Why is Staff Training More Important than Ever Before?



In this article we look at:

- What HR training should be given to employees?

For some SMEs, the absence of a HR and Training Department may result in a lack of resources or time to priortise employee training. For others, they may struggle to know where to start.

Employee training is a crucial aspect of any organisation. When done correctly, it is an investment that pays off long into the future. Training helps employees to acquire new skills and knowledge, which in turn increases their productivity and job satisfaction. It also helps to reduce employee turnover rates and builds loyalty as your people are encouraged to “climb the leadership ladder”.

Additionally, training can help create a positive work environment and foster a culture of learning and growth which, in today’s fast-paced business world, makes staff training more important than ever before.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of staff training, the types of training that should be given to employees, and the role HR plays in rolling out a comprehensive training and development programme.

Who is responsible for training employees?

As an employer, it is your responsibility to train employees in the skills necessary to perform their jobs effectively and to make them aware of employment legislation. As with many roles within your organisation, you can choose to hire an in-house HR specialist to assist with this, or outsource the role.

Why is staff training important for an SME?

Training is essential for building an effective workforce. It allows employees to become more effective while also increasing job satisfaction and reducing employee turnover.

Providing a varied and consistent training schedule can help with:

1. Employee satisfaction: Effective investment in employee training can help improve job satisfaction and increase employee loyalty – a valuable attribute in today’s competitive job market.
2. Standardising work processes: When your employees are exposed to training, it helps to standardise your work processes, which can lead to increased productivity and performance.
3. Improving customer service: Providing training opportunities for customer service staff empowers them to improve customer service standards for the business which in turn, builds customer loyalty.
4. Preparation for new responsibilities: Training programmes can help prepare employees who are moving into higher roles and taking on more responsibilities within your organisation. When tailored, these programmes can help them learn the skills that are required to function effectively in their new positions.
5. Compliance with regulations: Training can help ensure that your organisation is compliant with employment regulations and laws, such as those related to safety, health, and harassment.

What training should be given to employees?

When thinking about Employee training, it’s important to first start with the fundamentals. What training is necessary to ensure the safety of your people and to protect your Business?

There are many types of training available depending on the needs of your organisation. And again, depending on your organisation’s needs, these sessions can range from generic “out of the box” programmes to bespoke sessions tailored specifically to your organisation’s needs.

Here are a few areas you might want to consider as a starting point;
 
Dignity at Work Training- Training employees in Dignity at Work is key to protecting your employees against bullying or harassment by sending a clear message to all employees around acceptable behaviours in the workplace. Likewise, training managers and / or Nominated Persons on how to prevent and address bullying at work, as advised by the Code of Practice on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work, will help ensure that bullying is kept out of work and addressed appropriately should it raise its head.
 
Recruitment and Selection- Helping to ensure consistency in recruitment and selection practices will not only ensure you hire the right people, but will also protect your business against discrimination claims or grievances of unfair selection.
 
Disciplinary and Grievance Training- With a multi-layered and legal minded approach now required to conduct a disciplinary process, it is recommended that all your supervisors and managers be trained on how to conduct fair investigations. This will ensure a consistent and fair approach and help safeguard your business against Industrial Relations or Unfair dismissal Claims.

Identifying training requirements for your business can be done by speaking directly to your personnel through everyday interactions, appraisals, stay interviews, and even exit interviews, as well as through regular reviews of risk assessments and operational/role changes.

The role of HR in training and development

HR plays a critical role in training and development. Your HR team is responsible for designing and implementing training programmes that meet the needs of your organisation and your employees. HR is also responsible for ensuring that employees are trained in the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs effectively.

Here are some of the key responsibilities of HR in training and development:

1. Identifying: As mentioned above, HR is responsible for identifying the training needs of your business and your staff.
2. Designing: Once those needs are identified, it’s important that the training programmes are tailored to meet those specific needs.
3. Implementing: Having identified what training is needed, your HR specialist is also responsible for ensuring staff engagement – especially when it comes to mandatory training.
4. Evaluating: As with all activities in business, evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes and making necessary changes will ensure greater staff engagement and a better return on your investment.

Conclusion

As we have seen, training is a critical investment in your workforce that can lead to increased productivity, improved morale, and reduced employee turnover. As an SME employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees receive the training they need to succeed within your organisation.

HR plays a critical role in training and development and is instrumental in designing and implementing training programmes that meet your obligations as an employer and the needs of your wider organisation and team members. By investing in training now, you can build an effective workforce that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

MSS – The HR People offer a range of training programmes – both broad and bespoke; online and in-person. If you would like to speak to me about how we can help you develop and implement a comprehensive training programme for your business, drop me an email today at Tara@mssthehrpeople.ie. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Check out our HR Training page here for more

By Tara Daly