Do you know that 6 out of 10 millennials consider learning opportunities necessary when looking for a job? And it's not just millennials, either. Two-thirds of non-millennials also deem development important in their careers. With this information, suffice it is to say that employee training programs are now an essential part of running a business.
Unfortunately, not all companies have gotten the memo on this yet. There are still those who have no such programs in place. If you're looking to develop or hone the skills and talents of your employees, here are some crucial elements that should be present in your program:
Needs Assessment
A good training program identifies the needs and weak points of an organization. It is essential to take the time to identify skill and knowledge gaps before drafting up a program. It could help to check the history of the company, where it is at the moment, and which direction it plans to take in the future. Internal surveys and interviews also prove beneficial. With enough research, it becomes apparent which staff members need training on what topics and what skills need further development.
Relevancy
Every sentence, image, and video that makes it to the program must have adequate relevance to the skills and roles of the target audience. Learners today tend to have a lot of distractions and have minimal attention spans. Thus, it is crucial to hook them in right away with content that's easily understood and actionable. Routinely revise the contents of the program to keep it timely and make sure that there are easy takeaways that they can learn and apply to their roles after the program.
Creativity
Running the same structure in training programs gets old very quickly. Such programs run the risk of being unengaging and tedious, making it less useful for employees. This is why creativity is necessary for all programs. It does not have to be complicated, either. The simple acts of changing presentation designs and introducing out-of-the-box activities already go a long way. Adding seasonal themes to programs can also help.
Support from Leadership
It is easy enough to create a training program, but it would be hard to sell and implement if the leaders of the company are not sold on its idea. The tone from the top is crucial, as it drives up the importance of the program in the minds of each employee.
Goals and Metrics
What good is a company initiative if there is no way to measure its success? Be it a marketing campaign or a training program, it is essential to have clear, attainable goals for every effort. While it is difficult to quantify the outcome of training, there are ways to develop a benchmarking strategy that gauges how well the program has met business goals.
With these elements in place, it becomes easier to ensure the efficacy of a training program. Train your staff regularly and adequately so that they can develop their skills, grow under your care, and contribute significantly to your business.
