Training and development are essential to provide employees the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs. Even as it’s challenging to conduct training and development activities during a pandemic, it’s still important to have them. This can be conducted virtually through a videoconferencing tool.
While the employees will miss work when they attend these activities, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of conducting training and development activities in a company. The following are some benefits a company can look forward to when they conduct training and development activities.
Address Knowledge and Skill Needs
This first benefit applies to newly hired employees. New employees typically have some weaknesses in terms of the knowledge and skills in performing their jobs. While they do have the education and some training before joining the company, the company’s system may differ from what they’re used to.
So, training newly-hired employees allow them to become familiar with the system. It also strengthens their skills and provides them with the knowledge they need to become productive. Additionally, the process also ensures the employees will know the company’s standards and adhere to them.
Better Performance
Training also enhances performance among existing employees of a company. Since it addresses weaknesses in employees’ skills, the company can expect an improvement in their performance. It allows them to understand their responsibilities better. This will result in better performance since the employee becomes more aware of the job he has to do.
The process can also act as a refresher course for employees who have been with the company for several years. This is especially useful for employees who think they know everything but may have forgotten some basic processes in their line of work.
Better performance means better productivity. This is important for people who are not used to performing remote work or are not keen on working from home. When employees are not used to their working situation, their performance and productivity tend to suffer. And training will remedy this since it gives them the knowledge and skills that they need to do their jobs well even when they’re working from home.
Increase Satisfaction Among Employees
Employees will feel wanted when they go through training. It shows that the company values their development and wants them to continue working for them. Training and developing employees will have to make them better in their jobs. This is essential for the morale of the employees, especially during these times.
When the employees are properly trained, they will also experience lesser issues with the company since they feel the company wants them to succeed. In this situation, an employment mediator can stay on the sidelines for the moment since things will work out fine between the employer and the employee.
Additionally, satisfied employees will not check the market for another company that may need their skills. Even if the pay is lower than a competitor, an employee will not want to transfer when he feels valued by his company. So, employee training is one way to reduce employee turnover and cut down on recruitment expenses.
Preparation for Added Responsibilities
Aside from providing new employees with the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs, a training and development program also prepares employees for added responsibilities as they move to higher roles. The program is designed to allow them to perform the new tasks needed for a new position.
For instance, an employee may be given the tools needed to manage a team after being promoted. He may also be trained in using the software that he needs in managing the team. Or the employee may be given the skills needed to join a different department in the company. For instance, a customer service representative who has good sales skills may be trained in different sales techniques and methods to join the company’s sales department.
Preparation for a New System
This is needed when the company upgrades its systems and wants its employees to hit the ground running when the system is fully activated. Training the employees on how to use the new system essentially adds to the skills and knowledge set.
It will reduce uncertainty among the employees on what they should do when the new system is activated. It also gives them the confidence they need to do their jobs well, even when using a new system.
Training and development is an essential process that all employees of a company have to go through. It offers a lot of long-term benefits for both the employee and the company.
