How to Switch from In-Person to Online Orientations

16 December 2020

Switching from in-person orientations to an online process doesn’t need to be a problematic or head-ache inducing task. Making the switch is easy, and if done the right way, it can be a seamless transition for many contractors kicking off work on projects.

This article covers where to start, what you’ll need, and how to kick off work best to ensure effective worker implementation and adaption of an online orientation on your next project. 

Where to start: Select software or an online platform that will facilitate your training.

Selecting the right software to host your orientations and help manage your subcontract worker documentation and administration is your first step in making the switch from an in-person orientation to an online one. 

Choosing software that works for you is important, but be sure to keep subcontract workers in mind. You will want to select software that will be easy for everyone who will be using it. Avoid complex software that requires a lot of training before use. Go with software that is purpose-built for the task at hand, which is online orientations. Ask yourself, will workers find this software easy to use? Will my team find this software easy to manage? Make sure the product or software you choose is both easy to implement and easy to use. 

Watch how workers use GoContractor for online orientations here. 

After you select your software, develop your orientation content.

After selecting software to facilitate your worker orientations online, your next step is to develop or gather the content necessary for worker orientations. 

You may already have an orientation in place from the past, or you may take this opportunity to develop new orientation material. Decide what to include in your worker orientation, update any powerpoints, create videos, and list out any documentation or certifications you’ll require from workers. 

How to upload a Powerpoint orientation to GoContractor

Once your orientation content is ready to go, communicate your new process to your subcontractors

Whether you’re launching a new online orientation process, making the switch from in-person, or modernizing your current orientation, your relationship with contract companies is essential. 

While a robust orientation process means happier, safer, and more productive workers, subcontractors need to see ‘change’ to a new approach as a collaborative initiative. 

Be sure to communicate the change to subcontractors, provide details on how it will affect them, and where they can go if they need support, either from you or with the software. 

Lastly, test launch your new orientation with a small group of real users. Gather their feedback and update your orientation accordingly.  

Gather a sample of real users before you launch your new orientation, if possible. Although this step is not essential, it will help ensure your orientation is clear and well adopted by workers. 

Encourage your sample test group to be honest in their feedback concerning essential topics such as content and delivery methods. 

Why online orientations?

Your subcontract workers should be trained with the same health and safety protection level as you do for your employees. When workers are provided with effective orientations, projects are not only safer but more efficient.

Talk to GoContractor sales to learn how easy it is to get started using GoContractor today.

Sonya Sikra

Sonya is the Brand Strategy Manager at GoContractor. She specializes in communicating how implementing tech in construction can drive productivity and profit.

Show me more!

Take a look at how GOCONTRACTOR can save you thousands of hours