Partnerships
How can training teams conquer higher workloads? The answer cannot lie in piling on more to an already overflowing plate.
How many times have you heard, “I don’t have time to shift from an order-taker role to a strategic partner role” (i.e., seat at the table) or “I don’t have any time to learn and implement new technology” or “I can’t be proactive because I am stuck being reactive”? We can prioritize goals, prioritize projects and time block.
Internal learning and development (L&D) teams create and deliver an incredible amount of content each year, yet it is a constant struggle to meet the increasing demand. Unfortunately, encountering these capacity challenges can delay or even leave some projects unfinished.
Unfortunately, time and attention are finite resources. With this said, how can you get beyond the to-do list?
Strategic and selective outsourcing may be the answer. We may hesitate to outsource projects to training suppliers for various reasons, most commonly loss of control, alignment with company culture, resistance to change and, of course, the fear of losing jobs.
All these fears can be managed and controlled. By understanding these fears and objections, you can better manage and address them with your team one by one.
Adjusting your team’s perspective and taking advantage of the learning opportunities that are suitable for outsourcing allows your team to thrive and achieve more. Sharing the workload can also help prevent employee burnout in internal teams, perhaps even promoting a healthier work environment.
Partnering with an external supplier can be a smart move; it can enhance your training initiatives and help ensure timely execution. By establishing the right partnership with the right training supplier, you can effectively create an “external extension” of your L&D team.
Offloading projects that don’t need your specific expertise will help you get beyond your to-do list, taking your department from good to great. Also, outsourcing certain projects can provide several benefits to internal L&D departments. These benefits can help internal L&D departments more efficiently and effectively deliver impactful training programs.
Let’s look at some of the circumstances and reasons why some companies are choosing to augment their L&D departments by outsourcing selective training events and projects.
Access to expertise and specialization. Outsourcing allows companies to leverage the expertise of specialized training providers who are well-versed in industry-specific regulations, technologies and best practices. External training suppliers often bring specialized knowledge and experience that can enhance the quality of training programs.
Accomplish more and increase capacity. Outsourcing certain technology training frees life sciences companies to develop other in-house training programs and resources. By partnering with a training supplier, they can team up to accomplish more. By outsourcing, internal teams can laser-focus on strategic initiatives and high-priority projects without being overwhelmed by their workload.
Scalability. Outsourcing provides flexibility to scale training efforts up or down based on demand, making it easier to accommodate varying employee numbers or specific training needs. External training partners can quickly scale resources up or down based on project needs, allowing for flexibility in managing varying workloads.
Time savings. External providers often have faster delivery times than developing in-house programs. Faster delivery times enable companies to meet product launch timelines more efficiently.
Cost efficiency. Outsourcing can sometimes be more cost-effective than hiring additional staff or investing in new technologies, especially for short-term projects.
Focus on core competencies. By outsourcing training, life sciences companies can focus on their core business operations while leaving the training logistics and execution to the outsourced training partner.
Enhanced learning experience. Professional training suppliers often use engaging methods and materials that enhance the learning experience, improving knowledge retention and application. Many training partners utilize the latest technologies and learning management systems, providing innovative training solutions that may not be available in-house.
Broader reach. Outsourcing can help companies deliver training to a geographically dispersed workforce, ensuring consistent training experiences regardless of location. Many training partners offer native language trainers and translation services to help with global projects.
Fresh perspectives. External training partners can provide new insights and innovative approaches.
Outsourcing training can be a strategic move for organizations looking to enhance their workforce’s skills without overextending internal resources. By partnering with specialized training providers, L&D departments can access industry knowledge and niche expertise, ensuring that employees receive high-quality instruction tailored to their needs.
Additionally, outsourcing can save time and costs associated with developing in-house programs, allowing L&D teams to focus on core strengths, such as strategy and stakeholder engagement. This approach also promotes flexibility, and it can reduce the risk of employee burnout. If executed correctly, it can enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of your training programs while minimizing risks and resource expenditures.
Periodic outsourcing, with the right supplier, can truly be a cohesive extension of your training team.
Pam Morris is the director of operations and sales at LPW Training Services. Email Pam at pmorris@lpwtraining.com or connect through www.linkedin.com/in/pam-morris/.
