Job aids are an inexpensive yet powerful tool for improving on-the-job
performance. We’ve found that many performance gaps can be dealt
with by creating a job aid rather than a full training intervention.
Job aids can range from simple checklists to computerized interactive
wizards. They can be used to:
- guide users through every step of a procedure
- guide decision-making processes
- track task completion and results
- provide as-and-when-needed information on concepts, policies,
and procedures
- document employee activities and findings (e.g., results of interviews
or research)
Using job aids can help:
- reduce training time, as employees are simply taught
how to use the job aid
- increase efficiency by reducing erroneous or incomplete
task performance
- ensure consistency of performance by providing authoritative
directions on how to complete a task
- minimize requests to supervisors for information and
assistance
- foster learning retention and transfer when used as a
post-course support strategy
- facilitate understanding and implementation of change
Job aids can also minimize risk by:
- setting forth correct procedure guidelines
- providing timely reminders about safety precautions
Job aids are recommended whenever:
- the work entails complex or detail-rich procedures
- a high degree of accuracy is required
- tasks must be performed consistently across the enterprise (e.g.,
issues of equal treatment and accountability)
- tasks involve a measure of risk (e.g., physical safety issues,
liability and accountability issues)
- there is a long delay between training and task performance
- tasks are performed infrequently
- staff turnover is high
- employee knowledge and skill levels vary
- there is little time and/or resources for training
- staff have limited access to human assistance
BrainWave Solutions Inc. members have over thirty years of experience
in designing and developing job aids as part of our training solutions
and Human Performance Support Systems.
Our job aids are task-oriented and results-driven. Their purpose
is to help users get the job done—and done right.
We have created individual or integrated suites of job aids, including:
- quick reference sheets
- user handbooks
- checklists
- procedure guidelines
- flowcharts and decision trees
- diagrams
- reference and procedure manuals
- static and interactive annotated forms
- Frequently Asked Questions banks
- listservs
- integrated help systems in hard copy, Acrobat format, and HTML
- walk-through examples and self-guided tutorials
BrainWave Solutions Inc. offers Job Aids design and development services
either as:
Tell me about your overall
client portfolio …
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job aids...
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a Human Performance Support System:
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