This post was originally published by Jenny Boling on lessonly.com
Learning and development has entered a new era. We’re ditching the old-school training manual and time-consuming learning. Thanks to the rise of modern, user-friendly learning management systems (LMS), training is now easily managed and delivered online. There’s simply never been a better time to train employees! And, putting an effective learning and development plan in place can make all of the difference in doing better work.
Why is learning and development important?
We could go on and on about the benefits of training. Learning and development offers a good opportunity for teams to grow their knowledge base and improve their job skills to become more effective in the workplace.
Despite the cost of training for employees, the return on investment is endless if training is consistent. After all, if your company shows they are investing in YOU, aren’t you more likely to invest in THEM.?
Here are just a few examples of what hinges on the success of training and development programs:
1. Optimized onboarding
Let’s try to make the new job honeymoon period last, shall we? The onboarding experience is the first glimpse that many new employees have into how an organization really operates. The overall objectives of training and onboarding are to boost safety, belonging, and mattering in an effort to increase engagement, retention, performance, clarity, and culture. That’s a big deal. In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation article, Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success, 69% of employees at one organization surveyed were more likely to stay with that organization for up to three years if they had a good onboarding experience. Moreover, new employees decide within the first 90 days if they are going to stay awhile, or if they will only stay until they find a better opportunity. That means that employee onboarding software really matters.
2. Formalized knowledge sharing
A structured learning and development program also ensures that employees have a consistent learning experience and correct background knowledge. The consistency is particularly significant for your company’s basic policies and procedures—it sure helps if each and every employee is aware of the expectations and procedures within the company. Providing teammates with regular training in these areas ensures that everyone has exposure to the material and awareness of resources, at the very least.
3. Strengthening of internal weaknesses
Like it or not, the reality is that most employees have some weaknesses in their workplace skills—and most organizations have gaps or weaknesses in their training processes, too. The purpose of training and development is to give both parties the opportunity to strengthen those skills through learning and development objectives. A development program brings employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and knowledge, which helps reduce any shortcomings within the company.
4. Engaged and retained employees
The truth is, employees really do feel more valued when they have access to ongoing training and development. When a supportive atmosphere is created, employees are able to receive training they might not have had access to or sought for themselves. Emphasizing the importance of on-the-job training creates a supportive workplace, and employees who feel appreciated and challenged have greater satisfaction toward their jobs.
5. Boosted morale
When I hear the word “morale,” I envision happiness. At the very least, I picture excitable jazz hands. Maybe even some skipping through hallways. How fun to feel like your workplace vibe includes happy jazz hands? Employees of organizations who go through training programs will feel like they are part of a supportive work environment where they are appreciated, which will boost their morale and make them approach their job duties with more self-confidence. And skipping.
6. Improved productivity and performance
This just in—an employee who receives training is better able to perform their job! Okay, so maybe this isn’t breaking news, but it’s important nonetheless. Learning and development tools also builds the employee’s confidence because they have a stronger understanding of the industry and the responsibilities of their job. This confidence could very well push them to perform even better and think of new ideas that help them excel. Wouldn’t that be great?!?
7. Increased customer satisfaction
When employees of an organization are exposed to consistent training, it improves their skills on the job and makes them work more professionally and productively. As a result, customers will feel the impact of this elevated service, and it will likely improve their opinion of the organization. That’s known as a little something called a “win-win,” folks.
With the right training in place, employees are better at their jobs, and the benefits of training and development in an organization will shimmer and glow! Providing the necessary training creates an overall knowledgeable staff with employees who can take over for one another as needed, work on teams, or work independently without constant help and supervision from others.
The next step for your business
Workforce training has been repeatedly proven to have real benefits for businesses. If you’re part of an organization that’s considering or planning to ramp up learning efforts, now’s the time. Enjoy the benefits of training and development with our training and coaching software. Schedule a demo to learn more.
