With most countries implementing social distancing and work-from-home policies due to COVID-19, companies now are pivoting—often 180 degrees—to manage, train, and motivate hundreds of thousands of employees from a distance. Here is a comprehensive—and continuously updated—listing of tools and resources from the training industry that can help.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Article Author: <\/div>\n

Compiled by Lorri Freifeld<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tReeling from the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19), the world has turned into a vastly different place from just a month ago. With most countries implementing social distancing and work-from-home policies, companies now are pivoting—often 180 degrees—to manage, train, and motivate hundreds of thousands of employees from a distance. The training industry has responded with an outpouring of free tools, resources, best practices, and tips to help Learning and Development (L&D), HR, and other professionals cope with the fallout from the Coronavirus. Here is a comprehensive—and continuously updated—listing of tools and resources that can help.<\/p>\n

\n\tADOBE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tRight now, communities around the world are coming together in their efforts to endure the social and economic impacts of recent public health advisories around COVID-19—and Adobe is stepping in to lend a hand.<\/p>\n

\n\tFrom supporting virtual community groups<\/a> to public health trainings<\/a> and large virtual conferences<\/a>, the Adobe Connect platform is helping communities; schools; businesses; and federal, state, and local emergency response teams.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdobe believes Adobe Connect has a vital role to play for enterprises looking to continue business operations<\/a> despite travel restrictions, cancelled conferences, and delayed projects, all while keeping their people safe<\/strong>.<\/strong> Its virtual business environments let employees join meetings, virtual conferences<\/a> and trainings from their homes, where they can continue to be productive and socially engaged. Several schools and universities are using Adobe Connect to allow students to learn remotely, in larger than ever numbers, and keeping curriculum on track<\/a> by moving their instructor-led classes to Adobe Connect virtual classrooms<\/a> for this semester.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdobe now is providing <\/strong><\/em>free 90-day access<\/a> for Adobe Connect<\/strong>,<\/strong> until July 1, 2020.<\/strong><\/em> Individuals and business who aren’t customers now can use Adobe Connect rooms with up-to 25 participants for free for up to 90 days if they sign-up for a trial license between now and July 1. <\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBusinesses looking for shorter-term licenses (less than 1 year) but need larger capacity, or existing customers looking to meet their rapidly expanding Adobe Connect platform usage to enable a much larger number of remote workers should also contact Adobe as it will be happy to lend support and optimize your plan for your use case. <\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFor more information, visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\thttps:\/\/blogs.adobe.com\/adobeconnect\/2020\/03\/adobe-connect-extending-support-in-the-wake-of-covid-19.html<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tALLENCOMM<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tIn the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, AllenComm is retooling its content conversion services to meet the immediate time-sensitive needs of its customers to help minimize face-to-face training activities. AllenComm has launched its Rapid Response initiative to support businesses experiencing disruptions to their training operations. <\/p>\n

\n\tAllenComm Rapid Response services are aimed to quickly convert and deliver planned training, especially onboarding and other instructor-led training (ILT) events, into either virtual ILT (VILT) or digital learning. <\/p>\n

\n\tWorking outside its normal operational model, the company will provide access to more than 130 Learning professionals to assist in these unplanned needs. With more than 35 years of experience in developing training quickly for large audiences, a large library of learning activities, and cloud-based learning platforms, its teams are ready to assist. The AllenComm team will set up response processes to scope and estimate projects within 1 to 2 days of receiving sample content from clients.<\/p>\n

\n\tCompanies that are faced with immediate conversion needs can partner with AllenComm for:<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\tRapid conversion of ILT content to digital assets. <\/li>\n
\n\t\tConversion of in-person training sessions into V-ILT sessions for Adobe Connect, GoToMeeting, WebEx, Zoom, and other applicable platforms.<\/li>\n
\n\t\tTemporary content management and distribution sites which can: schedule VILT sessions, host\/distribute online content, and provide tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tFor information and options\/guidelines for scalable rapid ILT digital conversion, visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.allencomm.com\/scalable-rapid-ilt-to-digital-conversion\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tAMA (AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION) <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tAMA offers a variety of flexible virtual training options that not only fit different learning preferences but make it easy to keep goals on track during any challenging situation. Popular options include:<\/p>\n
\n\tLive Online Courses<\/strong><\/a>—Experience AMA’s most popular instructor-led, interactive seminars from the comfort of your home or office.<\/p>\n
\n\tLive Online Express Courses<\/strong><\/a>—Gain quick knowledge and powerful skills in just 2.5 hours, live online with expert instructors.<\/p>\n
