Making Training Interactive, Accessible, and Localised

Workplace training is an essential part of organisational growth and employee wellbeing. However, too often it is delivered in ways that fail to engage, include, or resonate with diverse workforces. As Indian organisations evolve in their approaches to employee development, there is a growing need to make training more interactive, accessible, and localised.

Why traditional training falls short

Many companies continue to use generic training modules developed for global audiences without considering local cultural nuances, language preferences, or accessibility needs. For instance, ergonomics training might feature Western office setups and ignore the realities of Indian workplaces, such as limited space, fixed desks, or shared workstations.

Similarly, training that is passive – consisting only of presentations and manuals - rarely results in meaningful behavioural change. Employees may understand the theory but fail to apply it, particularly if they cannot see its relevance to their day-to-day environment.

The benefits of interactive learning

Interactive training involves employees as active participants rather than passive recipients. In the context of ergonomic wellbeing, interactive training can include:

• Live demonstrations: Showing correct posture adjustments on an actual office chair or how to switch between sitting and standing using a height-adjustable desk.
• Hands-on practice: Allowing employees to adjust their own equipment during the session with expert guidance, embedding learning through action.
• Problem-solving scenarios: Asking employees to identify risks in workstation setups and propose solutions, reinforcing practical knowledge.

When training is interactive, it captures attention, encourages questions, and builds confidence to implement changes immediately. Employees feel empowered to take ownership of their comfort and safety.

Ensuring training is accessible for all

Accessibility is another critical factor in successful training delivery. In India’s diverse workforce, this includes:

• Language options: Offering training in local languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, or Marathi ensures that all employees fully understand key concepts and instructions.
• Inclusive materials: Using images and examples that reflect local office environments and diverse user groups, avoiding assumptions about standard equipment or working styles.
• Adaptable formats: Providing video captions, written summaries, or audio descriptions supports employees with visual or hearing impairments.

When employees can relate to and understand training content, the likelihood of knowledge retention and implementation increases significantly.

The importance of localisation

Localisation goes beyond translation. It involves adapting content to resonate with cultural values, workplace norms, and available resources. For example, while Western offices may emphasise multiple monitor setups, Indian offices may prioritise laptop ergonomics due to prevalent usage patterns. Similarly, localised training should acknowledge challenges such as limited floor space for footrests or the need for compact document holders on smaller desks.

By aligning training with the realities of Indian workspaces, organisations demonstrate practical understanding and respect for their employees’ environments.

Connecting training to tangible solutions

Effective training should not only educate employees but also equip them with tools to act. For example:

• Ergonomic chairs: Training on posture is far more impactful when employees have chairs with adjustable lumbar support to implement recommendations immediately.
• Height-adjustable desks: Demonstrating the benefits of alternating between sitting and standing works best when staff have access to desks that make this feasible.
• Ergonomic mice: Training on wrist health should link directly to introducing ergonomic mice that reduce strain.
• Document holders: Teaching neutral neck posture is only effective if document holders are provided to align reading materials at eye level.

Providing these ergonomic products alongside training bridges the gap between learning and behaviour change, enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity.

How we can support your training goals

At Workplace Adjustments, we specialise in delivering ergonomic training that is interactive, accessible, and localised to your team’s unique needs. Our trainers incorporate live demonstrations with your existing or recommended equipment, ensuring immediate application of knowledge.

In addition, our wide range of ergonomic solutions - including chairs, height-adjustable desks, ergonomic mice, and document holders - supports your training programmes by enabling employees to put their learning into practice seamlessly.

Investing in interactive and localised training, supported by ergonomic products, is an investment in your people’s health, confidence, and productivity.

Contact us today to discuss how we can design training solutions tailored to your organisation and equip your workforce for a healthier and more comfortable future.