So, why is learning and development so important? If people are already good at their jobs, what do they need to learn?
Well, humans are curious by nature. We thrive on acquiring new knowledge and skills. Even those who may hate the idea of formal study still want to learn more and more about the world around them. Let’s take a look at the many reasons you need training and development in your organisation.
Staff become better at their jobs
Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, training and development make people better at their job. All businesses strive for better productivity and efficiency. So, it stands to reason that highly trained staff will perform their roles better and be more productive.
Of course, the best training depends on the job itself. To help staff perform at a higher level, they need great on-the-job training. But they also need a range of other skills. Any type of administration role usually requires Microsoft Office; therefore, Office training courses will help. For more technical roles, staff may need specific in-house training.
Creating a culture of learning
Building a great learning culture can’t be underestimated as a tool for company success. If you’ve ever been in a workplace where staff groan and roll their eyes at the mention of another training course, you know that something isn’t right. People’s learning needs aren’t being met in the right way, or there are a whole host of other engagement problems. Chances are, that work is also nowhere near as productive as it could be.
By delivering relevant, timely and convenient training that really engages people, you foster a culture where people want to learn. And when people want to learn, the organisation becomes more dynamic as a whole.
Building a more agile workforce
We hear a lot about the ‘agile workforce’ in modern business. But what does it mean? For most companies, it means having staff who are skilled and adaptable across a range of functions. For example, if there’s a peak demand period in your accounts department, you can move a couple of staff to temporarily help out. Obviously, that means having staff in other departments with some accounting knowledge.
One of the best ways to achieve this is through learning and development. If you talk openly with staff about their goals and aspirations, they’ll tell you whether they’d like opportunities in different roles. So, you can provide them with the necessary training, and give them opportunities when they present.
Higher staff retention
The scenario above is one of the reasons why learning and development also tie into staff retention. If people feel stuck in a job, with no opportunity to move upwards or even sideways, they often become disengaged. When staff are disengaged, productivity decreases, and ultimately, staff turnover increases.
However, staff who have their learning and development needs met are much happier. This is partly because they see a future in the company. They’re not pigeonholed into an entry-level job, and their employer supports their growth and development.
Boosts employee engagement
Providing staff with learning and development opportunities is known to increase employee engagement. As mentioned above, this helps with staff retention, it makes your workforce more agile, and people are more inclined to go the extra mile to get work done.
Employee engagement is huge in the modern business world, and while learning and development isn’t everything, it does play a key role in making people feel supported in the workplace. Show your staff that you care about their career, not just the job they’re doing right now