Once employees are on board and performing at expectations, managers and business owners can fall into the trap of thinking that training is entirely over. There are many reasons to implement ongoing training programs. Learn how to recognize these signs you need to provide workplace training.
Your Employees Ask for It
You are a fortunate business owner if your employees are proactive in asking for additional training. They may want to upgrade their skills in advance of asking for more responsibility. Employees may ask for training because they recognize they could be more productive, or that there is something about your systems or procedures they don’t fully understand. Whatever the reason, your employees are the lifeblood of your business, and listening to their concerns and needs regarding training will ultimately benefit your business.
Quality Has Declined or Productivity Has Slowed
If business results decline, the tendency is to look at external factors. Everything was ticking along just fine and, now, things seem to be slowing or hitting roadblocks. Maybe you’re getting more complaints from customers or detecting more product defects. It may be time to invest in some workplace training to refresh employees’ knowledge or present new methods of coping with customers.
Reductions in quality and customer satisfaction may indicate that your employees don’t feel listened to or valued. Offering training as a means of re-engaging with the business can boost morale and show that you care about creating meaningful work and identifiable paths for promotions.
You Are Implementing New Systems
Training is always necessary if your employees will be encountering new technology or equipment. Whether it’s a full-blown data migration to a new CRM system, or upgraded machinery, investing in employee training is a must to ensure a smooth transition to the new tools.
Your Industry Is Subject to New or Updated Regulations
Industries that voluntarily comply with international standards or that are subject to regulations must implement training throughout the organization to ensure that employees understand their role in compliance.
You Notice Skill Gaps or Lax Safety Precautions
Overreliance on your most experienced or motivated employees may leave you with staff that doesn’t know how to perform their work properly when senior employees retire or motivated employees are recruited away. Institute procedures that will provide continuity in the workforce, where more experienced workers pass their knowledge onto up-and-coming workers. Make sure your experienced workers are valued and rewarded for contributing to the ongoing success of your business by helping to train newer employees.
Overconfidence in a workplace with a strong safety record can lead to things like employees failing to wear all required personal protective equipment. Those long familiar with operating machinery may grow a little lax in performing routine inspections and maintenance. Allowing safety to slip is an unacceptable risk. Businesses that require adherence to safety protocols should conduct regular refresher training about safety procedures and requirements.
Once you have determined that your workers and your business could benefit from additional training, you have choices about how and where to provide that training. Some businesses choose live, onsite training, while others select e-learning options. Others may choose to provide offsite training through educational institutions or seminars conducted by industry experts. If you notice signs you need to provide workplace training, consider what options would work best for your business and your budget.
