between the face-to-face and online components. Students on both ends are able to interact with each other and the instructor in meaningful ways.
However, there are also some challenges associated with hybrid work, such as
To overcome these challenges, organizations must invest in a robust hybrid work and learning culture. Employees should be equippped with the necessary tools and support to thrive in this environment.
This includes
By blending in-person and online learning elements, hybrid models can enhance the overall learning experience and promote better student outcomes.
Planning a hybrid course requires careful consideration of several factors, including the choice of technology, pacing, assessment and student engagement strategies.
Here are four different models for structuring hybrid learning in your organization
Hybrid learning allows students to choose their preferred learning method—online or in person. Let’s look at two different scenarios of hybrid learning in organizations using the elements we highlighted earlier.
Let’s say your corporate training aims to enhance employees' communication skills, product knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Here’s what your content delivery for a hybrid learning model will look like:
Asynchronous Online Mode:
The hybrid model doesn’t just apply to content delivery. During discussion or brainstorming sessions, virtual and physical learners have different experiences.
Hybrid learning involves serving multiple groups of learners, often at the same time, in various places. Managing the entire process can be daunting, especially with limited resources.
In this section, we will break down the process. By following these steps, you can level up your company’s hybrid learning process.
Shifting to hybrid mode spurs new ways of working and learning. Also, hybrid learning comes with its own dose of challenges. So, it’s essential to reassess your company’s training goals to ensure they align with the new learning approach.
For example, employees may require soft skills to effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks and maintain productivity while juggling work and online courses.
Your training goals should be updated to address these changes.
Here’s why it’s important to revisit your training goals
Need help setting hybrid training goals? Read this in-depth article on How to create SMART training goals to improve Your employees’s training & development. We’ve also curated a list of 17 goal-setting worksheets and interactive worksheets to get you started.
Now that your goals are set, the next step is to assess your company's current training landscape.
Next, drill into your employee training data to assess whether they have the skills to reach those goals or whether gaps exist.
One way to identify skills gaps is by conducting a training need analysis. Review job descriptions, discuss with subject matter experts and analyze current performance data to get information.
Another approach is to conduct surveys, interview and evaluate employees' job performance. In your survey, you can ask employees to rate their depth of knowledge in certain areas and what's lacking.
To make your training effective and relevant, make this process regular. Use this template to conduct a complete training needs assessment.
Do you have what it takes to support hybrid learning? Do you need to upgrade existing infrastructure? Or is there any need to purchase new infrastructure, such as classrooms and equipment?
Assess your current infrastructure and list what you need to start or pivot to hybrid learning.
The next step is to select platforms that support both online and offline learning. Some of the tools you’ll need include:
When making your choice, go for tools that are robust and scalable. Also, make sure the platform is easy to use and intuitive for trainers and learners.
When developing a curriculum, you have to take learning methods into account.
Design a curriculum that combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning components at the same time.
When choosing topics, class activities, assessments and discussion ideas, ensure the online and in-person components offer similar learning experiences.
For example, let’s say you’re showing employees how to follow a procedure. Here’s what your setup may look like:
What if it’s a brainstorming or discussion session? Online learners will utilize online whiteboards, chat rooms and breakout rooms to share ideas. In-class learners will split into groups to have discussions and then record their ideas on virtual or physical whiteboards.
Another key factor you need to consider is your delivery method. Be sure to use delivery methods that are most appropriate for each topic. Here are popular delivery methods for employee training:
How do you decide which method to use? Always consider your learning outcomes and the method that will enable learners to best achieve them.
When it comes to creating curriculum and course content, Visme is your best bet. Visme offers an all-in-one content authoring tool to help you streamline your training and development efforts.
You can easily create engaging training materials like presentations, documents, infographics, videos, manuals, certifications, quizzes and all types of visual learning content. With Visme’s Presenter Studio, you can even record your presentations and lectures for employees to view at their own leisure.
The best part is that Visme lets you export in LMS-ready formats like xAPI, SCORM and HTML.
This is a key step you shouldn’t ignore. The more equipped your trainers are, the better they can deliver the best learning experiences to employees.
Don’t just limit your training to the course content and pedagogy. Ensure your trainers are comfortable with hybrid learning and equipped to deliver engaging and effective training sessions.
Train your facilitators on how to use the platform and technology to facilitate hybrid learning.
Employees may struggle to stay motivated and engaged during hybrid learning. Time management is another major concern. When designing learning programs, aim to make them as engaging as possible.
“Engaging” in this context doesn’t entirely mean entertainment or leisure (though it should include these components). We mean the course content should be relevant to the learner.
