Investing in employee training is a no-brainer if you want to boost your company’s bottom line. 

Research shows that training investments yield a 24% higher profit for organizations. And employees? They’re not clocking in for a paycheck anymore but rather seeking to level up their skills. 

No wonder 92% believe training programs positively impact their job satisfaction. But the thing is, Gen Z plays by a whole new set of rules. 

Raised on YouTube tutorials and meme culture, they don’t have the patience for those outdated, hour-long training videos filled with corporate jargon. Nope, they need something fast and fun. 

Think snappy edits, relatable examples, and, most importantly, videos that get to the point without boring them to death. 

So, how do you nail this? Well, by creating employee training videos that speak their language and keep them hooked from the get-go. Let’s explore how to make that happen for your Gen Z workforce.

Why Consider Employee Training Videos for Gen Z? 

Gen Z is the most digitally savvy generation yet, and they’re not going to sit through dry PowerPoint slides or long-winded lectures. 

They prefer visually engaging videos that combine storytelling (another factor that piques their interest). Here are some reasons an employee training video is an ideal format to target Gen Z's attention. 

Bite-Sized Learning for Short Attention Spans

If a training session drags on longer than a couple of minutes, Gen Z is already mentally checking out. McKinsey & Company highlights that 59% of Gen Zers prefer watching a short form video of the content they’ll watch longer videos about. 

So, you can imagine that traditional training sessions stand no chance. Bite-sized learning works well for this generation, and videos offer precisely that. 

They allow you to give a Cliff Notes version of your training - quick, sharp, and to the point. This way, you keep them engaged, and more importantly, you respect their time. 

Gamified Learning 

Gen Zers have grown up playing games. In fact, data shows that 65% of Gen Z gamers play video games for over 3 hours every day. 

So, adding that touch of excitement in your training content can keep them motivated. Also, it’s not just about making learning fun (though, why not?), it’s also about tapping into that reward-driven mindset that keeps them coming back for more. 

We mean, score points and win badges - the kind of training they can actually get behind.

Story-Driven Engagement

Gen Z doesn’t do dry facts and figures. Instead, they crave stories. We mean, think about it: this is the generation that binge-watches entire seasons of shows in a weekend. 

So, if your training video feels like a storyline, you’ll have them hooked. Real-world examples? Go for it. Dramatic tension? Why not! Give them a reason to care about what’s happening, and they’ll not only remember it; they’ll internalize it. 

Mobile-First Flexibility

Gen Z practically lives on their phones. Research shows they spend about 6 hours and 5 minutes on their phones every day. This means you need to create training videos that fit in their pocket (literally). 

Mobile-first flexibility means giving them content they can watch on the go, whether they’re waiting in line for coffee or chilling at home. It should be training that moves with them. No more “sit down at a desktop for an hour” nonsense. 

If it’s not quick and accessible on a smartphone, they’re probably not watching.

Visual Learning for Fast Absorption

Gen Z thrives on visuals, and videos offer them precisely that. From TikTok tutorials to Instagram infographics, they process images and videos faster than any other format. 

So, forget long paragraphs and overly detailed slides. Instead, consider using bold visuals and quick animations that get the point across in seconds. The faster they can see it, the faster they’ll understand it. 

5 Strategies to Create Employee Training Videos for Gen Z’s

To create effective training videos for Gen Zers, you need to understand their part of the world. This generation has grown up watching engaging content, so if your videos won’t grab attention right away, they’ll struggle to learn. 

Below, we’ve explored the best employee training and development video​ strategies to help you create something they’d prefer to watch. 

1. Embrace Meme Culture 

Memes have taken the internet by storm. 

According to research published by Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, memes “can influence a sense of belonging.” The audience is, hence, more likely to engage with such content. 

Today, memes have evolved from simple jokes to a cultural phenomenon that speaks the language of our times. 

They’re relatable, quick, and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? The same goes for Gen Z professionals. 

You can leverage this format in your training videos for employee development to make them more impactful. Here are some tips to consider. 

• Integrate meme reaction clips into your videos. You can use them to demonstrate emotional responses to various workplace scenarios. For instance, a well-placed “This Is Fine” meme can perfectly capture the chaos of a tight deadline.

• Involve employees by asking them to submit their favorite memes related to the training subject. Then, feature these in your videos to show that you value their input.
• Use popular memes to illustrate key points in your training. For instance, you can include a clip of the “Drake Hotline Bling” meme showing him rejecting outdated practices and using innovative methods. It’s a quick laugh that also drives the message home!

2. Add AR Elements

Augmented reality (AR) isn’t just for gaming (or showing off how your dog would look in a wizard hat). You can also use it to level up your training videos for business. 

After all, 80% of Gen Z is interested in using AR to enhance their experience. 