\n\tOn Demand<\/strong><\/a>—Tap into online training 24\/7 with AMA OnDemand courses.<\/p>\n
\n\tRemote Access<\/strong>—If you’re unable or unwilling to travel, you can remotely access and participate in AMA’s live classroom courses. Call Customer Service at 800.262.9699 and ask for details.<\/p>\n
\n\tAMA also offers a wide range of Webinars on important business topics. <\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.amanet.org\/session-type\/virtual\/?pcode=DQ2Q&utm_source=sapphire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OT2003-126768-DQ2Q-Virtual-Learning-03-18<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tBIZLIBRARY<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tDedicated to HR and Learning professionals and focused on providing the best and most complete online training solutions, BizLibrary created a free playlist of videos titled “COVID-19 Resources” for anyone to access. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tSimply click here to access the playlist.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHere are a few of the main topic areas that are covered: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tPreparing for an Epidemic <\/li>\n
\n\t\tSetting Up Your Remote Workspace <\/li>\n
\n\t\tConference Call Guidelines <\/li>\n
\n\t\tStaying Productive While Working Remotely <\/li>\n
\n\t\tEnhancing Productivity with Remote Workers <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tBizLibrary’s content<\/a> engages employees of all levels, and its learning technology<\/a> is a dependable and progressive catalyst for achievement. <\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, contact:<\/strong>
\n\tTony Perry, BizLibrary Product Marketing Specialist, at:
\n\ttperry@bizlibrary.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tCENTRICAL <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tCentrical,<\/a> a provider of the holistic employee engagement and real-time performance management platform for Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Novartis, and Unilever, announced the Centrical for Business Continuity & Remote Work solution. In response to a growing need from its customers, the company brought it to market rapidly to help them, and other companies, deal with having employees work from home due to the health threat posed by COVID-19, as well as the impact it is having on their daily operations and overall performance.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe new Centrical solution comes with a QuickStart package that can be up and running in just one week. Elements include:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tEngagement to connect and focus employees working remotely and those still at the office<\/li>\n
\n\t\tEnable real-time, bi-directional, closed-loop communications allowing managers to track voice-of-the-employee, performance issues, and gaps<\/li>\n
\n\t\tCreate fast-track, on-the-job retraining programs<\/li>\n
\n\t\tKeep employees on target with real-time performance tracking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tThe QuickStart Centrical Business Continuity & Remote Work solution is currently available and is offered without fees for integration or onboarding.<\/strong> In addition, reduced license and administration costs are being offered, as well as flexible roll-out schedules across locations and departments. <\/p>\n
\n\tTo learn more, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/bit.ly\/2w0T9R8<\/a><\/strong>, call 800.538.4263 (U.S.) or +44 20 3318 6424 (UK) or e-mail: info@centrical.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tCompTIA <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tCompTIA<\/a>, a provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications and training for information technology (IT) professionals around the world, said in approximately 30 days it will allow candidates to take their CompTIA certification exams at home, at any time, in a secure testing environment. <\/p>\n
\n\tAdditionally, CompTIA has extended the expiration date on its certification exam vouchers. All CompTIA exam vouchers with an original expiration date between March 17, 2020, and April 30, 2020, are now valid through June 30, 2020.<\/p>\n
\n\tFor individuals who have already registered for an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center but would like to instead take a remote proctored exam, CompTIA will offer the option to reschedule their exam.<\/p>\n
\n\tCompTIA will provide updates on the remote testing program as the launch date approaches. Similarly, the extension of the exam voucher deadline will be reassessed as events warrant. New information and updates will be available at:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/help.comptia.org\/hc\/en-us<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tIn addition, CompTIA is making its e-learning course on the fundamentals of IT free of charge to anyone interested in learning more about technology. CompTIA and its industry partner, BenchPrep<\/a>, are providing free 30-day licenses for the CertMaster Learn<\/a> e-learning course for CompTIA IT Fundamentals<\/a>(ITF+). <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTo access the free CompTIA CertMaster Learn for IT Fundamentals (ITF+) course, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/certs.comptia.org\/means_more\/<\/a>.<\/strong> There, you’ll be asked to complete a brief form to receive a unique code from BenchPrep for the free license.<\/p>\n
\n\tCORNERSTONE<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tPeople management company Cornerstone launched the Cornerstone Cares<\/a> portal in collaboration with its content partners and Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation. Cornerstone Cares offers free online learning content on three topics:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tHow to support the prevention of COVID-19 infection (resources published by leading global health organizations, including the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tHow to manage stress and anxiety<\/li>\n