As expected, people will zone off when they’re learning something they may never use or learning things they already know or do. Aim to replicate that eureka moment that keeps your learners inspired, absorbed and engaged.
Whether you’re designing the online or in-person component, you want to make it super interactive and dynamic. For example, reading off a wall of text on a slide can cause your audience to lose attention.
Adding interactivity to your training can help learners retain information. Since it requires active participation, learners enjoy it and feel motivated.
Visme offers a wide range of animation and interactive elements to make your hybrid training engaging. You can add animated graphics, icons and illustrations, hover effects, pop-ups, hotspots, clickable links and videos to enrich your training program.
Other interactive elements you can add to your training include:
Incorporating these interactive learning into your training can create participatory learning experiences.
Watch this video to see how to level up your learning content with interactive elements.
Once all the resources are ready and trainers are equipped, it’s time to roll out the program. However, your work isn’t done just yet.
You’ll have to track employee’s learning progress regularly. Then, gather feedback and other data-driven insights to refine the program and maximize impact. For example, analyzing data on course completion rates, assessment scores and learner engagement can help you determine what's working and what needs improvement.
Calculate the return on investment (ROI) of your hybrid learning program. You can do this by comparing the program’s costs to its benefits, such as increased productivity, improved employee retention and enhanced customer satisfaction. This data will help you justify future investments in hybrid learning.
Another strategy to increase training impact is to continuously update and refresh your content to keep up with evolving business needs. Also, expand the program to include more employees, departments, or even external partners.
To implement hybrid learning in your company, you need the right tools and resources. In this section, we’ll share four hybrid learning tools that can help you design successful hybrid learning programs. We’ll highlight the features and pricing for each tool.
Visme is a well-rounded content authoring and visual design software for creating and managing effective training programs.
With an intuitive editor, a wide range of templates and extensive sets of features, Visme has everything you need to elevate your hybrid training programs. The tool provides easy-to-use design elements and customization options, making it accessible to users with different levels of creativity and technical expertise.
Whether you’re looking to set training goals or create captivating onboarding and interactive training materials in multiple formats, Visme has you covered. You can whip up professional-looking interactive presentations, infographics, videos, reports, animations and other visual content without requiring extensive design skills.
User-Friendly Interface and Intuitive Editor
Visme stands out for its ease of use. The interface isn’t just intuitive; it’s foolproof. Regardless of your design experience, you can create eye-catching visual content in minutes. The navigation and design elements are easy to find.
You can easily drag and drop design elements, move them around, edit, download, and share content. Also, the editor makes it easy for you to add or subtract pages, swap image(s), apply custom colors and much more.
Comprehensive Library of Professionally Designed Templates
Visme has over 3000 professionally designed templates to support your content creation needs for hybrid learning.
You'll find templates for creating slide courses, infographics, documents, explainer videos, graphics, curricula, training manuals, role-based training, employee handbooks, onboarding materials, live orientations and live training.
Just select the templates that fit your needs, fill in your information, customize them to match your brand and share them with your learners.
Extensive Design Elements
Visme has an extensive set of design tools that enable users to customize their content's appearance and style. Users can choose from thousands of fonts, colors, shapes, animated & customizable avatars, characters and other design elements to create visually appealing content.
Animation and Interactivity
The platform also includes advanced design features such as animation, transitions and interactivity. Users can
Incorporate these elements to wow your learners and take your hybrid learning to the next level.
Stock images, Videos and Audio Library
Access more than 4 million high-resolution images, audio and videos to transform boring training content into a visually engaging experience. And if you don’t find visuals that support your training content, we’ve got your back.
Use Visme’s AI image generator to create unique images and graphics. Just click the tool and describe what you want to create. Select your graphic’s style or watch the tool do its magic. Remember, the more specific you are, the better the results.
AI Powered Tools
The best part of using Visme is that trainers enjoy access to a full suite of AI-powered tools to fuel their creativity and increase productivity, including the Visme Brand Design Tool, Visme AI Text Generator and Visme AI Image Editor—all accessible via desktop and mobile apps.
The AI-powered Brand Wizard helps you keep your learning content on brand. The tool generates a set of branded templates and saves your brand assets in your branding kit so that you can easily apply them to future designs.
Simply enter your website URL, select your brand colors and fonts, choose a branded template and watch the magic happen.
With the Visme AI Writer, you can easily generate ideas for your course content. The tool also works wonders for improving text. You can deploy it to edit, proofread, lengthen, summarize and switch tone any type of text.
The Visme AI TouchUp tools let you modify the appearance of any image or graphic. You can easily erase and replace objects you don’t want in your graphics, remove backgrounds, unblur low-quality and smudged images and enlarge images without losing quality.