So, consider merging the digital and physical worlds to create an engaging learning experience that keeps Gen Z hooked. After all, “people learn by doing.” 

Here’s what you can do. 

• Use AR to create hands-on guides. For instance, if you’re training on equipment usage, an AR overlay can provide step-by-step directions right on the machine itself. Trainees can see instructions appear as they interact, which makes learning interesting. 
• Employees can use AR apps to find virtual objects or information hidden around their workspace. It’s like Pokemon Go but with less Pikachu and more productivity.

3. Video Series With Real-World Challenges 

A video series featuring real-world challenges is a format where you present employees with actual scenarios they might face in their roles. It also includes all those twists and turns that mimic the unpredictability of real life. 

With each episode, employees can witness their colleagues tackle challenges head-on, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their wins. 

Each episode can highlight different skills, from communication to critical thinking, all while keeping the content entertaining. It’s the kind of training that says, “Hey, we see you. We know what you’re facing, and we’re here to help you thrive.”

Moreover, this format invites discussions. For instance, after each episode, teams can gather to debrief and discuss what they would have done differently. 

4. Use Motion Graphics and Bold Visuals

When it comes to training Gen Z, if your videos look like they were made in the early 2000s, you might as well be using a flip phone to call them in for a meeting. 

You can change this by incorporating motion graphics and bold visuals in your videos. 

Consider kicking off your training video with a burst of color and animated characters explaining complicated policies as if they were recounting the latest plot twist from a binge-worthy series. Who knew corporate training could resemble a cinematic experience?

Besides, when your content is a feast for the eyes, your employees are more likely to remember what they learned. This means while they’re busy ooh-ing and aah-ing at your snazzy graphics, they’re also soaking up crucial information. 

So, if you want to keep Gen Z on the edge of their seats during training, it’s time to ditch the static slides and opt for motion graphics. 

Here’s an example of how motion graphics turn a bland topic into something worth a watch. And while this video was all about the product, the first comment says, “I am not in love with your animation.” 

5. Collaborate With TikTok Creators 

TikTok algorithm sometimes seems to know our preferences better than we do, so why not use the power of those short, snappy videos for employee training? Collaborating with TikTok creators is a strategic way to connect with Gen Z on their turf. 

You can collaborate with a TikTok creator (in your niche) with a knack for storytelling. 

These creators understand the pulse of their audience and can create content that feels that keeps viewers glued to their screens. In case you plan to implement this strategy, consider these tips. 

• Before you reach out, binge-watch their TikToks like they’re the latest Netflix series. Understand their vibe and content style. The more you know, the more you can tailor your pitch because, trust me, nobody likes a generic message.
• Start with a compliment that isn’t just fluff. Mention a specific video that made you laugh or think. Something like, “That skit about office coffee wars? Pure gold!” You got to be the fan they didn’t know they needed. 
• Creators are busy making viral content, so keep your message snappy. Clearly state what you’re proposing and why it’s a match made in TikTok heaven. 
• Creators want to know what’s in it for them. Explain how your collaboration could boost their content and bring new followers (besides dollars). 
• If you don’t hear back, don’t take it personally. Creators are often inundated with requests. A gentle follow-up in a week or two can keep you top of mind. Just don’t be that person who sends a follow-up every single day.

Level Up Your Gen Z Training With Video Production Chicago Experts!

The best employee training videos do not dump information onto screens but rather spark excitement to capture (and hold) the attention of Gen Z. 

So, before you create employee training video, ask yourself what really excites this workforce. 

Challenge the norms, break the mold, and deliver training that inspires. It's time to toss the old playbook and create a learning environment that mirrors the world they inhabit. 

And, of course, you don’t have to do it alone. Video marketing Chicago experts can help you create a training experience that resonates with Gen Z professionals. 

At Indirap, a video marketing agency, we’ve helped thousands of companies with their strategy; you could be the next. Reach out today to bring your training vision to life. 

FAQs

How to make training videos for employees?

Start by break down complex topics into bite-sized chunks that won’t put your team to sleep. We recommend using a mix of visuals - think animations and a dash of humor - to keep things lively. After all, no one likes watching a talking head for 30 minutes. So, spice it up with content that relate to their day-to-day. 

How to make training videos more engaging?

You can make your employee training video engaging by using storytelling techniques or adding challenges employees might face. Further, consider incorporating interactive elements like polls or quizzes that pop up throughout the video. And finally, don’t shy away from a little humor; a well-placed joke can make even the dullest topics a bit more fun. 

How do you create an effective employee training plan?

First off, talk to your employees and find out what they actually need to learn. Following this, set some clear, achievable goals that your team can rally behind. Then decide the training structure, which may include videos, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Finally, don’t forget to measure success; feedback is key. Keep it fluid and adjust the plan as needed. After all, flexibility is the name of the game!