Steven Rogall, CEO, Rogall + Co.
In the past, my company had problems with employee morale, retention and even performance. But when I began to introduce innovative training programs, not only were my employees more skilled and happy, but we also increased retention rates.
Overall, organizations that prioritize ongoing employee development stand to be better positioned to adapt to shifting market conditions, foster innovation and stay ahead of the competition.
The Strategic Importance Of Employee Training
A survey by TalentLMS and SHRM Research shows that 80% of employees “find training beneficial” for their productivity.
As I was recruiting employees for my company, I realized the necessity of a strong employee training program after almost every single person I interviewed asked me about our training and how we would help them grow and develop within their roles.
This consistent interest underscored a broader shift in the workforce: Today’s employees—whether prospective or current—are prioritizing continuous learning as a key to both personal career growth and long-term job satisfaction.
They recognize how, as industries evolve and new technologies emerge, the skills required to remain competitive also change. A robust training program can be a significant selling point for potential employees, signaling that your company is committed to helping them build their careers. It ensures that your workforce remains relevant and capable of meeting new demands.
Reducing Employee Turnover
I think one of the greatest advantages of a well-designed training program is its ability to reduce employee turnover—a costly and resource-intensive challenge for many companies.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 76% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training. This is because training helps employees feel valued and invested in their roles, leading to higher job satisfaction.
A straightforward way to gauge the impact of training is by comparing the satisfaction and retention rates of employees who participate in development programs with those who do not.
Generally Enhancing Employee Performance And Productivity
An immediate benefit of employee training is the enhancement of performance and productivity. When employees receive the training they need, they can perform their tasks more efficiently and with greater confidence.
Training also empowers employees to take on new responsibilities and challenges. When employees feel confident in their abilities, they are more likely to innovate and suggest improvements to processes.
In my experience, employees are particularly excited about training programs that support growth to higher positions, such as management. Luckily, this usually aligns perfectly with a company’s long-term strategy to grow management from the ranks of individual contributors.
Fostering A Culture Of Continuous Improvement
I believe training programs are a key component of creating a culture of continuous improvement within an organization. When employees are regularly exposed to new ideas, skills and ways of thinking, they are more likely to embrace change and look for ways to improve their performance.
This culture of continuous improvement can have a ripple effect throughout the organization. As employees at all levels become more skilled and confident in their roles, the company as a whole becomes more agile and better equipped to respond to market changes and opportunities.
One practical step a company can take to bolster a culture of continuous improvement via training is to allow employees hours in their normal 40-hour work week to train. Another is to give employees a stipend to spend on training programs at colleges or other specialty educational institutes that can support their job roles and responsibilities.
Supporting Innovation And Creativity
Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business, and aligned with continuous improvement, training plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
Toward this, I recommend looking into training programs that focus on creative thinking, problem-solving and collaboration to help employees develop the skills they need to contribute to the company’s innovation efforts.
Meeting Compliance And Safety Standards
In many industries, compliance with regulations and safety standards is not just important—it is mandatory. Employee training is essential for ensuring all staff members are aware of and adhere to these standards. This can help avoid costly fines and legal issues as well as keep employees safe.
Companies can reduce the risk of accidents and operate legally by keeping employees up to date on the latest industry regulations and best practices.
Adapting To Technological Advancements
The rapid pace of technological advancement means that employees must constantly update their skills to stay relevant. Training programs that focus on new technologies and digital tools are essential for ensuring that employees can effectively utilize these resources in their work.
For example, as businesses increasingly rely on data analytics to drive decision making, employees need to be trained on how to collect, analyze and interpret data. This not only improves their performance but also enhances the company’s ability to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Implementing Effective Training Programs
To maximize the benefits of employee training, companies must implement programs that are well-designed and aligned with their business goals. You can begin this process with a deep dive into the specific skill and knowledge deficiencies within your organization, followed by the creation of tailored training initiatives designed to bridge those gaps and empower employees to thrive.
It is also important to measure the effectiveness of training programs to ensure they deliver the desired outcomes. I recommend things like employee feedback and performance evaluations. You can also track key metrics like productivity and retention rates.
Of those listed, my favorite gauge of effectiveness is employee feedback. When employees are engaged and passionate, they are more prone to provide valuable feedback on what’s effective and where improvements are needed.
Conclusion
Overall, employee training is a powerful tool that can drive business success by enhancing performance, reducing turnover, fostering innovation and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Take it from me: Investing in the continuous development of your workforce can be a goldmine for long-term success, providing a dynamic foundation that helps employees evolve with your business and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
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