Training and Development

Training and Development

The quality of employees and their development through training and education are major factors in determining long-term profitability of a small business. If you hire and keep good employees, it is good policy to invest in the development of their skills, so they can increase their productivity. Training often is considered for new employees only. This is a mistake because ongoing training for current employees helps them adjust to rapidly changing job requirements.

Typical Reasons for Employee Training and Development

Training and development can be initiated for a variety of reasons for an employee or group of employees:

* When a performance appraisal indicates performance improvement is needed

* To "benchmark" the status of improvement so far in a performance improvement effort

* As part of an overall professional development program

* As part of succession planning to help an employee be eligible for a planned change in role in the organization

* To "pilot", or test, the operation of a new performance management system

* To train about a specific topic

General Benefits from Employee Training and Development

Reasons for supervisors to conduct training among employees include:

* Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees

* Increased employee motivation

* Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain

* Increased capacity to adopt to new technologies and methods

* Increased innovation in strategies and products

* Reduced employee turnover

* Enhanced company image, e.g., conducting ethics training

* Risk management, e.g., training about sexual harassment, diversity training

* Increased capacity to adopt to new technologies and methods

* Increased innovation in strategies and products