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 the difference to 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 that training is consistent. After all, if your company shows they’re 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 programmes:
1. Optimised onboarding
Let’s try to make that shiny new job feeling last, shall we? The onboarding experience is the first glimpse that many new employees have into how an organisation 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. This is 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 organisation surveyed were more likely to stay with that organisation 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 a while, or if they will only stay until they find a better opportunity. This means that employee onboarding software really matters.
2. Formalised knowledge sharing
A structured learning and development programme also ensures that employees have a consistent learning experience and accurate background knowledge. The consistency is particularly significant for your company’s basic policies and procedures – it definitely helps if each and every employee is aware of company expectations and procedures. Providing teammates with regular training in these areas ensures that everyone has exposure to and is aware of resources, at the very least.
3. Strengthening of internal weaknesses
Like it or not, the reality is that most employees have some weak spots in their workplace skills – and most organisations have gaps in their training processes, too. The purpose of training and development is to give both parties the opportunity to strengthen their skills with learning and development objectives. A development programme takes 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
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. Emphasising the importance of on-the-job training creates a supportive workplace, and employees who feel appreciated and challenged feel greater satisfaction towards their roles.
5. Boosted morale
When I hear the word ‘morale’, it conjures up feelings of happiness. At the very least, I visualise excitable jazz hands. Maybe even some skipping through the corridors. How great would it be to feel that your workplace embraces happiness? Employees of organisations who take part in training programmes will feel as if they’re part of a supportive work environment, and appreciated, which will boost their morale and make them approach their job duties with more self-confidence. And skipping.
See why teams love training with Seismic.
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 build employees’ confidence because they gain 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 to help them excel. Wouldn’t that be great?
7. Increased customer satisfaction
When employees of an organisation 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 probably improve their opinion of the organisation. That’s generally held to be a “win-win” situation!
With the right training in place, employees become better at their jobs, and the benefits of training and development will shimmer and glow in your organisation! Providing the necessary training creates staff with overall knowledge and employees who can take over for one another as needed, work in teams and 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 organisation that’s considering or planning ramping up learning efforts, now’s the time. Enjoy the benefits of training and development with our training and coaching software. Schedule a demo to find out more.