SharePoint Training Best Practices

Understanding the Value of SharePoint Training

SharePoint has emerged as a core platform for collaboration and document management among Perth businesses seeking efficiency and innovation. Whether used for file sharing, team collaboration, workflow automation, or content management, SharePoint’s utility hinges on how confidently users can navigate and utilise its broad features. Adequate SharePoint training is no longer optional – it is a strategic investment that can accelerate digital transformation and reduce frustration among employees.

Australian enterprises, particularly those operating in rapidly modernising cities such as Perth, are increasingly adopting SharePoint to bring teams together and streamline processes. However, without a structured approach to SharePoint training, businesses risk inefficiencies, underutilisation, and even security mishaps as users fumble with the system. A recent survey by a leading industry association highlighted that over 65% of digital tools in local organisations remain underused owing to insufficient training, underscoring the critical need to prioritise upskilling.

Recognising the connection between strong digital literacy and a high-performing workforce, many Perth IT leaders now regard SharePoint training as foundational. Well-trained staff can capitalise on SharePoint’s advanced features such as document versioning, automated workflows, real-time co-authoring, and custom intranet solutions. In addition, effective training supports compliance and data security initiatives, a vital consideration in the Australian regulatory landscape.

For local businesses looking to maximise their return on technology investments, developing an ongoing training pathway, rather than a one-off session, yields the greatest benefits. This approach addresses the evolving needs of teams as new SharePoint features roll out and as unique business processes take shape. A carefully crafted training programme doesn’t just make users competent – it sets the stage for innovation, adaptability, and a robust digital culture.

In this article, we dive deep into SharePoint training best practices, tailored specifically for businesses in and around Perth. We’ll explore proven strategies, local case examples, and insights from technology experts at Wolfe Systems, among others, to help your team unlock SharePoint’s full potential.

Identifying Training Needs Across Your Organisation

No two teams engage with SharePoint in exactly the same manner. Consequently, a top-down, one-size-fits-all training approach often falls short. The first step in establishing effective SharePoint training best practices is performing a tailored assessment across departments and employee roles. This diagnostic phase reveals current proficiency gaps, highlights areas of critical need, and informs resource allocation for maximum impact.

In many Perth firms, frontline staff might only need to master core document management and collaboration features, while project managers and IT administrators require advanced skills for workflow automation, permissions setting, and system customisation. Additionally, regulatory roles may need targeted instruction on compliance tools and audit trails. A structured skills audit – using digital surveys, manager interviews, or usability workshops – provides a thorough map of requirements.

Timing also matters. As reported in a 2024 industry review, Perth businesses that integrate skills assessments before deploying SharePoint modules achieve smoother rollouts and higher user confidence. Early engagement not only identifies training priorities but builds buy-in, signalling to staff that learning and adaptation are core to organisational culture. This transparency also demystifies the change process, reducing resistance.

Armed with clear data, supervisors and HR leaders can design tiered learning tracks catering to new users, power users, and technical specialists. Scheduling training around key operational calendars – not during peak project deadlines – further enhances participation and retention. This targeted, user-focused approach is central to successful SharePoint adoption and minimises long-term support overheads for IT teams.

Through collaborative dialogue and practical needs analysis, businesses create not just informed training but a culture of digital inclusion. Ultimately, this increases productivity and sustains technology-driven growth, a priority echoed throughout the Perth business ecosystem.

Designing a Comprehensive SharePoint Training Program

Building a comprehensive SharePoint training programme involves much more than stringing together a series of generic tutorials. Successful training is strategic, layered, and responsive to the pace and style of your workforce. Perth’s best-in-class training solutions typically mix formal instruction, informal sharing, and continuous feedback, reflecting how adults learn most effectively in business settings.

The cornerstone of any such programme is its curriculum structure. At a foundational level, training should cover navigation, document storage and retrieval, creating and managing lists, and teamwork basics. Intermediate topics expand into version control, site creation, permissions management, and workflow building. Advanced modules address automation, integration with Microsoft 365, third-party add-ons, and compliance settings. The curriculum should be regularly updated to reflect SharePoint’s evolving feature set as announced by Microsoft.

Delivery methods also warrant careful attention. While traditional classroom learning can be effective for onboarding, blended approaches – combining on-site workshops, online self-paced modules, video walkthroughs, and on-the-job coaching – cater to diverse learning preferences. The shift to remote and hybrid working models, particularly prevalent in many Perth organisations post-pandemic, has pushed demand for cloud-based and mobile-accessible content.

