subject: "While the Economy's a Bust-Trainings a Must!" [print this page] Did you know that one of the first things to get slashed when corporate budgets get tight is employee training? This is a very sad reality. It reminds me of throwing the baby out with the bath water. Here at Jacobsen Business Seminars, Inc., we believe that trained employees are exactly what a company needs in lean times. Research clearly demonstrates that training keeps employees energized, helps to stimulate growth, creates higher morale and enhances problem solving. Too many managers mistakenly view training as a luxury. However in today's business culture training is a competitive and strategic necessity. "What if we train our employees and they leave?" they ask. Well, what if you don't train them and they stay? Here three reasons why employee training is so important...
First: The innovation, flexibility and perseverance required for building prosperous companies comes from well-trained employees. It helps them feel supported. Training opportunities are a superb way to encourage and support individuals in your workforce. Moreover, as employees develop new skills and develop leadership personalities, the work environment becomes saturated with high energy levels and unsurpassed creativity. These commodities are crucial for keeping your company ahead of the competition.
Second: Since training is a major factor for igniting creativity, your employees will be inspired with new ideas and creative ways of solving old problems. Sometimes, simply removing your employees from the grind of their everyday work schedule is enough to jump-start their energy levels, while encouraging employees to recommit to their jobs. Also, learning new skills and interacting with other people has a direct impact on the productivity and development of your work environment.
Third: We have found that training encourages employees to learn all they can about the company--not just the department they work in. Providing individuals with information about HR, shipping, accounting, production, marketing, or other aspects of the business gives the employee a good overall understanding of how all the pieces fit together, and how their part contributes to the whole.
Remember, trainings do not need to be expensive or last many days to be worthwhile or effective. At Jacobsen Business Seminars, Inc., we have found that workshops, mini-seminars and "lunch & learns" can be just as invigorating as the expensive courses and conferences.
Consider implementing and keeping regular training opportunities in place for your employees. Training sessions held weekly, or monthly can be quite productive. You'll be giving your employees something outside the ordinary work day to look forward to and encouraging a commitment to professional development and the enhancement of skills. While a dedication to keeping training opportunities alive and thriving within your company may be an expense (including time and resources), the benefit in terms of qualified and energetic personnel is well worth it.