Seamless Collaboration Across Teams
If you’re working with a large team, collaboration is key. And Visme makes it easy for teams of all sizes to easily work together on the content. Each workspace member can tag other team members and leave comments, edits and notes. This ensures everyone involved in training and development has a voice and nothing falls through the cracks.
Online Whiteboard
Trainers can utilize the online whiteboard to teach, brainstorm and share ideas with learners. The infinite whiteboard can also come in handy when hosting general class discussions or breakout sessions. Utilize shapes, emojis, arrows, icons and images to create dashboards, flows, plans, sketches and wireframes.
Integrate With Your Favorite Tools
Connect your favorite tools and apps to Visme for a more seamless whiteboarding experience. Visme offers multiple integration options, such as Slack, Google Drive, Loom, HubSpot and others. We are constantly adding more integrations based on user feedback so that you can improve your training program.
Presentation Recording Software
The Visme Presenter Studio is your go-to tool for creating instructional or model videos for virtual and in-class learners. With a simple click, you can record your training videos and play them during the class session or share them with the audience to view at their own pace.
Watch this video to discover how the tool works.
Create presenter notes to help keep you on track while recording. Your learners won’t see these notes, but they’ll help you remember all the details.
Mobile App for Course Creations and Learning
With Visme’s mobile app, trainers can create course materials on the go. Learners can easily access learning materials, whether they’re online or in class.
Share and Download in Multiple Formats
Visme supports a wide range of download and sharing options. You can embed your content on a webpage or share it as a live link. Or download in multiple formats, including JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4, GIF, PPTx, HTML5
Another upside of using Visme is that you can download your training courses and materials in SCORM or xAPI format and upload them within your LMS. Using Visme’s social sharing feature, you can easily share your content directly with your employees on Slack. This enables learners to easily access learning content in their preferred format.
In-Depth Analytics
Visme provides detailed analytics on how employees interact with training materials.
Trainers and HR professionals can track engagement metrics, quiz results, and user interactions. These metrics provide insights into employee learning behaviors, helping organizations identify areas where staff may need extra support.
With this data-driven approach, businesses can optimize their training strategies, update course materials and continuously improve employee development initiatives to maximize their impact.
Visme has a free plan. The paid plans start at
TalentLMS is a versatile cloud LMS that caters to various training needs, including employee onboarding, compliance training and skills development. It offers an easy-to-use interface, multimedia support and social learning features.
TalentLMS supports hybrid learning by enabling the integration of live training sessions, virtual classrooms and self-paced online modules. It is scalable and suitable for businesses of all sizes.
TalentLMS offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of users and features needed.
There is a free plan available and paid plans start at a monthly subscription fee. Detailed pricing information is available on the TalentLMS website.
TrainerCentral is an online training and web conferencing software that enables trainers to deliver interactive training sessions to remote learners. This platform empowers you to offer your employees self-paced courses and foster collaborative learning through peer interaction.
If you want to incorporate synchronous online training sessions, TrainerCentral’s virtual classroom feature is a great tool. This feature lets your employees access and participate in live virtual training sessions from anywhere.
Additional tools that support hybrid learning include whiteboards, polls and in-app messaging. Employees can hold discussions, learn and share knowledge among colleagues.
TrainerCentral offers a free plan with limited features. Paid plans start at a monthly subscription fee, which includes the following:
The Live Workshop plan starts at $15/ trainer/month. It has tiered pricing based on the number of attendees. Users can choose a plan that fits their training needs and budget.
Adobe Learning Manager is an advanced learning management system (LMS) that provides a comprehensive platform for creating, managing and delivering online training and e-learning content. The software offers a user-friendly interface, intuitive course creation tools and robust analytics.
Adobe Learning Manager has a full suite of tools that support blended learning and hybrid learning. Companies of all sizes can create a mix of in-person and online employee training modules. With its mobile learning capabilities, employees can learn on the go.
Adobe Learning Manager's pricing varies based on the specific requirements of the organization. For detailed pricing information, you need to contact Adobe's sales team.
Hybrid learning is an effective learning model that offers flexibility and increases engagement.
Employees can learn at their own pace and develop skills important for their career development without disrupting regular work hours. But it's not just good for employees—it's great for companies too. Hybrid learning ensures your hybrid workforce has access to quality training programs, regardless of their location.
Ready to unlock the full potential of hybrid learning? Visme has everything you need to optimize your hybrid learning programs.
Whether you're a trainer, educator, or instructional designer, you can design impactful learning materials: presentations, infographics, videos, job aids, training manuals, whiteboards, plans, worksheets and more. You can easily export interactive training content in SCORM and xAPI formats, ready for your LMS.
Sign up now to level up your training programs and increase employee engagement with Visme.
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