\n\t\tHow to stay productive and positive while working from home <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tThe new resource aims to help people stay informed on COVID-19 and provide learning courses to help manage stress and anxiety, and maintain strong mental health during this time where many feel isolated. <\/p>\n
\n\tCheck out the Cornerstone Cares Website here<\/a><\/strong> to explore the content (just create a free account with your e-mail address).<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tej4<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tej4 is offering new training content to help clients inform their employees about what coronavirus is, and how they can take precautionary measures to prepare for a pandemic situation. In addition, it is making this content available for free on YouTube<\/a> and its own ej4 Website<\/a> to the general public and businesses.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tIn addition to creating a five-part series on Pandemic Planning and five-part series Precautions and Prevention of Coronavirus, ej4 created a playlist on YouTube on coronavirus prevention tips<\/a> that includes several short videos that apply to businesses and the general public. These courses include topics such as “How to Wash Your Hands,” “How to Stop Touching Your Face,” “How to Sanitize Your Workspace,” and “How to Quarantine Yourself,” with more content coming as the situation evolves.<\/p>\n
\n\tAdditional resources include:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tBlog: Coronavirus Precautions for Employees<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\tBlog: Pandemic Planning and Training for Employees<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\tBlog: How to Use Online Training During a Home Quarantine<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\t Watch ej4’s free COVID-19 and Pandemic Planning videos here <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\n\teLEARNING BROTHERS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tWith increased demand for online learning now, eLearning Brothers<\/a> is offering a free Online Training Starter Pack, <\/strong>which includes:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\t20-plus layouts and interactions, including branching scenarios, drag and drops, and more<\/li>\n
\n\t\tA pre-built quiz you can easily edit and customize<\/li>\n
\n\t\t4 cutout characters in multiple poses<\/li>\n
\n\t\tAll the graphic source files, font files, and icons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tThe company also is offering a handful of free courses covering remote workers, and a seven-day free trial that includes downloading free assets from any eLearning Brothers Asset Library.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tENTELECHY<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tEntelechy<\/a><\/strong> <\/strong>is making its leadership e-learning library available free of charge through May 31. <\/strong>These e-learnings cover critical leadership skills in 45 minutes or less:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tFeedback<\/li>\n
\n\t\tCoaching<\/li>\n
\n\t\tDifficult Conversations<\/li>\n
\n\t\tDelegating Effectively<\/li>\n
\n\t\tMotivating Performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tHEADSPACE<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHeadspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, is sharing free Headspace for Work tools and resources (previously made available to customers) to address teams and businesses all around the world that are being affected by the growing public health crisis. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHeadspace is sharing curated mindfulness content, resources, and a tailored toolkit to help teams all over the world navigate the uncertainty and take care of their minds. The new collection of meditations and exercises (available to all employees and employers for free) is designed to help us weather the storm together.<\/p>\n
\n\tIt also is providing free Headspace Plus subscriptions to health-care professionals working in public health settings in the U.S. through 2020<\/strong> to address rising levels of stress and burnout. Headspace also will be unlocking the free, specially curated “Weathering the Storm” collection of meditation and mindfulness content for consumers in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
\n\tFor information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.headspace.com\/work\/covid-19<\/a><\/strong> and https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/headspace-announces-new-efforts-to-help-consumers-healthcare-providers-curb-rising-stress-and-anxiety-301024557.html<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHERRMANN INTERNATIONAL<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHerrmann International,<\/a> creator of the Whole Brain Thinking System, is offering a variety of resources, including: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tRemote Work E-book: https:\/\/engage.thinkherrmann.com\/remote-work-ebook<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
\n\t\tRemote Work Webinar: https:\/\/www.thinkherrmann.com\/leading-remote-teams-work-from-home-webinar<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
\n\t\tDecision-Making in Crisis Article & WalkAround: https:\/\/blog.thinkherrmann.com\/making-effective-decisions-during-crisis-leader-team<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tINTREPID BY VITALSOURCE<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tIntrepid by VitalSource is offering its skills and capabilities<\/a> to be of service to workplace Learning professionals. Its collaborative learning platform is purpose-built to migrate classroom learning programs to impactful digital learning experiences.<\/p>\n
