Drive Employee Retention With The Right Training – September 13, 2017

One role that is the responsibility of every manager is that of employee training. Whether you are an official trainer or simply in a leadership position, training is important for driving consistency of performance among your team members. It’s also valuable in ensuring higher levels of employee retention.

In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we reveal these important tips for being a better trainer, from Heather Huhman, the founder and president of Come Recommended, a content marketing agency.

1. Set the tone. Successful employee training starts from day one. A workplace environment with a positive focus on learning will not only give employees the confidence to learn in their new position, but will also allow them to seek out ways to grow throughout their time on staff. Foster continued learning through a company-wide interest expressed at all levels and provide access to training resources and materials.

2. Train on the company mission, vision and values. Your workers need to be provided with the proper training for their position and for success within the company. Focus training efforts on building an understanding of the company mission, organizational culture, values and goals. Through this specific training, employees will garner a greater understanding, interest and respect for company culture, allowing them to better utilize it on a day-to-day basis.

3. Cross-train for mobility. Focus on cross-training to transform your employees into even greater assets. This will give your employees a chance to grow their skill sets, participate in a wider array of job functions, and foster greater personal growth. Cross-trained employees can move seamlessly throughout your company as they assist where they’re needed.

4. Utilize mentors for continued training. Regardless of tenure, all employees can benefit from a mentor. Some of the best learning experiences happen through acquiring guidance and knowledge from someone with more experience. Whether they’re partaking in the onboarding process or they’ve been with you for five years, pairing your employees with a more experienced employee can provide them with guidance and an opportunity to learn. Consider creating a company-wide initiative for mentoring, which takes place both inside and outside of the office.

5. Set goals for company-wide success. Better company-wide training comes from more effective goal setting, beyond just reading a training packet and filling out a questionnaire. Set individual training goals for each employee, as well was departmental goals, and even company-wide goals for training. Also, measure your progress to understand what’s working and what isn’t.

6. Develop a system of recognition. While training may be mandatory, it’s still important to show your employees you care about their growth. Developing a system of recognition will provide your employees with a unique incentive for learning. Set a standard for the way you reward employees throughout their training processes. Consider making these rewards as unique as your company—they might even be of monetary value.

With a focus on training for retention, your employees will be more likely to extend their tenure and you’ll benefit from a more versatile workforce.

Source: Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder and president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies.