6 reasons to use video in your induction elearning

Video is a popular choice for induction elearning, and with good reason.

It can turn a run-of-the-mill induction course into something engaging and inspiring, and help create the best possible first impression for new employees joining an organisation.

Recent research suggests US adults are spending an average of 5.5 hours using video every day. This consumption of video content happens across a variety of platforms and some of it takes place while doing other activities, but nonetheless video is a big part of the daily routine.

This might be cause enough to incorporate video into your induction elearning, but we’ve tried to dig deeper to pinpoint the precise benefits.

The Four Cs

The world’s biggest HR organisation, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) defines induction or onboarding as covering four distinct areas, known as the Four Cs. Elearning video benefits can be seen when you apply this method whilst you're onboarding your new employees.

At a glance - The Four Cs

Culture

Video provides new employees with an overview of the organisation including its history, values and ethics. It is an obvious choice here given its ability to bring a story to life. Archive footage can work really well in recounting the history of an organisation. Music can add emotion to help inspire people about their new employer. A video clip of the CEO will help new recruits to understand the strategic vision of the business.

Connection

Video supports new employees in building relationships within the organisation and getting to know the team. There’s no substitute for seeing real people on screen talking about their role. It adds authenticity and helps new starters get a sense of the team and the different departments within an organisation.

Clarification

Video helps new employees to understand their new job and where it fits within the organisation. Seeing someone doing the job on-screen, particularly if it is a practical role, can really help new employees get a sense of what they will be actually doing. Video footage of staff dealing with customer can help reinforce expected behaviours.

Compliance

Video can introduce new employees to the rules and regulations they need to comply with before starting work. At the heart of most compliance and ethics topics is a human story; what does getting it wrong mean for the people involved? Video is a compelling way to tell this narrative and get new employees interested in a subject they might otherwise find boring and burdensome.

Further reasons

Video can underpin the Four Cs effectively, but we’d like to add a couple more Cs as further reasons for using video as part of induction elearning:  

Creative

Induction elearning needs to be interesting and offer something special if it’s going to make new employees feel inspired and pleased they took the job. You can really get creative with video (if you have the budget) and add in elements such as hotspots, interactions or 3D elements.

Comfortable

Back to the statistics on how much video we’re consuming. Over 6 billion hours of video are watched each month on YouTube – that’s almost an hour for every person on Earth. We are comfortable with video; it’s part of how we communicate, relax and learn. With so much video around it may even look odd if you don’t have any in your induction programme.