4.4 Training Employees
Why Train Staff?
All businesses provide staff with some level of training. It could just be basic induction training, such as showing them how to operate the till amd where the toilets are; or it could be much more advanced training to develop new skills and gain qualifications.
This section explains the different types of training, the benefits to the business, but also some disadvantages.
Training staff improves...
Productivity
Staff are shown how to work efficiently, which improves business output and reduces costs
Quality
Staff understand quality, including good customer service, and how to achieve it
Safety
Health and safety training reduces accidents, improving staff attendance and reducing the risk of claims against the business
Retention
By investing in staff training, staff feel valued by the business and are less likely to leave and work elsewhere
On-the-Job Training
Employees are trained at their place of work by experienced employees.
- Work shadowing – working with experienced staff until capable of working independently
- Formal training sessions – time set aside from the work environment
- Computer-based training (e-learning) – online information, videos, and quizzes
Cheap – no travel costs, existing employee doing the training, e-learning, large numbers of employees can be trained at the same time.
Tailored to company's exact needs.
Whilst training staff, the trainer is not doing their normal job. This impacts productivity.
Unlikely to bring-in new ideas / objectivity from an external source.
Off-the-Job Training
Employees are away from the workplace when receiving their training.
- Training venues can include: college, university, or a specialist training provider
- Apprenticeships usually include college-based training on a weekly basis
High-quality training from skilled experts.
May make employees feel more valued.
Can bring new ideas into the business.
Expensive (external providers will charge for training, travel expenses).
Employee is unproductive whilst offsite.
Not tailored to the businesses specific needs.
Employee gains transferrable skills and could leave the business.
Induction Training
On-the-job training which an employee will recieve when they very first start working for a business.
They will be shown how to complete the basic tasks needed to do their job.
Staff will also be shown where things are, how to access computer systems, and meeting management and colleagues.
4.3b Motivating Employees
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