Environmental Services Employees’ Perceptions of Online Learning at a Midwestern VA Medical Facility

Abstract

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) intends to employ a workforce made of 40% veterans. Many veterans choose to work at the VHA because of the incentives provided by the government. Veterans often choose entry level positions with limited correlation to their military expertise to get their foot in the door at the VHA. Once they are hired into entry level positions, some find it challenging to move up into their desired or higher paying jobs. Environmental Management Services (EMS) is one department that employees often use to get their foot in the door. The positions are physical in nature and allow little access to computers during work hours. It was unknown if online learning opportunities provided by the Talent Management System, the VHA’s online learning platform, were perceived to help these employees develop the skills or requirements needed to move up within the VHA. It was also unknown if these employees have access or knowledge of what is available. This qualitative study utilized focus groups and follow-up interviews to determine what the employees’ perceptions were in the EMS. The study proceeds to establish themes related to EMS employees’ perceptions of online training. In addition, recommendations for the department are provided along with recommendations for future research.