The Cheapest and Most Impactful Training Tool That’s Missed: Anthropology
Training is BS—and by that, we mean Behavioural Science! In this series, we’re uncovering the most effective, low-cost strategies for improving workplace training. To read our first article “Make your internal training sticky”, click here.
Anthropology, the study of humans, societies and cultures, might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about employee training. But understanding how people think, interact, and behave in different environments can be a game-changer for your training efforts. And the best part? It’s a budget-friendly approach that delivers big results.
Why Anthropology Matters in Training
Anthropology helps us understand the underlying motivations, cultural norms, and social dynamics that shape human behaviour. When applied to training, these insights can help tailor programs that provide a better user experience (UX) and resonate more deeply with employees, leading to better retention and application of learning and new skills.
This can make the difference between a training program that feels generic and one that really makes an impact for your staff.
This article from UX Connections states user experience research aims to provide insights and understanding into the perspectives and wants of their users through qualitative and quantitative methods. Anthropology has exactly the same motivations and cultivates very similar methods in attaining insight on those they study.
Practical Applications of Anthropology in Training
Tailoring Content to Cultural Norms
Imagine rolling out a new safety protocol across an international company. By using anthropological insights, you can adapt the training to respect and incorporate local customs and communication styles, ensuring it’s well-received in every region, not just the one you live in.
Understanding Social Dynamics
Training doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it's influenced by the social environment of your organisation. Anthropology can help you identify key influencers and informal networks within your team, allowing you to leverage these dynamics to reinforce training messages.
Enhancing User Experience
Just as anthropologists have revolutionised user experience design by bringing a human-centred perspective, you can do the same for training. By focusing on how employees actually interact with training tools and content - what they enjoy and what they find boring, irrelevant or frustrating - you can create a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Anthropology can be your BF (budget friendly!)
Incorporating anthropological insights into your training doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s more about shifting your perspective and being mindful of the human element in your training design. Simple changes, like adjusting language, considering cultural context, or involving key team members in the development process, can have a profound impact without blowing your budget.
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to enhance your training programs, don’t overlook the value of anthropology. By understanding the people behind the process, you can create training that truly resonates and sticks. Whether you’re rolling out new procedures, onboarding employees, or boosting team performance, anthropology offers insights that can make your training not just effective, but transformative.
Need more?
If you are looking for ways to improve training in your organisation, Get in touch!
About the author
Tricia Martin is an FYA Young Social Pioneer and an Australian Women Leading Tech Finalist. She also coached an Under 9’s netball team in her local community, which she thinks is just as impressive. She continually looks for ways to use technology, behavioural science and digital experiences to meet people’s needs and find people-centred solutions to messy problems. She spends her free time reading sci-fi books, scouring thrift stores and watching Buffy for the fifteenth time.
