Online Training: Good for Your Brain

Hello readers, those of you who have followed our monthly newsletter will find this post similar as it is based off a section from our October distribution. The topic greatly interests me so I wanted to touch on it more.

I came across an article on FoxNews.com discussing an experiment performed at UCLA on the effects of a web search in adults aged 55-78 most of whom had little to no internet experience. The results found were fascinating - brain activity was actually improved after performing web searches daily for one week. Specifically a portion of the brain that influences working memory and decision-making skills showed improved action. Dr. Teena D. Moody, the study’s author, described how it appears that some online training in older adults could be a beneficial brain exercise to help enhance cognition.

After finding such positive results, efforts are being made to see the effect that online searches can have on younger generations.

So how does this tie into online training? One of the major reasons we come across against online training is that it is more appropriate for a younger generation. Certain companies with older employees feel they have no reason to make the switch when their personnel is more comfortable with an in person orientation. However this study has shown that having employees do exercises online (like training!) is actually beneficial to the cognitive functioning of the brain. Perhaps older employees don’t prefer the internet, but having them go through a one-time online training could help increase the functioning of their brain and improve their overall work performance.

We’ve already discussed some of the benefits to an online training solution (save time and money, 24/7 access, etc.) but this study has brought forth one benefit that is helpful to the people going through the training - brain health!

So the next time online training comes up, push aside the fear that it could be not favorable by certain employees. Naturally, you want to do what is best for your employees. Technology is simply unavoidable these days and a necessity to complete business. Please recognize that at the end of the day, an online training could be beneficial to both the health of your employees and your company!

To update our previous list:
1. Consistency
2. Save time
3. Save Money
4. Flexibility
5. More Effective and Efficient Record Keeping
6. Improve Brain Activity in Employees