Crucially, the training should be interactive and scenario-based. Live demonstrations using real company documents and business processes help participants connect abstract concepts to practical application. Learners benefit from activities like guided task walkthroughs, team challenges, and Q&A sessions. Ongoing access to job aids and a searchable knowledge base drives independent problem-solving well after formal sessions conclude.

Feedback loops are essential for iterative improvement. Regular surveys, knowledge checks, and digital suggestion channels ensure that materials remain relevant and that emerging pain points are promptly addressed. An adaptable, participant-led ownership of the training journey is what distinguishes leading Perth employers in digital enablement.

Choosing the Right Training Partner

Investing in a knowledgeable SharePoint training partner can dramatically boost the speed and depth of your team’s skills development. Local providers understand the nuances of the Perth business landscape, from regulatory expectations to industry-specific workflows. Businesses like Wolfe Systems have developed a reputation for blending technical expertise with real-world business acumen, ensuring that training is both current and highly practical.

When comparing partners, look for those who offer tailored curriculum design (not just off-the-shelf materials), hands-on delivery, and ongoing post-training support. Ask about client success stories, local references, and the ability to integrate SharePoint with other systems in your technology stack. Effective trainers also demonstrate a commitment to continued upskilling, ensuring your business stays ahead as SharePoint updates roll out.

Incorporating Flexible Training Formats

The modern workplace is characterised by varying work arrangements, from traditional in-office roles to widespread hybrid and remote positions. As a result, SharePoint training must reflect this diversity, balancing the efficiency of in-person workshops against the reach and accessibility of digital content. Perth organisations have increasingly adopted flexible, multi-format approaches to maximise learning impact and ensure inclusivity.

Face-to-face workshops remain valuable for hands-on demonstrations and dynamic group discussions, allowing immediate question resolution and peer learning. These sessions can be structured around specific business units or cross-functional teams, fostering knowledge sharing and consistency across the organisation. For new starters, in-person orientation often sets a strong foundation of confidence with SharePoint’s user interface and essential workflows.

Digital learning formats, by contrast, shine in their scalability and accessibility. Self-paced e-learning modules give Perth staff – especially those working across time zones or on varying schedules – the ability to upskill without disrupting daily responsibilities. Most leading training providers, including Wolfe Systems, incorporate learning management systems featuring tracking, assessments, and on-demand help resources to support a “learn anytime, anywhere” mindset.

Another popular option is the use of live webinars or virtual classrooms, which combine the best elements of interactivity and flexibility. These sessions accommodate remote workers and allow for high-quality engagement, screen sharing for walkthroughs, and collaborative problem-solving. Perth-based businesses use virtual meetups to cover new feature releases or tackle pain points identified in usage analytics.

The right blend of training channels is shaped by business priorities, workforce demographics, and technology infrastructure. Importantly, whatever format is chosen, all resources should be mobile-friendly and compliant with accessibility standards to support all staff, including those with diverse needs. Hybrid training solutions ensure that everyone in your organisation, whether based in the Perth CBD or working remotely, can gain SharePoint skills with equal ease.

Encouraging User Adoption and Engagement

Ensuring that staff don’t just attend SharePoint training but actively engage with and apply new skills is often the greatest challenge for Perth organisations. User adoption hinges not only on quality content but also on structured support, ongoing motivation, and practical relevance. By fostering a culture that values digital improvement, businesses lay the foundation for sustained success.

Management involvement is a crucial driver of user engagement. Leaders who champion SharePoint, visibly participate in training, and set clear expectations signal its importance to the broader company mission. This cultural endorsement encourages hesitant users to embrace the new technology and experiment with its capabilities. Some of Perth’s top-performing firms even integrate SharePoint milestones into staff KPIs and performance reviews, reinforcing its relevance.

Peer support networks also play a significant role in bolstering confidence and sharing best practices. Informal “SharePoint Champions” – superusers within each department – are empowered to assist colleagues, spread tips, and troubleshoot minor issues. This peer-led support supplements formal IT assistance, dramatically reducing helpdesk loads and lowering barriers to daily use. Over time, as familiarity grows, more staff become confident contributors and innovators.

