Reassess Needs in a Hybrid Work World

Needs assessments, a systematic process for determining and addressing gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes, have changed. Needs assessments and training needs assessments are important parts of our jobs that we must do and do well. If not, the end performance improvement product won’t meet learners’ or the business’s needs, and the assessment will be a huge waste of time, money, and trust for all involved. In this issue of TD at Work, Beth McGoldrick explains:

• How a needs assessment is different today
• How today’s workforce affects needs assessments
• How to collect data no matter where stakeholders are
• How to communicate the need for this assessment
• How to develop solutions based on the assessment

The Tools & Resources in this issue are an Adjusted Needs Assessment Tracking Sheet and a Stakeholder Information Worksheet.

About the Author

Beth McGoldrick

Beth D. McGoldrick is an instructional designer for RiverSource Insurance, part of Ameriprise Financial, where she has won awards for training projects she designed and developed. She has more than 18 years of experience in training and development in the insurance industry and academia, including skills in analyzing, designing, developing, and measuring training. Beth has written articles and book chapters on various training topics, including needs analysis, instructional design for mobile learning, and evaluation. She mentors other instructional designers throughout the country. She has a master of science in organizational performance and workplace learning from Boise State University.Beth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, John, son, and Shetland sheepdog. Beth may be reached at BethMcGoldrick.ISD@gmail.com.