Efficient employee training should always be the number one priority for any quality HR department. Employee training and development opportunities are essential in creating a successful company as staff skills need to run parallel to the evolution of the business. Article from Matt Lees, CV-Library.
Despite the obvious requirement for staff training, it seems that many companies are not offering the appropriate measures. CV-Library, an independent job board in the UK, has recently announced that from a survey of 2,300 UK professionals, 73.2 percent found their opportunities to learn at work unsatisfactory. This should be more than concerning for HR teams as inadequate training and development opportunities can lead to some unwanted consequences around the company, such as significantly reduced productivity rates and high employee turnover. HR departments should recognise the weight that training and development schemes carry as they can positively aid a variety of components needed in creating a successful business. Here are some of the key reasons to train your staff.
Increase productivity
It should be obvious that if staff are not trained appropriately then they are likely to struggle in completing their duties to the required standard. Shockingly, 43.3 percent of the survey revealed that their employers don’t even provide basic training. HR teams should recognise that training is crucial if they want employees to carry out their daily responsibilities. Therefore, when staff are appropriately trained, they have the skills and knowledge to complete their tasks, thus increasing productivity.
Close the technology skills gap
Of the professionals asked, 87.8 percent felt that training within the workplace was essential to remain ahead of technological advancements. HR teams shouldn’t replace employees with those that are more tech-savvy, but should instead onboard existing staff as a more efficient measure. Technology is evolving rapidly across all sectors and unless businesses offer staff the chance to be appropriately educated in technological advancements within the company, it’s not just employees that will be left behind.
Curtail the need for supervision
Staff who lack relevant training can be a major distraction for management. It is of course management’s responsibility to oversee and assist their team, but it is poor practice for staff to constantly rely on management when completing daily tasks because of insufficient training. With the appropriate training, there will be a decreased need for supervision, resulting in a properly run department and increased efficiency and productivity.
Protect qualifications
In many industries, certain qualifications and certificates are required in order to carry out a particular skill. However, some of these credentials have expiry dates and need to be renewed. It is likely that if businesses do not cater for this renewal, employees will leave and seek those that do.
Raise job satisfaction
The survey also revealed that 93 percent of professionals feel more valued when employers offer development opportunities. Therefore, by offering training, HR teams can enhance employees’ wellbeing. As a result, not only is motivation and productivity increased, but there is likely to be a reduction in unauthorised absences, mistakes and stress too.
Increase staff retention
The survey also revealed that a huge 90.5 percent of employees would be less likely to leave a job if it offered training. If employees are aware that HR departments are interested in enhancing and developing their skills, then they are more likely to become a dedicated member of the workforce because they recognise that you are investing in their future.
Cater for growth
As all quality HR departments know, the ideal candidate for a role is someone who is motivated and appropriately skilled for the position. However, much like you wouldn’t expect a business to remain static, employees shouldn’t either. Staff can quite easily become trapped without training and resultantly lack the ability to progress due to other advances through the company and sector. With training and development opportunities, staff can gain a better sense of direction regarding their role within the company, resulting in benefits all-round.
Attract quality candidates
The survey also revealed that 71.6 percent of professionals saw training opportunities as an important part of their job search. If companies provide key development schemes for their staff, they are certain to enhance their image and therefore attract more quality candidates to their vacancies. The advantages to appropriately training new and current staff are clear. Some job boards, us included, recognise the importance of training in the workplace and are therefore equipped to provide HR departments with specialised training courses for their staff. For more information