\n\tFor current customers who may have new teams or team members who want to use the Intrepid platform but lack experience with it, the company is offering free consulting sessions to help teams get started with new programs on the Intrepid by VitalSource platform over the next few months.<\/strong> And, at no charge for new customers, the company will provide a package of consulting services to help new customers assess program needs, design their program, and train their team. Finally, for all learning programs focused on COVID-19 education, awareness, and communication provided by healthcare or non-governmental organizations, Intrepid by VitalSource will provide use of the Intrepid platform at no charge.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHere’s a post from Intrepid by VitalSource VP\/GM Sam Herring about workplace learning and the company’s response to COVID-19 situation:<\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/how-workplace-learning-must-adapt-meet-covid-19-sam-herring\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/blog.intrepidlearning.com\/resources\/intrepids-response-to-covid-19-for-the-workplace-learning-community<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tKAPLAN PROFESSIONAL <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tKaplan Professional, in collaboration with CyberVista<\/a>, is offering free online educational courses for select industry-recognized credentials to colleges and universities in the United States.<\/strong> The online courses being made available to university students include:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tSecurities Industry Essentials (SIE)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tWealth Management Specialist (WMS)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tFinancial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tFundamentals of Civil Engineering (FE)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tSecurity+ Online Solution<\/li>\n
\n\t\tCybersecurity Critical Knowledge Course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tEffective immediately, and until the end of July 2020, universities interested in making these programs available to students should contact Kaplan Professional, and an online enrollment and education portal will be quickly made available. <\/p>\n
\n\tColleges and universities interested in participating can complete this request form<\/a> or e-mail workplaceready@kaplan.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tKPA<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tKPA<\/a>, a software, consulting services, and training provider for Environment, Health, and Safety and Workforce Compliance solutions<\/a>, released a free COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources Center<\/a> for employers needing information to help keep their workforce healthy and safe. <\/strong>The Resource Center includes five safety training courses, several Webinars, checklists, and the latest updates from KPA’s team of experts in Environmental, Health, and Safety<\/a> (EHS) and Human Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n\tWith more than 30 years of EHS experience, KPA has tapped their experts to develop the following materials for employers:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tFive training courses that cover COVID-19 Coronavirus Awareness, Housekeeping, Basic First Aid Awareness, Health and Wellness, Hazard Communication<\/li>\n
\n\t\tWebinars about Best Practices in Remote Work Programs and How to Manage Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anxiety and Safety At Work<\/a> (run on several dates)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tA COVID-19 Resource Pack that includes a Coronavirus Workplace Prevention and Hygiene Training Packet and two checklists about facility and personal hygiene and preparedness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tThe five courses are available to KPA customers that use Vera Suite<\/a> and the Risk Management Center<\/a>. As society continues to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic, KPA will continue to update the Resource Center with updated information and valuable resources.<\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\twww.kpa.io<\/a><\/strong> or call 866.356.1735<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tMYABILITIES TECHNOLOGIES INC.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tMyAbilities, a leader in smart health technology and workplace safety, is offering a free two-month trial of ROSA, the Rapid Office Strain Assessment, a self-assessment tool for office ergonomics that provides guidance on proper setup for your computer workstation.<\/strong> There is no commitment and no automatic renewal.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe company also is providing a list of ergonomics <\/strong>tips to help workers adjust to home office environments: <\/p>\n
\n\t1. Keep moving.<\/strong> Sitting with your laptop on your knees and your neck bent down while on your couch is going to cause neck and back pain. Whenever possible, move between the couch, your desk, kitchen table, etc. Movement is key to preventing pain when you might not have dedicated office furniture. <\/p>\n
\n\t2. The laptop was meant for travel—and we’re all at home now.<\/strong> Remember that laptops were meant for portability—when you have the opportunity to plug your laptop into a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, take that chance. <\/p>\n
\n\t3. Be the MacGyver of your own office ergonomics.<\/strong> You might not have as many adjustments on your dining room chairs as you do with your office task chair, but take advantage of things like a rolled-up towel to give you more lumbar support, use a phone book or old textbook to elevate your monitor while using a keyboard. <\/p>\n
\n\t4. The neck and shoulder hold gets tiring really fast.<\/strong> Most of us have Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. These typically have a microphone built in. Avoid holding your cellphone between your neck and shoulder when you’re on conference calls and make the most out of these headsets. <\/p>\n
