Many companies consider employee training and development as more optional than essential, a perspective which can be costly to both short-term profits and long-term progress. Therefore I have decided to focus on an important topic over three articles - Training: Importance, Strategy and Evaluation.
This week I concentrate on the importance of training and how it is essential to the achievements of a business.
One of the main reasons that training is seen as optional is due to it being a high initial expense. As well as this, employees who are on training courses/sessions, also miss out on time usually dedicated to their job, which could delay the completion of projects or increase work demands on other members of staff. The key to changing the mind set of training is to view it as a capital investment which, if done right, will give an acceptable rate of return. Training and development provides employees and the company as a whole, with long term benefits and presents a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of the workforce.
Below I have included factors that are addressed through training:
Improved Employee Performance
Whatever the occupation, employees who receive necessary training relating to their role are better able to perform their job, as they become more mindful of safety practices and procedures for straightforward tasks. Training also builds employee confidence as staff members have a stronger understanding of their sector and responsibilities within the workforce, which often leads to improved performance levels and creative ideas that may add to the success of the company.
Addressing Weaknesses
Employers are often aware of weaknesses each employee has in their workplace skills. Through developing a training program, employers are able to address and strengthen the skills for each individual member of the team. Employees who partake in a development course can be brought to a higher level, resulting in them all having similar talents and expertise, which reduces weak links in the company. Furthermore, if a company has an overall knowledgeable workforce, employees can take over for one another as needed as well as work independently without constant help and supervision from others.
Consistency
Employees only gain consistent background knowledge if training is structured and ongoing. Consistency in training programs is imperative for making staff members aware of company policies and procedures, as all members of the workforce need to be aware of expectations and procedures in place within the business. Policies on topics such as safety, discrimination and administrative tasks can be updated regularly, so consistently informing all employees on changing policies ensures that all they have exposure to the information.
Employee Satisfaction and Retention
It’s a known fact that companies who invest in their workforce tend to have a higher employee satisfaction and retention rate. Staff members feel valued when a company offers training and development programs and as a result are more loyal, increase their performance at work and have general job satisfaction.
As well as this, companies who invest in training immediately open their options to employing a wider range of people with a similar outlook to the company mission statement. As long as a potential employee has the right perspective, training of specific workplace skills can be nurtured.
Overall Skill Improvement
Workforce ability being improved should not only relate to skills within an employee’s specific fields, but also to their interpersonal and communication skills. Staff members need to communicate with other team members, and often members of the public, and so it is imperative that these skills are constantly being developed. Skills that could be emphasized alongside industry specific abilities are how to manage time effectively, how to deal with disputes, and how to be supportive in a team.
It has to be noted that the quality of training employees receive is very important to the welfare of the company. Substandard training results in wasted money and time, as well as cheap work. A quality workforce requires quality training programs, which although means spending more money, results in staff development, career growth and a prosperous business.
In today’s business world, if staff members aren't learning then companies will fall behind the competition. Employees are generally the face of the business that produce, refine and manage products and/or services every day and with the fast pace and international reach of the current marketplace, consistent and continuous learning is critical to a company’s continued success.
The contents of this article are necessarily expressed in broad terms and limited to general information rather than detailed analyses or legal advice. Specialist professional advice should always be obtained to address legal and other issues arising in specific contexts.
This week I concentrate on the importance of training and how it is essential to the achievements of a business.
One of the main reasons that training is seen as optional is due to it being a high initial expense. As well as this, employees who are on training courses/sessions, also miss out on time usually dedicated to their job, which could delay the completion of projects or increase work demands on other members of staff. The key to changing the mind set of training is to view it as a capital investment which, if done right, will give an acceptable rate of return. Training and development provides employees and the company as a whole, with long term benefits and presents a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of the workforce.
Below I have included factors that are addressed through training:
Improved Employee Performance
Whatever the occupation, employees who receive necessary training relating to their role are better able to perform their job, as they become more mindful of safety practices and procedures for straightforward tasks. Training also builds employee confidence as staff members have a stronger understanding of their sector and responsibilities within the workforce, which often leads to improved performance levels and creative ideas that may add to the success of the company.
Addressing Weaknesses
Employers are often aware of weaknesses each employee has in their workplace skills. Through developing a training program, employers are able to address and strengthen the skills for each individual member of the team. Employees who partake in a development course can be brought to a higher level, resulting in them all having similar talents and expertise, which reduces weak links in the company. Furthermore, if a company has an overall knowledgeable workforce, employees can take over for one another as needed as well as work independently without constant help and supervision from others.
Consistency
Employees only gain consistent background knowledge if training is structured and ongoing. Consistency in training programs is imperative for making staff members aware of company policies and procedures, as all members of the workforce need to be aware of expectations and procedures in place within the business. Policies on topics such as safety, discrimination and administrative tasks can be updated regularly, so consistently informing all employees on changing policies ensures that all they have exposure to the information.
Employee Satisfaction and Retention
It’s a known fact that companies who invest in their workforce tend to have a higher employee satisfaction and retention rate. Staff members feel valued when a company offers training and development programs and as a result are more loyal, increase their performance at work and have general job satisfaction.
As well as this, companies who invest in training immediately open their options to employing a wider range of people with a similar outlook to the company mission statement. As long as a potential employee has the right perspective, training of specific workplace skills can be nurtured.
Overall Skill Improvement
Workforce ability being improved should not only relate to skills within an employee’s specific fields, but also to their interpersonal and communication skills. Staff members need to communicate with other team members, and often members of the public, and so it is imperative that these skills are constantly being developed. Skills that could be emphasized alongside industry specific abilities are how to manage time effectively, how to deal with disputes, and how to be supportive in a team.
It has to be noted that the quality of training employees receive is very important to the welfare of the company. Substandard training results in wasted money and time, as well as cheap work. A quality workforce requires quality training programs, which although means spending more money, results in staff development, career growth and a prosperous business.
In today’s business world, if staff members aren't learning then companies will fall behind the competition. Employees are generally the face of the business that produce, refine and manage products and/or services every day and with the fast pace and international reach of the current marketplace, consistent and continuous learning is critical to a company’s continued success.
The contents of this article are necessarily expressed in broad terms and limited to general information rather than detailed analyses or legal advice. Specialist professional advice should always be obtained to address legal and other issues arising in specific contexts.
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