Training employees can be a tremendous drain on companies’ time and resources. While the training is an essential activity for all organizations, very few organizations train their employees because of some selfish bosses who feel training of the employees is a waste of resources.

But before you dismiss the idea of helping your employees learn new skills, consider the ways that training can positively affect your employees to perform their job which in turn help your company grow. There are three different types of trainings, the first one being:
Induction training

This is training that an employee will receive when they first join an organization or begin a new role. This type of training is designed to provide the employee with the essential skills needed to perform their new job.

Induction training can also include an introduction to the company ethics, values and culture so that the employee is aware of the behaviors expected of them.

As the name suggests, on the job training, is training provided during the regular performance of duties. This can take a variety of forms including:

• The employee being guided through a task or process by a colleague or supervisor, so that the employee knows how to perform the task and to what standard.

• Shadowing, spending time with an expert so that the employee can observe how the expert performs their daily duties.

• Observations, the employee is observed whilst they perform their duties. At the end of the observation, the observer will provide the employee with feedback on their performance.

• Coaching, the employee will learn new skills (not knowledge) and have the opportunity to practice the skills with the coach before using the skills in the workplace. An effective coach will review the employee’s performance to ensure that the employee uses the newly learnt skills until they become better at what they are doing.
On the Job training

• Mentoring, the employee is partnered with an experienced employee so that they can discuss performance. The experienced person is known as the mentor and the employee they are partnered with. The employee will discuss their performance and problems with the mentor.
Off the Job training

This is training provided away from the employee’s usual work environment and the employee will stop their usual duties/work during the training. Off the job training may be in the same building or off site.

This training may be provided by trainers working for the same employer as the employees being trained or an outside company is hired.
Benefits of training

Training increases employee productivity. In addition to learning how to complete new tasks and take on more responsibility, employees can learn advanced techniques to help them complete everyday tasks more efficiently.

For example, sending your bookkeeper to an advanced Excel class may help him or her learn shortcuts to simplify the accounting processes, and the turn around time is therefore shortened.

Training reduces turnover. Employees who don’t receive guidance or have difficulty learning the ropes are much more likely to leave your company because they will feel used and not appreciated.

Employees are less likely to leave if they have the opportunity to learn new skills and keep up within their industry.

Training improves job satisfaction. Investing time and money in employees’ skills makes them feel valued and appreciated, and it challenges them to learn more and get more involved in their jobs. Higher job satisfaction ultimately results in reduced turnover and higher productivity.

Training aids in the recruiting process. If you’re committed to training, you’ll be more willing to hire a desirable candidate who lacks a specific skill but is willing to be trained.

Training also makes your company more attractive in the eyes of potential employees because it shows them that they have room to grow and accept new challenges. In addition, training existing employees could reduce the need to hire new staff.

Training rewards long-time employees. You’ll be more willing to promote existing employees who have learned new skills and are ready to take on new challenges.

Instead of hiring new employees to take over a post, of which an existing employee would have been the best candidate since they have been with the company for some time and know all what is required.

Training reduces the need for employee supervision. Not only does skill-based training teach employees how to do their jobs better, but it also helps them work more independently and develop a can-do attitude.

As much as many employers refuse to train their employees for fear of equipping them with skills which might tempt them to go and look for greener pastures else where, the employee still has a right to ask for at least 2 trainings in year. Train your employees today and yield the fruits as a result.

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