Propelling your business forward isn’t something that happens automatically. Most businesses train new-hires in the knowledge and duties they’ll need to succeed. But not all businesses focus on continuing training and development to help their staff continue to learn and grow and find success within their organization.

Because training has to fit around the working day and your employees still need to perform their jobs, it is number five on the top list of outsourced HR tasks. By training your staff, you are giving them the tools they need to succeed in their current position, and also showing them a possible career path within the organization. Investing into their job by allowing cross-training with other departments or by assigning additional responsibility gives them a sense of ownership in your business and helps to prevent turnover.

Staff training can serve as a refresher or reminder of the company’s values and expectations. For example, four types of training businesses should consider are the prevention of unlawful harassment and discrimination, the prevention of workplace violence, the prevention of wage-and-hour law violations, and finally, the adherence to the organization’s code of conduct. Training like this should occur at least bi-annually, and often annually, especially if the business has frequent new hires. Many businesses choose to hold in-person training sessions with the option of on-line participation for remote workers and those who are absent or can’t make it. On-line training sessions are often the most convenient, since they can be completed in the employee’s own time and doesn't disrupt business operations by requiring all employees to be in training at the same time!

Staff training can also be specific to inform employees about certain aspects of their job. Customer service seminars can give employees new ways of interacting with customers. You might also use training to show employees a tool that will help them perform more efficiently. For example, you may choose to train on a new software or the use of social media in marketing.

Training can lead to team-building as your employees come together to learn about a new platform, focus on a common goal, or revisit what makes your company operate effectively. It inspires your employees to do their best and perform in the way you want them to, and may also protect you from potentially disruptive or costly situations. For example, by conducting Sexual Harassment & Diversity Awareness training, you’re instructing staff on proper behavior in the workplace, which may prevent a harassment situation. If harassment occurs, you can show a jury that as a company, you tried to prevent it and you don’t condone such behavior.

Bottom line: every employee can benefit from training. Training leads to a better culture and helps retains employees as you invest in them and they invest in their jobs. As Zig Ziglar says: “What’s worse than training your workers and losing them? Not training them and keeping them.”

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