\n\tTo learn more about the ROSA, or any other programs from MyAbilities, visit: https:\/\/myabilities.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS (NI)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tNational Instruments<\/a> (NI), which develops high-performance automated test and automated measurement systems to help solve engineering challenges, announced plans to support the global engineering community during the COVID-19 disruption by providing free access to all NI online training at least through April 30.<\/strong> Additional virtual instructor-led learning experiences, modeled after its regional classroom training program, also are available at a reduced cost.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe curriculum offers engineers and industry professionals an opportunity to earn credentials, such as Certified LabVIEW Developer and Architect, at a time when they may face gaps in their schedules. Courses are offered in six languages, including English, French, Spanish, simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe entire course catalog, along with more information on instructor-led learning, is available now at learn.ni.com\/training<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tNEXT ELEMENT CONSULTING<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tNext Element Consulting is offering a series of three blogs focused on resources for coping with COVID-19:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/next-element.com\/how-to-communicate-with-compassion-during-crisis\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/next-element.com\/how-to-help-different-personality-types-navigate-crisis-and-uncertainty\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/next-element.com\/why-drama-is-your-greatest-threat-during-crisis-and-how-to-respond-with-compassion\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tThe company’s new landing page <\/a>features its best virtual instructor-led training (VILT) options for combatting drama with compassion.<\/p>\n
\n\tPENN FOSTER, SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY, AND GUILD EDUCATION<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHealthcare workers and volunteers have a new resource to learn safe and accurate testing for the COVID-19 virus, thanks to a free program launched by a coalition of education and training providers.<\/strong> The short-form course<\/a>, developed by Penn Foster in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University and Guild Education, responds to an urgent and growing need for skilled health-care professionals as the virus continues to spread throughout the United States. The new program instructs health professionals and volunteers on the fundamentals of testing for the COVID-19 virus, including symptoms, hygiene precautions, and correct medical procedures. Intended for qualified health-care employees and volunteers to use under the supervision of medical professionals, the course will enable health-care providers to expand the pool of talent for administering tests at a time when the need is becoming increasingly critical.<\/p>\n
\n\tSince the launch of the program last week, more than 1,100 <\/strong>front-line health-care workers—including pharmacy technicians, nurses, and medical assistants—have participated in the training.<\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/www.partners.pennfoster.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tR3 CONTINUUM<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tR3 Continuum (R3c), a leader in disruptive event management, formalized a COVID-19 support team to harness its expertise and resources, making them available for organizations that are navigating the fast-paced and compounding impacts of this global pandemic. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tAvailable under its Strategic Crisis Management program, R3c’s COVID-19 Support Team includes occupational medicine, infectious disease, and emergency department physicians, crisis management specialists, public health experts, corporate medical directors, risk management professionals, Ph.D.s in psychology and organizational human resource development, federal officers, security directors, and emergency management directors. <\/p>\n
\n\t R3c offers consulting and advisory services, including: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tOn-demand advisory support for questions <\/li>\n
\n\t\tParticipating on client crisis management teams<\/li>\n
\n\t\tJust-in-Time, scenario-based plan development (pandemic planning)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tDaily intelligence\/analysis reports<\/li>\n
\n\t\tStatistical modeling of the virus behavior<\/li>\n
\n\t\tLocation, country, regional forecasts<\/li>\n
\n\t\tCrisis communications support<\/li>\n
\n\t\tEmployee communications support<\/li>\n
\n\t\tLeadership education to support employees<\/li>\n
\n\t\tEmployee\/individual education on coping with changes<\/li>\n
\n\t\tCounseling for individuals and families (telephonic)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tTechnology-based counseling and information support (Artificial Intelligence smartphone app<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit:<\/strong> <\/p>\n
\n\twww.R3c.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tREMOTE.CO<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tAs a definitive resource on remote work, Remote.co offers free insight and advice on critical topics and challenges that businesses transitioning some or all of its workforce to a remote environment may face. <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\t Remote.co’s Q&A section<\/a> features direct feedback from 140-plus remote-forward teams and companies on key topics impacting virtual work environments. Each section below is elaborated on using extensive interviews from fully virtual companies\/or teams. <\/p>\n