Gamification and positive reinforcement techniques are increasingly used in major Australian enterprises to spur initial momentum. Badges, progress trackers, and team-based competitions can inject friendly rivalry and visible incentives to drive learning. Recognition in staff newsletters or at team meetings further motivates individuals to invest in their SharePoint skills and consistently apply best practices.

Ultimately, the most enduring success arises from giving users clear, job-relevant reasons to use SharePoint in their daily workflows. Scenario-based exercises, tailored case studies, and real-life examples from the Perth business ecosystem anchor learning in familiar tasks and reinforce the system’s value. Ongoing touchpoints – such as bi-monthly drop-in clinics or digital surveys – keep the conversation alive and ensure user engagement is a continual priority.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Even with comprehensive training, some staff will resist moving away from legacy systems or long-standing habits. Early and transparent communication is key to overcoming these challenges. Articulate the “why” of SharePoint adoption, highlighting tangible benefits such as improved productivity, data security, and streamlined collaboration.

Support hesitant users with extra coaching, open Q&A forums, and reassurance that patience is valued during the learning curve. A Perth HR manager recently noted that phased rollouts – starting with smaller pilot teams – build early ambassadors and generate valuable feedback that benefits subsequent waves of training and adoption across the business.

Embedding SharePoint Training Into Onboarding and Development

Integrating SharePoint training into broader staff onboarding and ongoing professional development is among the most effective ways to build enduring digital capabilities. For new employees, encountering SharePoint early ensures consistent workflows and minimises confusion, regardless of department or role. By embedding training into the induction process, Perth companies streamline ramp-up time and set clear standards for digital communication and document management.

Progressive organisations often roll out role-specific onboarding modules featuring SharePoint walkthroughs, common use cases, and task-based exercises. These modules can be tailored for frontline roles, management, or specialised functions, ensuring contextual relevance. New starters also benefit from access to a digital learning portal where they can revisit material, complete knowledge checks, and track progress as they become more active in their roles.

Ongoing training is equally vital as employees advance and as SharePoint evolves. Monthly “lunch and learn” sessions, short refresher videos, and department-specific workshops provide practical upskilling opportunities. For example, Perth government agencies have reported a noticeable uptick in workflow efficiency and audit compliance after launching continuous SharePoint learning pathways for existing staff.

Periodic skills assessments and structured feedback form the basis for targeted refresher courses. This ensures that as SharePoint’s capabilities extend – such as through Microsoft’s regular feature releases – user proficiency keeps pace. Digital badges or certificates are an effective means of recognising staff who complete advanced training modules, supporting both talent retention and internal mobility.

By cultivating a holistic development environment, Perth businesses foster a culture in which digital skills are not a “nice to have” but a strategic asset. Such integration futureproofs the workforce, boosts morale, and supports career progression within a technology-driven local economy.

Analysing Training Outcomes and Measuring Success

For any investment in SharePoint training to be sustainable, it’s critical to define and track measurable outcomes. Perth organisations are progressively adopting data-driven strategies to quantify training ROI and guide future learning investments. Well-chosen metrics illuminate both the speed of adoption and the depth of user engagement across different divisions.

Key performance indicators might include system logins, frequency of document collaboration, reduction in email attachments, or the number of automated workflows initiated by end-users. Pre- and post-training skills assessments gauge knowledge improvements, while follow-up surveys capture user satisfaction and pain points. Industry experts advise setting baseline benchmarks before training begins and repeating assessments at intervals post-training.

Advanced SharePoint analytics tools, available through integration with Microsoft 365 admin panels, offer insights into usage patterns and highlight potential knowledge gaps. For example, reports showing declining use of old file shares may evidence strong SharePoint adoption. Similarly, sharp increases in shared libraries and task lists can point to successful workflow transformation supported by training.

Soft data is equally valuable. Collecting qualitative feedback through focus groups or digital suggestion boxes identifies subjective barriers or areas where training resources may fall short. This ongoing dialogue enables continuous improvement and ensures every training initiative remains relevant as business needs shift over time.

According to a recent market study, Perth businesses that regularly review and adapt their training approach achieve higher staff satisfaction scores and enjoy quicker returns on SharePoint investments. The leadership at Wolfe Systems recommends quarterly performance reviews combining quantitative data, user feedback, and IT support metrics to model ongoing traction and inform strategic planning.

Demonstrating Business Impact Through SharePoint Training

Demonstrating the real-world benefits of SharePoint training is critical in securing ongoing support from senior stakeholders. Tangible outcomes – such as faster project delivery, reduced compliance errors, or lower IT helpdesk loads – can be shared in management briefings or annual reports. This evidence-based reporting assures decision-makers that their commitment to training translates directly into business value.

