You can convince both groups that training is crucial by proving to them that training doesn’t take employees away from their work; training is, in fact, a crucial part of their work. In order to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace, your company’s workforce must maintain the best skills and know-how to produce the best products and services. That means initial training to get up to speed and continual training in all new technologies, systems, or methods that bring more efficiency, more features, and better services.
To justify the need for training in your company, consider that in order to thrive in today’s business world, your company needs to depend on employee education to promote these 6 critical interests.
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#1 Effective use of new technology
As technology continues to revolutionize the workplace, employees at all levels and with all degrees of experience rely on training to keep up with changes in their work processes. Due to its importance, this training will require a comprehensive and continuing effort.
#2 Competitive edge in your market
U.S. companies now receive fierce competition from overseas operations. In many cases foreign companies are beating out U.S. firms in quality, cost, and service. In order to remain competitive in the current marketplace, employees need to know how to make better products and services for your market.
#3 Safety and health of your employees and the environment
In order to have a productive, creative, and committed workforce, employers need to make sure that employees are protected from workplace hazards and given the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. Environmental, health, and safety training is a key component of any organization’s productivity and prosperity.
#4 Retention of skilled workers
Skilled and creative employees seek opportunities for career development and personal growth in their jobs. They want the chance to do challenging work and be well-compensated; they also want to be with a company where they can continue to learn and enhance their skills. If they don’t receive adequate training opportunities in their organization, they will find someplace where they can.
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#5 Compliance with laws and regulations
Training is frequently required under a variety of government regulations. EPA, for example, requires employers to conduct annual employee training, and sometimes refresher training, in a number of environmental activities. In other cases, although laws may not require it, training (at least of key employees) is highly advisable to avoid problems. The cost of not adequately training employees in all of these areas can translate into large fines (for failure to meet the requirements of regulations) or expensive lawsuits (for failing to uphold the rights of protected employees).
#6 Productivity and profitability
Finally, training makes workers more skilled and knowledgeable, which makes them more productive, better able to meet quality standards, and more able to provide excellent service to customers. Training, therefore, makes organizations more competitive, more profitable, and more successful.
But managers and employees aren’t the only groups you’ve got to worry about when it comes to getting buy-in for training. See tomorrow’s Advisor for tips to promoting training to another tough crowd—upper management.