The Benefits of Training and Development
Source: BrantHR Staff
Companies that invest in the training and development of their employees reap many benefits, as do the employees and the community in which they live. Training and development increases the effectiveness of the organization and improves the ability to recruit and retain staff. Trained employees can simply do more, make fewer errors and require less supervision. Trained employees have more confidence in their ability to do the job successfully, which in turn makes them more successful at the job and keeps them with the organization for a longer period of time.
Most organizations begin with new employee orientation training, a program designed to introduce new employees to their job, the people they work with and the company itself. An orientation checklist will ensure that the appropriate information has been covered and can be signed and dated by the trainer and the new employee.
Training Programs:
Beyond new employee orientation, an organization can choose from available training programs from a training supplier or design their own. Here are some training and development programs to consider for all staff whether they are new or seasoned:
Basic Skills Training programs are designed to provide employees with critical literacy skills that are required to perform their job, such as reading and arithmetic skills. Organizations that have implemented basic-skills training have not only experienced increases in productivity, efficiency and quality but have also noted decreases in employee absences. Employees benefit with improvements in their skills and self esteem. It is a win-win for everyone involved.
Information Technology Training programs focus on the use of computers and computer systems. With the growing use of computer technology in the workplace, from point of sale cash register systems to computer controlled manufacturing machines, it is almost impossible to get through the work day without handling a computer. Providing staff with the opportunity to learn the programs and to use the computer in a comfortable setting will lower their frustration level. Give them room to make mistakes now, and they are less likely to make the same mistake on the job.
Workplace health and safety is of increasing concern to organizations, workers and government. Begin with prevention and corrective actions that eliminate or reduce accidents and injuries. Safety Training is the most important way to deal with accidents before they occur by educating employees in safe work techniques and methods. Staff should also be trained to recognize physical and chemical hazards in the workplace so that they are able to take corrective action on their own. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is implemented by a combination of federal and provincial legislation. For more information regarding the responsibilities surrounding hazardous materials in the workplace: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/whmis/index.php
Front line workers play a key role in how the company is presented to the public. Sales or Customer Service Training is vital to good customer satisfaction and repeat business. For many organizations, this requires a large investment of time and money, however the return on this investment is rewarding. Sales or customer service training can be a formal program or as informal as job shadowing an experienced staff member who has model behaviour. Customizing the training program to your organizational goals and customer base is most important, as it will provide staff with the skills that they need to be successful.
As the population of Canada continues to become more ethically diverse, it has become increasingly important for organizations to manage diversity in the workplace. The goal of Diversity Training programs is to address the differences in values, attitudes and behaviours of individuals with different backgrounds. By reducing biases and stereotypes and increasing understanding, the workplace and the community begin to experience positive change.
Many of these training programs have become key components of an organization’s efforts to remain competitive. Trained staff experience an increase in their own value as employees and management builds on the competitive advantage of the company.Employee Handbook Template
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