Written by Angela Robbins, PhD

Organizations increasingly focus on innovative and cost-effective training solutions in today’s business landscape. Many choose off-the-shelf programs, assuming these ready-made curricula save time and money. However, with the latest insights from the ATD 2023 State of the Industry report, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach may fall short in today’s environment (ATD, 2023). As businesses increase their focus on education and emphasize the need for digital and custom-tailored training programs, the necessity for solutions specifically designed to meet business objectives and adapt to the changing demands of the workforce is apparent.

So, are these pre-packaged training modules still worth the investment? Let’s learn more.

The Appeal of Off-the-Shelf Training

Off-the-shelf training programs are popular for good reasons. They’re cost-effective, easy to implement, and ready to use immediately. By choosing pre-made content, companies can save on development costs, skip hiring instructional designers, and avoid the time and effort needed to build custom training from scratch. Plus, these programs can be rolled out immediately, lightening the load on internal teams.

But do these ready-made programs really deliver what employees need? Do they offer the depth, relevance, and engagement necessary for effective learning? The key question is whether these pre-packaged solutions provide a comprehensive and meaningful learning experience. To answer that, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides of off-the-shelf training and consider how custom training might be a better fit.

The Downsides of Off-the-Shelf Training

While off-the-shelf training programs are convenient and cost-effective upfront, they might not always deliver the best engagement, relevance, and long-term impact. Organizations should carefully assess their training needs and determine whether a more personalized approach could offer better returns in the long run (Rangabhashyam, n.d.).

Additionally, these programs may need to address employees’ unique daily challenges and scenarios. Without that real-world connection, it’s harder for learners to see how the training applies to their jobs, which diminishes its practical value. According to ATD’s 2023 State of the Industry report, companies increasingly prioritize personalized and relevant training that aligns with their goals and workforce needs. Off-the-shelf solutions often fall short in this area, leaving learners disengaged and less likely to apply what they’ve learned.

Ultimately, while these pre-made programs can be a quick fix, they often struggle to deliver the depth, relevance, and engagement needed for effective learning.

The Benefits of Customized Training

Customized training takes a tailored approach that enhances employee learning and integrates a company’s culture into the curriculum. Here’s why it stands out:

1. More Control Over Content: With custom training, you have complete control over what’s included and how it’s organized. You can tailor the material to fit your company’s needs, whether in e-learning, digital media, or content management. This flexibility ensures that the training aligns perfectly with your objectives.
2. Personalization: Custom training is designed with your organization’s unique roles, challenges, and goals in mind. Focusing on what’s directly relevant to your employees makes the content more meaningful and connects easily to their daily tasks.
3. Real-World Relevance: Customized programs incorporate scenarios and examples that mirror your employees’ challenges. This makes it easier for them to apply their new skills in practical situations, improving retention and real-world application.
4. Higher Engagement: Tailored training is more engaging because it’s crafted around what matters most to your employees. With interactive activities, relevant case studies, and relatable examples, the training becomes more enjoyable and impactful, leading to better results.

Customized training doesn’t just deliver information; it creates a learning experience that resonates with your team and drives lasting change.

Measuring Success and Return on Investment (ROI)

Measuring the success and ROI of training goes beyond just looking at upfront costs—it’s about considering the long-term benefits and effectiveness. Custom training programs, designed specifically for an organization’s needs, can lead to noticeable improvements in employee performance. When the content is relevant and directly applicable, employees are more likely to use what they’ve learned, leading to increased productivity and better job performance.

Investing in personalized training also sends a clear message that the organization values employee growth, which can enhance job satisfaction and improve retention rates. This, in turn, reduces the costs associated with high turnover. While off-the-shelf training may seem more budget-friendly initially, it often results in ongoing performance gaps and the need for additional sessions. On the other hand, custom training, although potentially more expensive at the start, delivers lasting results and minimizes the need for frequent retraining, leading to long-term savings.

In short, the initial investment in tailored training pays off by delivering more effective learning, better performance, and sustained cost efficiency.

Conclusion

While off-the-shelf training programs are convenient and cost-effective upfront, they might not always deliver the best results in terms of engagement, relevance, and long-term impact. Organizations should carefully assess their training needs and determine whether a more personalized approach could offer better returns in the long run.

Custom training solutions may require a larger initial investment and more time to develop, but they deliver more relevant, engaging content directly tied to real performance improvements. The lasting value they provide often outweighs the upfront costs.

Investing in training isn’t just about finding the cheapest or easiest option—it’s about choosing the most effective one. By focusing on personalized training that resonates with employees and reflects their work environment, organizations can maximize their ROI and create learning experiences that drive results. Contact the DOC and discover how we can help engage your learners while protecting the bottom line!

References

• ATD Research. (2023). 2023 State of the industry. Association of Talent Development.
• Jackson, K., and Makarin, A. (2018). Can online off-the-shelf lessons improve student outcomes? Evidence from a field experiment. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 10 (3): 226–54.
• Morrill, A. (2022). Tight L&D budget? No problem. TD: Talent Development, 76(11), 16–17.
• Rangabhashyam, S. (n. d.). From theory to practice: How simulation training revolutionizes employee development. [Blog post]. https://srbizsolutions.com/business/simulation-training-revolutionizes/.
• Weibell, C. (2021). Get Training Wins in a Time Crunch. Training, 58(1), 18.
• Weinstein, M. (2019). CREATE or CURATE? Training, 56(6), 40–43.