Most employees think their company's new hire onboarding program could be better.
According to a Gallup study, only 12% of employees believe that their company does a good job of onboarding new hires. That means 88% of employees feel like their company could have better prepared them for their jobs.
So, let's face it — chances are your new hire onboarding program could use a facelift. And one way you can do that is with new training software.
As the Head Consultant at ScreenSteps — a knowledge ops solution that helps companies onboard new hires faster — I've helped dozens of companies build employee training plans.
If you're looking to revamp your new hire onboarding program, here are four software options to support your training. Watch this 4-minute video for a quick overview of the software. Then keep reading for more details and specific new hire software options.
1. Learning management system (LMS)
The most obvious software is a learning management system or LMS. An LMS provides a library of training videos. You can either create these self-paced courses on your own or purchase pre-packaged courses.
Many companies will use an LMS for off-the-shelf courses like compliance, internet safety, and other HR-related topics that most businesses deal with.
LMS software usually includes gamification options, like quizzes or other interactive elements.
Note: If you plan on creating original training videos that are specific to your company, you'll need video software for editing videos and hosting videos online. Check out this list of video software to help you get started.
Best LMS software
Think an LMS is the direction you want to take your employee training? Here are three of the top LMS software businesses on the market.
2. Knowledge base software
Typically, people don't think of knowledge base software as training software. However, when used correctly, a knowledge base could be your most powerful training tool.
A knowledge base is a centralized hub for all your company's information and resources. It is the single source of truth where employees can find answers to all of their job-related questions.
There are many benefits to using a knowledge base to onboard new hires. One of the biggest benefits is that your new hires practice using the software during training that they will use on the job. This helps them build confidence before they are on their own.
Best knowledge base software
Ready to incorporate a knowledge base into your business? Here are a few knowledge base software options to consider.
Want a more detailed list of the best knowledge base software? Read this article that compares the top knowledge base software tools.
3. Knowledge ops platform
A knowledge ops platform is essentially a combination of a knowledge base and LMS. While a knowledge ops platform has all the same features as a knowledge base, it has additional features that help with employee training.
With a knowledge ops platform, you can upload text and video courses. This means you have all your employee support and employee training resources in one location. It makes it easier to transfer knowledge to your employees because employees know exactly where to turn for all their learning.
When it comes to courses in a knowledge ops platform, the shortcoming is it doesn't have all the gamification features of an LMS.
Best knowledge ops platform
As of now, there is only one knowledge ops platform option on the market. ScreenSteps created the term "knowledge ops platform" in 2023. However, there are other CRMs and knowledge management systems with similar features.
But as of now, there is only one software — a knowledge ops platform — that is specifically packaged to help businesses transfer knowledge faster and more efficiently.
What does the ScreenSteps knowledge ops platform look like? Watch the pre-recorded demo videos to see ScreenSteps in action.
4. Chat messaging system
Most likely, your company already uses some form of chat messaging system. While new hires will learn 80-90% of the materials during onboarding, there will be things they forget or you don't go over.
A chat messaging system provides employees a way to ask supervisors quick questions and get clarification on processes.
A tip for supervisors
If you are using a knowledge base or knowledge ops platform, then don't just type out the answer. Send the employee a link to the knowledge base article.
Best chat messaging system
Some of the most common chat messaging systems include:
Software ALONE isn't going to solve your new hire training problem
While these new hire onboarding software options can help improve your employee onboarding experience, they most likely won't make all the changes you need. That's because software alone doesn't solve your new hire onboarding problems.
Besides software, you need the right framework to help you shift behaviors and develop a culture of accuracy and independence in your company. Only when you combine the framework with the software will you see major improvements.
With ScreenSteps, we developed the Find & Follow Framework. This framework — when paired with a knowledge base or knowledge ops platform — helps you onboard your new hires in 30 days or less.
How does that work? Take this free Find & Follow Framework course to learn how. This 30-minute course introduces you to the Find & Follow structure and provides an overview of how you can build a new hire training curriculum.