Highlighting “success stories” within your organisation – perhaps featuring teams who have automated a cumbersome process or improved customer response times courtesy of SharePoint – fosters a sense of pride and motivates others. In Perth’s competitive corporate ecosystem, showcasing these wins helps attract new talent and reinforces your reputation as a digitally capable employer.

Harnessing Advanced SharePoint Features for Business Advantage

Once users have mastered SharePoint basics, attention can shift towards advanced tools that unlock even greater business benefits. Automation, for example, allows routine tasks to be streamlined or completed without manual intervention, freeing up staff for higher-value work. Features such as Power Automate integration, dynamic workflows, and document approval processes deliver substantial productivity gains for Perth organisations responsive to digital opportunity.

Business intelligence dashboards, real-time reporting widgets, and custom intranet solutions extend SharePoint’s value as a platform for decision-making and communication. Training staff to build and maintain these advanced components empowers them to solve problems creatively and adapt to evolving customer needs. Wolfe Systems stands out in offering advanced training modules that focus on these powerful features, helping local clients differentiate themselves within their sectors.

Security and compliance enhancements are another area where comprehensive training pays dividends. User knowledge of data retention policies, permissions hierarchies, and records management tools is vital for protecting sensitive information. With cyberattacks increasing across Australia, SharePoint training that incorporates security best practices reduces business exposure and keeps your data safe.

Integrating SharePoint with external applications – such as CRM systems, HR portals, or supply chain tools – showcases the platform’s versatility. Custom connectors, plug-ins, and tailored workflows add value far beyond basic document management. A workforce familiar with these integrations is better positioned to respond swiftly to changing commercial or customer requirements.

Continuous investment in advanced training ensures SharePoint remains an enabler of business agility, not merely a repository for documents. As the platform evolves, so too does its ability to deliver competitive advantage for digitally mature Perth enterprises.

Practical Tips for Building a SharePoint-Ready Culture

Adopting SharePoint is as much about mindset as it is about technical proficiency. Long-term gains require fostering a technology-positive culture where experimentation, ongoing learning, and collaboration are championed. Perth’s leading businesses achieve this with active leadership support and regular opportunities for departmental input into digital strategy.

Celebrating quick wins, such as a team’s first successful workflow automation or an internal site redesign, spotlights the value of embracing new tools. Encouraging staff to share user tips, shortcuts, or creative use cases in team meetings or internal forums can rapidly multiply knowledge across the organisation. These micro-successes underscore SharePoint’s relevance and set a positive tone for continual skills development.

Providing accessible training resources is central to building confidence. Wolfe Systems and similar local providers offer recorded webinars, user guides, and helpdesk support tailored to the Western Australian business context. Ensuring these resources are up-to-date and easy to navigate encourages staff to seek help proactively when needed, rather than reverting to inefficient workarounds.

Integrating SharePoint training achievements into professional development plans and internal recognition programmes reinforces the platform’s strategic importance. Monthly leaderboards, digital badges, or “power user” awards create visible incentives for ongoing engagement. As skills and enthusiasm spread, company-wide performance and technological maturity naturally improve.

Finally, regular consultation with staff and business units ensures training remains closely aligned to genuine workplace needs. By embedding a feedback culture and a growth mindset, Perth organisations can adapt quickly and maximise the benefits of their SharePoint ecosystem now and into the future.

Conclusion: Elevate Your SharePoint Training Journey

Investing in SharePoint training best practices is about far more than ticking a compliance box. It is a cornerstone of digital readiness, business resilience, and staff satisfaction in today’s technology-driven environment. Perth-based businesses that commit to structured, dynamic, and inclusive SharePoint training stand to reap long-term productivity and innovation gains.

From assessing unique organisational needs to choosing expert partners like Wolfe Systems, the journey towards full SharePoint adoption is best undertaken with clear strategy and ongoing engagement. Flexible formats, strong leadership advocacy, measurable outcomes, and a celebration of staff achievement all play key roles in driving success.

If you’re ready to unlock SharePoint’s full potential for your team, reach out to Wolfe Systems for an obligation-free consultation or tailored training proposal. Empower your workforce with the skills and confidence to drive business advantage in Perth’s competitive landscape – and let SharePoint become your springboard to ongoing success.