Efficient Onboarding Strategies for the Gig Economy

Utilise the benefits of microlearning

Known for its concise and ongoing approach to effective learning, microlearning is an L&D format that can be implemented to efficiently onboard freelance workers. A strategy commonly used for full-time staff, providing freelancers with the same learning will help with making sure that each member of a team is on the same page. Such a learning method can be done relatively quickly and can fit nicely with differing work schedules and remote working. This is while allowing for a fast-onboarding process that gives people the chance to work at their own pace, creating an environment for freelancers to learn whilst reaching productivity as quickly as possible. 

Focus on digital learning over classroom

For varying work schedules and efficient learning that is also cost-effective, a diversion of focus away from classroom L&D might be the optimal solution for your business. Digital learning is not only more practically accessible for your freelancers at any location and time but also provides high engagement of content, via technology-based formats. Said formats can include quizzes, scenario-based animations, pre-recorded lectures and perhaps even AI or VR, allowing for a diverse range of content that can fit the needs of both permanent staff and temporary freelance/fixed term workers.

Do not forget the benefits of a blended approach

Though many meetings can be done over Zoom instead of in-person, when it comes to learning there are times when direct interaction may be best. Are your freelancers going to be working with heavy machinery? For their own safety, classroom L&D complimenting a blended structure to your training will give you the efficiency of digital learning and a comprehensive training plan for your freelancers. Such variation in L&D content can also serve to increase the engagement of freelancers, allowing for higher information retention throughout the course of their work at your business when considering the forgetting curve. 

Explore a mentorship system

Reading text to learn will only take you so far in your skill development. As such, the best way to learn is from experience within the company, though how is that useful for onboarding when you are new to a business as a freelancer hired for a fixed amount of time? This is where a mentorship program with current staff can get involved. Direct onboarding interaction with an experienced professional who is familiar with the onboarding process and workflow of your business, can be a cheap and efficient way to give temporary workers a comprehensive overview of role-relevant training.

Setup a user feedback system for improvement ideas

Freelancers are fresh talent that can offer new perspectives and feedback on your approach to L&D, as such their opinions on your training content are a vital asset for making improvements. Do your permanent and temporary staff believe that your L&D is directly benefiting their work performance? Are there any problems with your training ranging from it not being concise enough to information being unclear? Perhaps there are accessibility issues across different devices for a freelancer who is on the move? With this in mind, it is vital that you have an open avenue for receiving feedback on your L&D for optimal training quality.  

So, what are the key takeaways to consider?

Here are five key recommendations to help you unlock efficient onboarding strategies for the gig economy:

1. Use microlearning: designed to be short and concise in its information communication, consider digital microlearning.
2. Create a digital learning focus: allow for less consistent schedules in availability for L&D to be overcome via technology means.
3. A blended L&D approach: when some digital learning cannot be done and direct contact is needed, consider a classroom format mixed with one that is digital.
4. Utilise mentorship: experienced talent can be a great way to onboard freelancers by providing tips and tricks of the company.
5. Staff feedback: technical and UI design issues, as well as the effectiveness of the training itself, is vital to ascertain.