All Aboard the Training and Development Train

As a Workforce Development Manager, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes:

In my opinion, this quote can be very thought provoking for any company, based on the value that is placed on training and development of their employees. Combined, training and development can be considered to be an investment in people! An investment that can prove to be very rewarding for both employee and the company. Have you ever been excited to start a new job or position only to find that you get thrown to the wolves with little or no training? Not very motivating right? How about working in a job for years and not having the opportunity to learn anything new, nor the opportunity for growth and advancement. Pretty boring right? These exact scenarios can lead to good or tenured employees leaving a company! If only the company had invested in their people, these scenarios may have ended differently and those employees may still be employed today!

So, why don’t companies provide training and development at every opportunity? For many, the cost factor comes into play. However, it can turn out to be more costly in the long run for a company if they don’t provide the training and development that their employees deserve. Lack of employee motivation and commitment, increased turnover, decreased work efficiency, and reduced production are just a few of the negative effects that a lack of training and development can have on a company’s bottom line. The spiral effect of unhappy and frustrated employees can be enough for a company to derail!

Start the engine!!! Why not board the “training and development” train, and invest in your people! A company can move full steam ahead and start providing training and development opportunities from the moment an employee walks through the door and continue to upgrade their employees’ skills as they progress. Think of it from the perspective that in order to develop your business, you must first develop your people!! Train, Train, Train!

Now let’s talk about the benefits of the journey on the “training and development” train. Who doesn’t love to learn? By providing employees with training for their position, they will be more capable, confident and competent. Thus, leading to increased job satisfaction and morale. With increased capability, employees can work with minimal supervision and more efficiency. As the train keeps moving, greater efficiency equals financial gains. Technology advancements happen daily; people need to be provided with opportunities for training and development in order to keep adept with the changes. Opportunities for growth and advancement within a company keep people satisfied and challenged. Speaking from experience, the more training and development employees receive, the more engaged, motivated and committed they become, which makes company goals more attainable. “I think I can … I think I can … I think I can …” becomes “I know I can … I know I can … I know I can …!”

As the wheels continue to turn, just think of the innovation in strategies and projects that this learning can enhance. Or how about the cross-training opportunities that staff can be provided with? There is nothing worse than not having someone to cover a position if an employee leaves or if someone is absent or on vacation. Train, train, train! In essence, training and development can be considered to be both recruitment and retention tools. For those seeking employment opportunities, what better company to work for than one that offers new skills? Even better, one that provides training and development to keep good employees and allows opportunities for growth. Sounds like the best cargo a train can carry! I’m definitely on board the “training and development” train.

Yes, the initial investment in training and development can be costly, however, think of all the long term gains. Now, let’s go back to those two questions that were reflected in the beginning quote. “What happens if we invest in our people and they leave us?” On this journey, some employees will still hop off the train because the role wasn’t for them or they simply needed a change. This is okay, as the investment won’t be lost. The employee will leave with enhanced knowledge and skills thanks to the investment in people! This is much different than them leaving because they were frustrated or felt stagnate in their role. Question two: “What happens if we don’t and they stay?” Quite simply, the train derails. So why wait to invest in your people and create a stronger company environment? Get your engines ready and board the “training and development” train today. Next stop……employee and company success! Toot Toot!