Benefits of better training

A handy checklist to make sure your training investments pay off.

Great training programs energize employees by introducing new methods to increase effectiveness, engagement and job satisfaction. Pick a training program that emphasizes "doing" so concepts are internalized and can be applied as soon as the program ends.

In today’s work environment, high performers are increasingly mobile. Savvy employers know they can future-proof their organizations by keeping top talent in the fold.

Last year, Forbes described investing in employees as an "infrastructural change" that would remain "invaluable" to businesses. In the June 2024 article "Why Investing In Your Employees Is Essential To Business Success" Forbes highlighted the connection between investing in employees, employee engagement and retention.

“Many studies identify the impact of worker engagement on employee retention in countless industries; consistent cultural changes can contribute to increased organizational performance and growth.”

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/06/21/why-investing-in-your-employees-is-essential-to-business-success/

Think of your training budget as an investment in your company’s future. Like any business investment, you want to see a positive return and lasting results. Too often, when employees return from job-related training, they soon settle back into old patterns and either forget what they learned or don't know how to apply it in the real world.

Is this a good use of your training budget?

Clearly not. If you want to maximize your training investment, you need to know what great training looks like. Here are some no-fail guidelines for evaluating training investments:

Look carefully at the learning objectives and the approach for the training:

• Are the learning objectives clear, measurable, and relevant to the prospective attendee's performance? Will it help employees be better at their job and increase their confidence and autonomy?

• Does the training involve a lot of “doing"? Do attendees have sufficient opportunities to try what they are learning and refine the techniques under the instructor's supervision?

Confucius said, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

If it’s not clear how the training is structured, ask the provider. If they give vague responses or don’t answer your questions to your satisfaction, go elsewhere.

Above all, run away from any training that involves an expert hiding behind a dense PowerPoint presentation, reading the slides verbatim without context or elaboration, and pausing only occasionally (if at all) to see if anyone has questions.

This type of training has lots of hearing and seeing, and not enough doing.

The past 25 years have taught us that the most effective training has participants meaningfully applying what is discussed and receiving actionable feedback in the moment. This helps them to internalize the new knowledge and gives them the confidence they need to apply their learning once they return to the workplace.

If your training or coaching needs are not being met, feel free to connect with us. We can help. Reach out to nathan@spectrumsolutions.com