Preparing for the Future of Work: Tips for Employee Training and Development
Today’s employee training and development programs are leaving employees feeling less than satisfied. According to a 2017 Employee Job Satisfaction Survey, only 34% of employees were completely satisfied with the job-specific training they received. Luckily, managers and executives can change that. Here are several tips to improve your company or department’s training and prepare employees to do their work well now and into the future.
1. Start with the Managers
If you want employees to have effective training and development programs, you must start with the managers. Managers who will be teaching and encouraging employees during these training sessions must have the passion and determination to complete these programs as well. When managers are passionate and see the value of training and development programs, they make them a priority in their own responsibilities and that of their employees.
2. Make Employee Training and Development Convenient
Trainings and enhanced learning are more effective when the employee wants to learn, is not stressed about other responsibilities, and has the time to focus. To make this happen, you want to provide a digital learning environment in addition to whatever onsite courses you might offer. Provide training and development programs that employees can access on their own time and in a variety of platforms. Mobile options, for example, make it easy for employees to receive training while they are commuting to and from work or during their lunch break. These could be videos employees watch or even a simple podcast. Consider various platforms and programs to make training more convenient and effective for your entire team. Also, don’t forget to send text reminders when a course is about to start! Attendance and participation are a must!
3. Determine What is Most Important
To prepare your employees for the future of their work, make sure your training sessions are relevant and provide value to attendees. To do this, survey all of your employees. Determine what type of information would be most beneficial to them, what they want to understand better about your company and its processes, how you can make their job easier, etc. The more you understand what your employees need and want to learn, the easier it will be for you to plan, prepare, and teach.
Additionally, take the time to survey employees after the completion of training and developmental programs. Employee feedback can help you prepare accordingly for all future sessions and ensures the time spent is effective for everyone.
4. Track Your Progress
As you move forward with employee training and development programs, make sure each of your employees tracks their progress. Establish goals throughout your programs and identify exactly what it is you wish to accomplish. Then, as you track your progress and time spent during these training sessions, it becomes easier to see exactly what you are learning and how these trainings and programs are benefitting you.
No matter what type of employee training and development programs you choose to implement with your workforce, it is important that you are consistent and include everyone — including managers. Use the above tips to help you make these educational sessions more effective,engaging, and convenient for your entire team.
Interested in learning more about sending texts to employees for training and development? Contact TextMarks here or call 800-696-1393.
