Improving training transfer

Purpose – This paper aims to provide easy‐to‐use strategies to improve the transfer of training knowledge to the real‐world job setting. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is to summarize successful techniques used in a variety of industries over the past 15 years. Findings – For most training professionals, learning in the classroom does not have a direct correlation to new workplace behaviors. However, with planning, diligent attention, and small changes to the process, training professionals can buck this trend. Keys to transferring training from the classroom to the workplace include a reasonable number of objectives, pre‐learning and post‐learning activities, active training experiences, and follow‐up to create follow‐through. While the current statistics may be dire, when it comes to transfer of learning, simple changes can yield big results for organizations. Practical implications – Training professionals must make changes to create meaningful learning transfer. Originality/value – The paper includes successful strategies for improving transfer in a variety of industries.