\n\tClick on each header for more information on best practices regarding remote work management. <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\t What is the hardest part about managing a remote workforce?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t What advice would you give to a team considering to go remote?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t What challenges have you encountered building a remote team?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t What are the most effective tools for remote team communication?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t What were your biggest fears in managing remote workers?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t How do you measure the productivity of remote workers?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t What elements are key to successful working relationships with remote teams?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t How do you nurture your company’s culture in a remote work environment?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t Do you have remote communication protocols for your remote workers?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t How do you keep remote employees engaged and feeling part of the bigger picture?<\/a><\/li>\n
\n\t\t How does your team address different time zone challenges?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tFlexJobs, Remote.co<\/a>’s sister site, also has created an Emergency Preparedness Section<\/a> to supplement these resources and is hosting a Webinar on Tuesday, March 24, at 12pm ET: How Employers Can Prepare for Remote Work<\/a>. This will be recorded. To register, visit: <\/strong>https:\/\/zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_NPn4Ql5zQZyivtN_lfkAqA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\t Remote.co<\/a>’s section featuring insights from remote workers<\/a> themselves also may be useful to employees who are new to working from home. <\/p>\n
\n\tTo talk to a remote work expert, contact Kathy Gardner at: <\/strong>kgardner@flexjobs.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttp:\/\/remote.co<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tSIMPLESHOW<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tSimpleshow creates explanations via short, simple, and engaging videos, which enable everyone to understand anything. During these challenging times, the company has created a free video explaining best practices for working at home: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cR30lLDLXY4&t<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n
\n\tThe company also believes it’s important for anyone to be able to create their own explanation. So it developed mysimpleshow (https:\/\/www.mysimpleshow.com\/<\/a>) that lets you create a unique video with no experience needed. During this time of crisis, simpleshow is offering a free enterprise license to anyone with official press credentials. If you are interested in getting access, send an e-mail to dana.gibilaro@simpleshow.com<\/a> with the subject of the email “PRESS.”<\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, e-mail: paul.meyer@simpleshow.com<\/a> or call 305.409.7451.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tSTARLEAF<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tVideo conferencing software company StarLeaf introduced a free version of its software in the United States.<\/strong> <\/strong>This means new customers can sign up to StarLeaf and host their own free meetings. The free version of StarLeaf is available worldwide and across all devices, requiring only an Internet connection and an e-mail address to get started. For existing StarLeaf customers who suddenly need increased access for remote working, StarLeaf is also introducing new flexible licenses, which allows businesses and organizations to add more capacity for three months only. <\/p>\n
\n\tDetails on StarLeaf’s videoconferencing solutions can be seen at:<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tStarLeaf.com\/solutions\/features-and-services\/video-conferencing<\/a>\/<\/strong>
\n\tTECHSCHOLAR<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTechScholar, a product sales training software provider, launched its new TechScholar University (TSU) portal, a low-cost, fast-track model to train remote sales rep teams.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tAs a proprietary, cloud-based software solution, TechScholar’s platform is specifically designed to train geographically dispersed sales reps, eliminating the time, cost, and now the potential health risk of in-person sales training.<\/p>\n
\n\tVisit www.techscholar.com<\/a> and click on “Cloud-Based Travel” for information on TechScholar’s new COVID-19 solution. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTECHSMITH<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTo help do its part at making remote communications a little easier during this difficult time, TechSmith is offering fully functional complementary versions of its Snagit and Video Review products that will remain in operation through June 30.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTechSmith Snagit is a screen capture and recording tool that lets users quickly create and share images and videos. TechSmith Video Review is an online video collaboration tool for online, collaborative discussions and conversations around the content you upload and share. <\/p>\n
\n\tTo learn more, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttp:\/\/bit.ly\/2UaICLh<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTOP HAT<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTop Hat is providing its platform at <\/strong>no additional cost<\/strong>, which will include <\/strong>administering secure, proctored online exams<\/strong>students can complete at home.<\/strong> Among other things, this includes: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tVerifying students’ identities to ensure the right students are taking the test<\/li>\n
\n\t\tMonitoring student activity live and flagging irregular student behaviors using sophisticated artificial intelligence<\/li>\n
\n\t\tGenerating an easy-to-understand proctor report for faculty to review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tThe company is offering this new functionality in addition to Top Hat’s entire active learning platform for free to those who need help transitioning their courses online for the rest of the term.
