Challenge
As employees and organizations shift to telework and virtual work environments, unique challenges arise regarding technology, working relationships, and management. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Under Secretary Hickey has announced initiatives to rapidly increase the numbers of virtual VBA employees. Tools and trainings are needed to help employees successfully transition and adapt to the virtual work environment.
Solution
VA Learning University (VALU) contracted Atlas Research to develop two courses for VA employees: one helping employees acclimate to change, learn critical feedback skills, and understand cause and effect relationships that apply to telework and virtual environments; and one providing guidance for VA supervisors regarding telework challenges, barriers, and best practices.
The Atlas Team worked with VBA stakeholders and subject matter experts to define the learning objectives and course structures; drafted specification documents and solicited stakeholder and expert feedback; and employed sound online learning principles to a develop training courses.
Result
Atlas is working with VALU’s Career and Employee Development Directorate to develop a web-based training course for VBA employees and a virtual instructor-led training course for VBA supervisors. The purpose of both trainings is to prepare the VBA workforce to succeed in a virtual work environment. The course development process involves coordination with VALU and VBA experts to develop and test effective, user-friendly, and compliant training courses that meets the objectives set forth in the design/production specifications.