2025 Guide to Developing Employee Training Materials (With Examples)
Why Employee Training Materials Matter More Than Ever
Let’s face it: the workplace is evolving faster than ever. With new technologies, shifting job roles, and the constant need for upskilling, employee training has become the backbone of any successful organization. But here’s the kicker—great training starts with great materials.
Think about it. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? The same goes for employee training. Without well-designed training materials, your employees are left wandering in the dark, trying to figure out what they’re supposed to learn—and how.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about developing employee training materials in 2025. From the ADDIE model to the 70/20/10 learning model, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll throw in some real-world examples to inspire your next training program. Ready to dive in? Let’s go.
What Are Employee Training Materials?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s define what we’re talking about. Employee training materials are the tools and resources used to educate and develop your workforce. These can include:
Presentations
Videos
Handouts
Interactive e-learning modules
Checklists
Training manuals
The goal? To make learning engaging, effective, and—dare we say it—fun. After all, if your employees are bored out of their minds, they’re not going to retain much, are they?
The 5 Stages of Developing Employee Training Materials
When it comes to creating training materials, structure is key. One of the most popular frameworks is the ADDIE model, which stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. Let’s break it down:
1. Analyze: Know Your Audience
Before you start designing anything, you need to understand your audience. What are their current skill levels? What gaps need to be filled? This step is all about asking the right questions and gathering data.
Pro Tip: Use surveys, interviews, or performance reviews to get a clear picture of what your employees need.
2. Design: Plan Your Approach
Once you’ve identified the gaps, it’s time to design your training program. This is where you decide on the format (e.g., online, in-person, or blended), set learning objectives, and outline the content.
Example: If you’re training sales teams, you might focus on product knowledge, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management.
3. Develop: Create the Materials
This is the fun part—actually creating the training materials. Whether it’s a PowerPoint presentation, a video tutorial, or an interactive quiz, this step is all about bringing your design to life.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Lingio or Elucidat to create engaging, interactive content.
4. Implement: Roll Out the Training
Now it’s time to put your training materials to the test. Whether it’s a live workshop or an online course, make sure your employees have everything they need to succeed.
Example: If you’re using e-learning, ensure the platform is user-friendly and accessible on multiple devices.
5. Evaluate: Measure Success
Finally, don’t forget to evaluate the effectiveness of your training. Are employees retaining the information? Are they applying it on the job? Use feedback surveys, quizzes, and performance metrics to measure success.
Pro Tip: The Kirkpatrick Model is a great framework for evaluating training effectiveness.
The 70/20/10 Learning Model: A Game-Changer for Training
Ever heard of the 70/20/10 learning model? It’s a simple yet powerful concept that breaks down how people learn:
70% from on-the-job experiences
20% from feedback and coaching
10% from formal training
What does this mean for your training materials? It means you need to focus on real-world application. Instead of just lecturing, create materials that encourage hands-on learning and provide opportunities for feedback.
Example: If you’re training customer service reps, include role-playing exercises where they can practice handling difficult customers.
How to Create a Training Plan Template
A well-structured training plan is the foundation of any successful training program. Here’s what your template should include:
Training Objectives: What do you want employees to achieve?
Training Format: Will it be online, in-person, or blended?
KPIs: How will you measure success?
Timeline: When will the training start and end?
Training Materials: What resources will you use?
Pro Tip: Check out Whatfix’s free training plan templates to get started.
4 Key Areas to Focus on in Employee Training
When developing training materials, it’s important to cover all the bases. Here are four key areas to focus on:
Technical Training: Equip employees with the skills they need to use new tools and technologies.
Quality Training: Ensure employees understand the standards and expectations for their work.
Safety Training: Keep your workplace safe by training employees on safety protocols.
Compliance Training: Make sure employees are aware of legal and regulatory requirements.
Example: If you’re in the healthcare industry, compliance training might include HIPAA regulations.
7 Steps to Create an Effective Training Program
Want to take your training program to the next level? Follow these seven steps:
Assess Training Needs: Identify gaps in knowledge and skills.
Set Learning Objectives: Define what success looks like.
Choose Training Methods: Will it be e-learning, workshops, or on-the-job training?
Develop Training Content: Create engaging, interactive materials.
Implement the Program: Roll it out to your employees.
Evaluate Effectiveness: Measure results and gather feedback.
Iterate and Improve: Use feedback to refine your program.
Pro Tip: Use LMS Portals to streamline the process and track employee progress.
Real-World Examples of Effective Training Materials
Still not sure where to start? Here are some real-world examples to inspire you:
Interactive E-Learning Modules: Use tools like Easygenerator to create engaging, interactive content.
Microlearning Videos: Short, bite-sized videos are perfect for busy employees.
Gamified Training: Turn learning into a game with quizzes, leaderboards, and rewards.
Example: A retail company might use gamified training to teach employees about new products.
Your Blueprint for Success
Developing employee training materials doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach—whether it’s the ADDIE model, the 70/20/10 learning model, or a well-structured training plan—you can create materials that are engaging, effective, and tailored to your employees’ needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Start designing your training materials today and watch your team thrive in 2025 and beyond. And hey, if you need a little extra help, check out these resources:
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