\n\tFor more information, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\ttophat.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTRANSPARENTBUSINESS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tSilvina Moschini, co-founder of TransparentBusiness, is offering to women-led companies unlimited and free access to the TransparentBusiness remote working and management platform while the COVID-19 restrictions are in place.<\/strong> It also will help the companies to deploy work-from-home programs. TransparentBusiness makes remote work easy to monitor and coordinate. <\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information about the software, visit: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\thttps:\/\/transparentbusiness.com\/<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tWAGGL <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tAs we rapidly adapt to a new way of life, we want to feel connected more than ever before. To help companies engage their people during this time of COVID-19 uncertainty, companies are invited to use Waggl at no cost for 90 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tWaggl is an employee engagement solution that activates Employee Voice. Employee Voice is the collective intelligence and heartbeat of an organization that drives action around the topics that matter right now. Details on the offer include:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tFree use of Waggl for 90 days with three pre-loaded COVID-19 question sets<\/li>\n
\n\t\tComplimentary 15-minute set-up with the Customer Success team<\/li>\n
\n\t\tEasy how-to guide “Getting Started With Waggl”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tFor more information and to access this special Waggl offering, click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tXpertHR <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tXpertHR<\/strong> <\/strong>is providing guidance on paid sick leave and other employment concerns in the wake of Coronavirus.<\/strong> Paid sick leave is being addressed by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which takes effect on April 2. The new legislation amends the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA), which ensures that many more workers are able to access paid leave should they become infected or need to give care, XpertHR<\/a> explains. <\/p>\n
\n\tEmployee health and safety is also front and center. Employers have a duty under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act to ensure that their employees have a safe and healthy workplace<\/a>. <\/p>\n
\n\tIn its new report, podcast<\/a> and blog, XpertHR provides guidance on: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tWhat if an employee refuses to travel or come to work because of safety concerns?<\/li>\n
\n\t\tDo you need to alter sick leave or attendance policies?<\/li>\n
\n\t\tWhen can employers order employees to stay home? What if they are ineligible for PTO time or FMLA leave?<\/li>\n
\n\t\tWhy must companies look beyond legal requirements to broader business implications?<\/li>\n
\n\t\tWhat if employees cite safety concerns in requesting not to work near co-workers who traveled abroad in recent months?<\/li>\n
\n\t\tHow is the Coronavirus affecting pay practices?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tXpertHR also makes<\/strong> survey results available through its new Benchmarking and Surveys tool, which aims to provide organizational benchmarking information to users. The tool offers HR and employer survey results and interpretations on topics ranging from annual HR trends to pay and budget. <\/p>\n
\n\tFor more information, visit: https:\/\/bit.ly\/33tSKmv<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTRAINING MAGAZINE NETWORK (TMN) WEBINARS RELATED TO COVID-19:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tUPCOMING:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTraining in the Time of COVID-19: Tips and Lessons Learned (sponsored by UMU)<\/strong>
\n\tMarch 26, 2020, 3 p.m. Eastern<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tEmily Ullberg, Director of Global Projects, UMU <\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tCoronavirus is causing many businesses to rethink how they do training and forcing L&D professionals to rapidly move to more virtual and online solutions. How are businesses facing these challenges?
\n\tWe can learn potential solutions for delivering training around the globe from new technologies such as AI-enabled learning platforms, such as Umu. Many of its customers have already been dealing with COVID-19 for the last few months. It’s been tough, but they’re getting through this —and you will, too. These are a few of their stories and solutions.
\n\tThis Webinar will help you walk away with ideas for:<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tEffectively moving in-person learning online<\/li>\n
\n\t\tScaling role-play and practice opportunities virtually<\/li>\n
\n\t\tEmpowering workforce development remotely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tRegister at: https:\/\/www.trainingmagnetwork.com\/events\/2291?gref=tmag3-23-2020<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tWorking from Home: Proactive Planning to Deliver Results<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tMarch 31, 2020, 3 p.m. Eastern<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tJack Phllips, Ph.D., Chairman, and Patti Phillips, Ph.D., CEO, ROI Institute<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tFlexible work systems have been in operation for years, but now that so many workers are being forced to transition to work-from-home arrangements because of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, it’s imperative to be as prepared as possible to deliver results while working remotely. With today’s advancements in technology and digital tools and resources readily available, it’s suggested that many employees can now work in any place, at any time, with no problems. The primary goal is to plan your work and work your plan. The secondary goal is to continue remote working once the panic is over.
