The importance of training and development

All businesses should be aware of the positives of implementing a proper training and development programme for their staff, one that can be altered to suit an individual’s professional needs. However, a lot of businesses, regardless of whether or not they realise the benefits of a system like this, aren’t investing time or money into their staff in terms of development and upskilling. We believe this is a huge mistake that continues to broaden the skills gap that we are seeing across different sectors today. So, how can you make sure your business adopts a learning culture where your staff are continually developing their careers?

Retention

One of the reasons that staff leave a role is due to lack of progression opportunities in their current organisation. If an employee can’t see room for progression in a business then they are unlikely to remain there for a long period of time. Ensure your employees are able to attend training courses and gain more skills whilst working with you, they will feel fulfilled in their role and are less likely to look for employment elsewhere.

Host regular one-to-one meetings with your staff to make sure you are clear on their personal progression goals within the business. If you are aware of these goals then you will be able to, as a manager, guide and steer their training and development towards their goals.

New technologies

As we are seeing many moves within technology in the digital age that we currently live in, it is clear that more technologies are being implemented in the workplace. It is important to get all of your staff trained on these processes. Regardless of age or length of time with the company, it is important that the new technologies that are being introduced to your business, are understood by all who might come in contact with them and their wider teams. This will make for a more unified front within your business and ensure that employees are keeping up with the times. This will reduce the skills gaps in the market and make sure your staff are ahead of the game in terms of new workplace technologies. 

Consider individual learning

We believe it is good for organisations to send staff out to training days where they can have a different working environment and develop their knowledge. We also believe that there are other ways to upskill staff, in an easier, more time and cost efficient way. 

Here are some easy ways to increase the knowledge base of your team:

• Getting to know the wider department

This is a good way to get people talking and to listen in on different team’s skill-sets and viewpoints. This will help an individual to ideate and work, whilst considering the different team’s needs at the same time.

• Assign weekly reading

Ensuring your team are keeping up-to-date with current affairs in your industry is a great way to get employees talking and getting to know the industry from a wider perspective. This can particularly benefit new employees.

• Implement a mentoring programme

Connecting your management team with your junior level staff will create a learning culture that can spread across departments. This can allow younger people to make connections with the wider management team, and the management team to see things from a fresher, millennial mindset.
Incorporating an open learning environment within your business is key to future development of your business. Lead by example and ensure the management teams are taking part in, and promoting any training and development courses that are being undertaken by their team. Adopting this culture within your business will improve your attraction and retention rates, and over time, affect the bottom line.

If you are looking to hire top talent in your sector or are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with one of our specialist recruitment consultants today. Alternatively, visit our management advice section to read our advice on current industry news and how to improve your business structure.