As a trainer, you’ve likely heard it all: the complaints about the uncomfortable chairs, the poor lighting, and the lack of writing materials. But when I walked into the training room at XYZ Corporation, I was horrified by what I saw. It was like walking into a scene from a disaster movie.
First of all, the room was poorly lit, with fluorescent lights that flickered and buzzed overhead. The temperature was stifling, with no ventilation to speak of. And to make matters worse, the tables and chairs were old and rickety, with some participants having to share tables or sit on the floor.
To make it worse, there was no sufficient writing materials and no markers or board to write on, the trainees had to improvise.
It was a trainee’s nightmare, and it was obvious that no thought or consideration had been given to the training environment.
Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon situation. All too often, organizations overlook the importance of the training environment and its impact on the effectiveness of the training.
But it’s important to remember that the training room is an extension of the training itself. It sets the tone and creates the atmosphere for learning. And if the environment is uninviting and uncomfortable, it can be a major obstacle to learning and engagement.
So, what can you do to avoid this training room from hell?
- Conduct a pre-training assessment of the training room: Before the training, take the time to evaluate the room and identify any issues with lighting, temperature, furniture, and equipment.
- Ensure that the training room is adequately equipped: Make sure there are enough tables and chairs for all participants, and that they are comfortable and in good condition. Also, ensure that there are sufficient writing materials, markers, and a whiteboard or flipchart.
- Pay attention to the lighting and temperature: Adequate lighting and comfortable temperature are crucial for the comfort and productivity of participants.
- Consider the layout of the room: The layout of the room can have a big impact on learning. Ensure that the room is set up in a way that promotes interaction and engagement.
- Pay attention to the details: Little things like having water and refreshments available, and keeping the room tidy can make a big difference.
An example of an effective training environment is the one in which we recently conducted training for a large manufacturing company. The training room was specifically designed for training, with comfortable chairs, adjustable lighting, and good ventilation. The room also had enough tables and chairs for all participants, as well as writing materials, markers, and a whiteboard.
The result was that the trainees were comfortable, engaged and eager to learn. They were not only able to absorb the information better but also were able to retain it longer.
In conclusion, the training environment is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the training. By taking the time to assess and improve the training environment, you can create a space that is comfortable, engaging, and conducive to learning. And remember, it’s not just about the training, it’s about the entire experience, so pay attention to the details and avoid the training room from hell.
