Training and Development

Training and Development

Training and development are two very important aspects of Human Resource Management practices as it the foundation for creating a workforce that is capable and prepared to bring forth a firm’s vision. According to Gerhart, Hollenbeck, Noe, and Wright (2013), “Training is a planned effort to facilitate the learning of job-related knowledge, skills, and behavior by employees. Development involves acquiring knowledge, skills, and behavior that improve employees’ ability perform a variety of existing jobs or jobs that do not yet exist” (p. 88). Training directly impacts the workforce’s knowledge of the responsibilities they have and the skills needed to perform them the best way possible. Development ensures the firm’s talent does not become stagnant, but continuously grows and diversifies, consistently learning new skills that will improve the quality of work and possibly the position of the firm in their respective industry. According to Arms (2012), effective training and development programs increase employees’ productivity and the quality of their work, which will in turn reduce labor costs and increase profits. Employees who have been trained well are confident that they are able to do well, and feel empowered to make decisions that will benefit the firm. When employees are given development opportunities, it increases their loyalty to firm as well as buy-in to the goals and objectives set by senior management. Publix has been deemed one of the best places to work because of their commitment to training and development.

Publix holds that their associates are their greatest asset, and their Human Resources team develops and delivers programs that enable employees to achieve the company’s objectives (Publix, 2014). They have an Education, Training and Development team that creates on the job-training programs for employees in every aspect of the business, from hourly associates to managers. They also cover a wide range of topics...