In my former job, and even now as an entrepreneur, it seems that the training never stops. Part of being a “tech nerd” is being well-rounded in all things tech. Of course, my scope of learning has changed since I left my 9-5 job. Now I am self taught. I am constantly reading tutorials, eBooks, or blog posts, and viewing YouTube videos on things that I want to learn. But back then it was more structured. There were training programs to get certifications and classes to learn new skills for the job. It is important that staff learn new skills. It benefits your company by keeping your staff up to date on the latest technology to help them do their job. And it benefits them because they have new skills to list on their resume.
The Importance of Learning New Skills
Regular staff training is an important investment in your workers. Their continued education will not only increase their skills and professional development, but will show your employees that they are valued. This perception has a direct effect on retention of staff and also enhances recruitment of quality workers.
Some employers fear that time taken up in training will adversely affect productivity. The opposite is generally true. Provided that the training offered is relevant and of a high quality it will almost always pay dividends in increased productivity down the track. Targeted training programs ensure staff training time is used to optimum benefit.
Upskilling Your Workforce
One of the main benefits of regular staff training is that it will enable your employees to do their jobs more effectively by giving them the tools, the strategies, and knowledge needed to carry out their roles. Training enhances performance and assists employees to do their jobs more effectively and more efficiently. It’s that simple.
Preparation for Advancement
Rather than having to continually recruit highly trained staff from an external pool, training prepares employees for advancement within the company. Management training, for example, will help prepare workers for future positions of leadership. This promotes long term commitment to your company and has a significant effect on staff turnover.
It’s Good for Your Business
Regular training is good for performance. It will increase the performance, productivity and morale of your staff, which will have a positive impact on your profits. You should target training to meet the needs of your business now and going into the future. Choose what skills you need your workers to acquire and focus training around these. Training can also increase customer service levels and ensure safer work practices. All of these things are good for your bottom line.
Good for Staff
Training is highly beneficial to your staff too. While some employers worry that investing in training their staff will result in them leaving for a more highly paid job, this is rarely true. Companies that continue to offer quality training have a greater staff retention rate. This is because workers appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills and appreciate the investment being placed in them. They usually report a high self-esteem based on feeling valued. Training also assists with motivation and increases opportunity for promotion, so is highly valued by most workers.
Training Flows On
Another benefit of regular staff training is the flow on effect that it has. Well trained employees will pass on their skills to other workers in your company. It will facilitate the implementation of best practice across your entire workforce as employees share newly acquired skills and work practices with their co-workers.
Increases Customer Satisfaction
Highly trained staff will impress your customers and as customers are the bread and butter of your business they are worth impressing. Training in customer service will help to retain and grow your customer base by equipping your staff with the skills they need to meet the needs of customers. This will most definitely pay dividends.
Before you decide exactly what training your staff needs makes a plan. You want to make sure that the time is well spent for all.
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