The Importance of Training Employees

As technology advances and workplace strategies evolve, there comes a need for professionals to align with these changes in terms of knowledge and skills. One of the best ways to enhance knowledge and skills is through training. Providing employees with relevant and consistent training can help improve performance and efficiency in the workplace.

In this article, we explain the importance of training employees and provide a list of potential benefits.

What is the importance of employee training?

Training is important because it represents a good opportunity for employees to grow their knowledge base and improve their job skills to become more effective in the workplace. Despite the cost of training for employees, the return on investment is immense if it is consistent.

There are several reasons it is important for employers to initiate training programs for their employees, such as:

It improves skills and knowledge

Employee training programs help improve the knowledge and skills of employees to match the various changes in the industry. These improvements will positively affect the productivity of workers, which can increase the profits and efficiency of an organization. Some of the things employees may learn through training include work ethics, human relations and safety.

It satisfies the recommendations of performance appraisals.

When an organization’s employee performance appraisals suggest the need for improvement on a particular subject or skill, training programs can be organized for staff members to help satisfy this requirement. Training can therefore address an identified problem area and work toward a solution.

It prepares employees for higher responsibilities.

Training programs can also help prepare employees who are moving into higher roles and taking on more responsibilities in an organization. These programs will help them learn the skills that are required to function effectively in their new positions. For example, they may be trained in leadership skills or in a specific software they will use in their new role.

It shows employees they are valued.

Implementing training programs in the workplace will help employees feel like the company is invested in them. By continuing to teach your employees new skills and abilities, they will not just become better workers, they will feel like more productive members of the organization. This will improve their morale as well as their workplace capabilities.

It tests the efficiency of a new performance management system.

Employee training programs help an organization test the efficiency and effectiveness of a new performance management system, which will help HR establish clearer performance expectations. Using these systems to train your employees will reinforce the necessity of meeting goals and help employees better understand what is expected of them.

It improves IT and computer skills.

Training programs help employees learn about specific computer skills and IT topics, such as the use of software systems. Companies may train their employees to create graphs and spreadsheets, edit data in their database and understand network arrangements in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of computers to improve workplace efficiency.

Categories of training and development for employees

There are many different categories of training that employees can undertake in or out of the workplace, including:

Management training

Employees can undergo different levels of management training when they are being promoted to managerial or senior-level positions in an organization. This type of training is meant to prepare them for the additional higher responsibilities they will have in the organization.

Sales training

Employees, especially those in the sales and marketing industries, may be required to go through sales training to sharpen their skills in selling and marketing a company’s products and services.

On-the-job training

When an employee first starts at a company, they may receive on-the-job training that will help them learn what is expected of them as well as the job skills necessary for their new position.

Mentoring scheme

Sometimes, especially in the case of entry-level staff members, employees may be required to work under an experienced supervisor or manager in order to learn more about their job and gain preliminary experience to work in an organization.

In-house training

Most organizations conduct different levels of in-house training for their staff. One option is to have experienced members of your organization serve as facilitators, and another is to bring in an external trainer to help teach employees or managers specific skills or abilities.

Personal study

Employees can also dedicate themselves to personal study to train on a particular topic of interest. There are many good reference materials available online that can be of use in this case.

Blended training

This involves employees getting involved in training that combines classroom and online learning.

11 benefits of training employees

Employers derive many benefits from organizing training programs for their employees, especially when they dedicatedly and consistently carry out these programs. Here are some likely advantages:

1. Increased productivity and performance

When employees undergo training, it improves their skills and knowledge of the job and builds their confidence in their abilities. This will improve their performance and make them work more efficiently and effectively.

2. Uniformity of work processes

When employees in a workplace are exposed to training, it helps to standardize the work process among the staff. Workers will apply and follow similar procedures as a result of their exposure to similar training.

3. Reduced wastage

When employees are trained, they will learn to make good, safe and economical use of the company’s materials, tools and equipment. Accidents and equipment damage will be minimized, and this will keep waste low.

4. Reduced supervision

Though training employees should not totally eliminate the need for supervision, it can significantly reduce the need for excessive supervision in the workplace.

5. Promoting from within

When an organization needs professionals with new or specific skills, they don’t have to go into the labor market to employ new professionals from outside sources. They can look inward and select promising staff members who can be promoted after they are trained in this set of new skills needed by the organization.

6. Improved organizational structure

When a company has an organized system of training for employees, it helps them learn in a consistent and systematic way. It also prevents the employees from learning by trial and error.

7. Boosted morale

Employees of organizations who go through training programs will feel like they are a part of a supportive work environment where they are appreciated, which will boost their morale and make them approach their job duties with more self-confidence.

8. Improved knowledge of policies and goals

A good training program will always help employees get acquainted with their organization’s ethics, values, policies, visions and missions.

9. Improved customer valuation

When employees of an organization are exposed to consistent training, it improves their skills on the job and makes them work more professionally and productively. Customers will feel the impact of this elevated service, and it will improve their opinion of the organization.

10. Better workplace environment

Consistent training will help employees work more effectively in the workplace environment. This brings about an atmosphere in the organization that encourages every employee to feel valued and welcomed.

11. Improved and updated technology

With the ever-increasing change in technology across all industries, exposing employees to new techniques in advanced technology will help to increase efficiency and productivity in the organization.

Credit: Indeed.com