How can we Develop our Workforce?

What’s the secret behind the most successful companies worldwide? One major factor is a well-trained workforce. Developing an effective employee training program can be challenging, but it is integral to your organization’s success. With the increasing skill gap, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) classifies employee training a top priority. Training plays an essential role in boosting your team’s performance, increasing their engagement and productivity, enhancing job satisfaction, and promoting individual self-growth.

Here, we will take you through the 14 significant types of employee training for workforce development. We’ll also touch on the benefits, costs, measuring success, and future trends of developing your staff. Additionally, we’ll provide examples from two globally recognized companies: Amazon and Randstad U.S.

Types of Employee Training

Employee training can take several forms. Each training program focuses on developing different competences and skills. Here are the 14 types you need to know—and may want to integrate:

New Employee Orientation

This is an essential first step in successfully integrating a new hire. It involves providing basic information about the company, including its mission, vision, values, and work culture. By the end of it, new hires should know what is expected of them and how they fit into the broader organizational picture.

Team Training

Often, you won’t just need employees to work well individually, but collaboratively as part of teams too. Team training sessions help forge bonds, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency.

Leadership Training

A company’s success frequently hinges on its leaders. Leadership training is targeted at managers and team leads, helping them acquire the skills necessary to guide and motivate their teams effectively.

Senior Executive Training

Senior executives, such as C-suite officers, often require specialized training to help them make high-stakes decisions, understand relevant legislation, and build a vibrant organizational culture.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training

With an increasingly global workforce, DEI training has become critical. It ensures that employees understand, respect, and value diversity. It’s also about ensuring equity in opportunities and encouraging an inclusive work environment.

Technical Skills Training

Whether it’s about coding, machine operation, or financial analysis, technical skills training is integral. It enhances employees’ competences in task-specific duties.

Customer Service Training

For businesses that interact directly with customers, good customer service training is non-negotiable. It helps your team provide the best services and retain customers.

Soft Skills Development

Workplace success isn’t just about technical know-how. Soft skills such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving capabilities are vital. They ensure smoother work relations and better decision-making.

Product Training

Employees need to understand your products or services inside out. This helps boost sales, improve customer service, and identify areas for product improvement.

Sales Training

A good sales team can fuel business growth. Sales training equips employees with skills in persuasive communication, negotiation, and nurturing customer relationships.

Quality Assurance Training

This is especially relevant for manufacturing and food businesses. It helps to ensure that the products meet the set standards.

Compliance Training

Every industry has regulations that companies must abide by. Compliance training helps employees understand and adhere to these standards.

Data Privacy Training

With more data breaches and stringent regulations, data privacy has become critical for businesses. Data privacy training helps employees handle sensitive information responsibly.

Online Training

With the advent of remote work, you might not always find physical training practical. Online training, therefore, offers a flexible, cost-effective, and efficient alternative.

Why Train Employees?

Companies invest massively in employee training. In 2021, the cost per employee in the U.S. was around $1,071. This covers the expenses of learning tools, instructors, content development, and assessments. But why make such an investment? Let’s see:

Improved Performance

Well-trained employees often have better understanding of their roles, leading to improved performance.

Enhanced Job Satisfaction and Self-growth

Training programs equip employees with the skills to do their jobs better. This makes them more confident and satisfied. Plus, they stand a chance to develop themselves professionally and personally.

Increased Engagement and Productivity

Training also engages employees, making them more committed to their tasks. A higher engagement level frequently translates into enhanced productivity.

Alignment with Organizational and Employee Goals

Effective training aligns with both organizational and individual goals. For instance, onboarding and soft skills training are beneficial for all employees and the organization at large.

Implementing Effective Employee Training Programs

Now, how do you create a training program that ticks all these boxes? Let’s learn from the best.

Case Study: Amazon

Amazon boasts of a robust workforce development strategy, placing emphasis on employee education. This is demonstrated in their Career Choice program that pre-pays 95% of tuition and fees for employees to earn certificates and associate degrees in fields like aircraft mechanics, computer-aided design, and machine tool technologies.

Case Study: Randstad U.S.

Randstad U.S., on the other hand, focuses on personalized and ongoing learning. Employees have access to thousands of resources that foster continual growth and learning. This ensures that their skills remain cutting-edge and relevant.

Measuring Success

Are your training programs working? Use these approaches to measure their effectiveness:

Post-training Assessments

This involves issuing quizzes or tests after training to evaluate the newly obtained knowledge and skills.

Supervisor Reports and Feedback

Your supervisors can observe the employees then provide reports on their performances after training. Employees’ feedback on the program is equally useful.

Performance KPIs

Look at the performance metrics before and after the training. If the key performance indicators (KPIs) have significantly improved after training, then it’s a win.

Future Trends

As the business landscape evolves, so does employee training. For 2023, focus is likely to be more on mentorship, employee’s well-being, and career development programs. Aligning learning programs with business plans, fostering a learning culture, and increasing retention will continue to be key trends.

The world of employee training is fascinating and a potential game-changer. It has the power to take your organization and its people to greater heights. All you need to know is how to make the most of it, just as Amazon and Randstad U.S. are doing. Your workforce is your greatest asset—invest in it!