Architecting Growth Through Transformative Learning Experiences for Teams

Gina Elliott, Senior Director of Learning and Development, Altitude Trampoline Park

Matter Expert with over 10 years of global experience, specializing in providing support for new and existing units worldwide. She possesses extensive knowledge in evaluating existing training programs, crafting new ones, and delivering impactful instructional content and workshops that foster the professional growth of entire workforces. Renowned for her adeptness in managing projects, Gina establishes standards and implements best practices, driving operational excellence and business expansion.

Could You Please Provide A Concise Background About Yourself, Including Your Professional Journey And Current Role And Responsibilities Within Your Organization?

I am the Senior Director of Learning and Development at Altitude Trampoline Park. My career spans over 23 years in the restaurant industry, where I have had the privilege of supporting both franchise and corporate parks in various learning and development capacities. Having joined Altitude Trampoline Park a year and a half ago, I continue to be deeply involved in learning and development, much like my previous role with an emphasis on safety

In my current position, my primary focus lies in crafting learning curricula and Correlating learning outcomes to business goals. Given that our industry revolves around trampolines, a significant part of my work centers on risk mitigation. I am dedicated to implementing comprehensive training programs in our parks and establishing best practices to minimize potential risks associated with our attractions and guests

What Are Some Of The Prevailing Trends And Challenges Impacting The Hr Space Today, From Your Perspective?

In the HR space, I have noticed several challenges, and one of the most significant is talent acquisition. It has been quite evident that acquiring suitable talent is a major concern. However, at present, my primary focus lies on talent retention, which is proving to be an even more pressing challenge. Retaining valuable talent has emerged as a critical issue, especially concerning hourly employees and management in the parks, as we are the industry is experiencing higher than desirable turnover rates.

The key to success lies in being adaptable and responsive to the everevolving landscape of our industry

Could You Please Elaborate On The Current Technological Trends That Are Impacting The Human Resources Management Domain?

When considering technological trends in HR, we are placing a significant emphasis on training and its profound influence on employee retention. As an example, our organization recently introduced a state-of-the-art learning management platform, which has been fully integrated across our facilities in the past six months. The outcome has been remarkable, as we’ve witnessed a direct correlation between employee success in their roles and the completion of training programs. By incorporating metrics into this platform, we now have the ability to analyze how team members access, retain, and apply the acquired knowledge within our organization. This has brought valuable insights into optimizing training strategies and enhancing overall performance within our workforce.

When It Comes To Your Leadership Role Within The Organization, Have You Been Involved In Any Specific Project Initiatives And What Methodologies Have You Used To Make The Project Successful?

Currently, we are focusing on enhancing our learning management system by utilizing the platforms job metrics and tying it into business impact. Our main goal is to elevate the training process and establish correlations between training, turnover rates, and sales. With the help of job metrics, we gain valuable insights into how employees receive and retain information. However, a significant ongoing project involves integrating our business impact module, present in the learning management system, with our point of sale system. By doing so, we aim to determine the direct impact of training on various aspects of the organization.

This integration will enable us to understand the influence of training on employee retention rates. Previous studies suggest that employees who undergo comprehensive training during their onboarding process tend to stay longer, exhibit higher productivity levels, and deliver better overall performance. By leveraging our business impact module, we anticipate being able to verify these findings for our organization. As we implement and launch this integrated system, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of how training impacts employee turnover and sales, ultimately allowing us to make informed decisions to improve organizational performance.

In Contemplating The Future Trajectory Of The Hr Space, How Do You Envision Its Evolution Over The Next 12 To 18 Months?

As I observe the current trends, a noticeable shift towards technology utilization stands out. In the past, HR processes heavily relied on manual processes. However, in recent years, there has been a significant transition towards embracing technology. A prime example of this transformation is evident in how we handle performance reviews. Initially, we used to carry them out manually, and to some extent, we still do. Nevertheless, now we have the ability to consolidate various aspects, like goalsetting, by automating the process and integrating data from sales, objectives, and even job-related metrics. This automation has allowed us to see a comprehensive, high-level view of everything, replacing the isolated and disconnected approach that was prevalent in the past.

The implementation of technology has been instrumental in breaking down these silos and connecting different HR components. Automation, in particular, has played a crucial role in this transformation, enabling us to access real-time data that has proven to be highly valuable. Moving forward, I firmly believe that this shift from manual to automated practices will be the most impactful and beneficial aspect for the HR space. The ability to work with real-time, data-driven insights is a game-changer that empowers us to make informed and strategic decisions.

What Advice Would You Offer To Aspiring Professionals In Our Field?

One of the most significant pieces of advice I’d like to share, especially for those transitioning from a field-based role to a corporate position, is to remain connected and informed about the happenings in the field. Whether it’s a retail store, a trampoline park, or any other setting, it’s crucial to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on. By staying in touch with the operational realities, you gain valuable insights into the actual needs and challenges.

For instance, in our context, I think being in tune with the dynamics of our parks, and continuously engaging with your team members on the ground is essential. Actively communicate with them to understand what’s happening, what they require to succeed, and how the environment is evolving.

As the HR space is constantly changing, and our needs continually evolve, it’s crucial to seek feedback before implementing any new initiatives. By doing so, you can gather valuable perspectives and ensure your strategies are effective and well-suited to the current circumstances. Your managers and hourly employees are your best sources for such feedback, so utilize their insights to identify areas for improvement.

the key to success lies in being adaptable and responsive to the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. By maintaining open lines of communication with those at the frontline, you can make informed decisions and create strategies that truly resonate with the needs of our field. Always seek opportunities for improvement and leverage the wisdom of your team members to drive positive change within the organization.