\n\tAfter attending this session, participants will be able to:
\n\t1. Explore when and how flexible work systems can be developed.
\n\t2. Identify the success factors for working remotely.
\n\t3. Determine the necessary steps to take to show the value of working remotely.
\n\tEvery attendee to this Webinar will receive an eBook version of Patti Phillips’ book, “The Bottomline on ROI” <\/em>3rd edition. <\/p>\n
\n\tRegister at:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.trainingmagnetwork.com\/events\/2286?gref=TMNSA1-3-21-20<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tManaging Virtual Workers Today (sponsored by Cornerstone Cares)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tApril 1, 2020, 12 p.m. Eastern<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tBob Nelson, Ph.D., President, Nelson Motivation, Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tWith the nationwide move to have employees work from home to limit social distancing in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many managers are faced with virtually managing their employees for the first time. Find out what it takes to successfully manage virtual workers, learn the pitfalls and successful tools and techniques other organizations are successfully using on this topic, and increase your confidence for effectively getting work done through workers who are not in the office.
\n\tTopics include: <\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tThe growing importance of virtual work and the virtual worker<\/li>\n
\n\t\tSetting clear goals, expectations, and control for virtual workers<\/li>\n
\n\t\tBuilding trust, teams, and accountability with virtual workers<\/li>\n
\n\t\tTechnology tools and strategies for extraordinary communication<\/li>\n
\n\t\tPromoting inclusion and collaboration with virtual workers<\/li>\n
\n\t\tVirtual recognition and rewards for remote workers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tTo register: https:\/\/www.trainingmagnetwork.com\/events\/2290<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tRECORDINGS:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tURGENT: Moving Presentations Online: Coronavirus, Training Sessions, and Events<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tRichard Goring, Director, BrightCarbon<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tCoronavirus is causing businesses to cut or make drastic reductions in business travel, and to cancel or move conferences and events online. But conference organizers, training teams, and trainers still have jobs to do, so the question immediately becomes: How do you do your job when people can’t travel or meet face-to-face?
\n\tIt’s not a case of just taking your in-person content and presenting it virtually—if you’re to be effective, you need to understand how online presentations are different for the presenter, their slides, and their audience. Once you have a handle on that, it’s a case of figuring out how you can eliminate distraction for your audience and engage them with compelling content. <\/p>\n
\n\tTo hear the recording, visit: https:\/\/www.trainingmagnetwork.com\/events\/2271<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tTRAINING MAGAZINE LIVE + ONLINE CERTIFICATES<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tVirtual classroom technology enables L&D teams to reach all audiences, at any time of the day, with just a simple Internet connection. But engaging your audience using this type of technology requires a unique skill set that combines using virtual presentation, facilitation, and design techniques with technical knowledge to skillfully deliver online learning events.<\/p>\n
\n\tTo help you hone your online training expertise and connect with your peers, Training<\/em> magazine is offering two new Live + Online in-depth certificate programs:<\/p>\n
\n\tOnline Virtual Trainer<\/a> <\/strong>(a series of 4 sessions starting April 20 or August 3)<\/p>\n
\n\tOnline Virtual Designer<\/a><\/strong> (A series of 4 sessions starting June 1 or October 19)<\/p>\n
\n
\n\t\tReceive a participant guide<\/strong> containing job aids (including The Virtual Trainer’s Competency Model and a 4-Step Virtual Activity Design Process)<\/li>\n
\n\t\tReceive examples and platform checklists<\/strong> to help navigate the various live online platforms in the market today (WebEx, Zoom, Adobe Connect and GotoTraining); and key points to remember for you to use as you design, develop, deliver, and support your live online courses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\tSave 10%<\/strong> when registering online with discount code tctm<\/strong>. This offer is for new registrations only and is available while space is available.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With most countries implementing social distancing and work-from-home policies due to COVID-19, companies now are pivoting—often 180 degrees—to manage, train, and motivate hundreds of thousands of employees from a distance. Here is a comprehensive—and continuously updated—listing of tools and resources from the training industry that can help. Article Author: Compiled by Lorri Freifeld Reeling from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-training"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2567"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2568,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2567\/revisions\/2568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/proactivetraining.com.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}