Employees are a company’s greatest asset and the key to success and business growth. Investing in their training and development eliminates skill gaps, teaches them new technologies, and helps them to become product experts. And that has a positive impact on performance, innovation, and customer service.
Top workplaces are companies with the best training programs. They outshine the competition, leading with people-first cultures. And their employees agree. At Top Workplaces, an astounding 85-94 percent of employees responded positively to the Workplace Survey statement, “My manager helps me learn and grow:”
Employee engagement is just one of the benefits of employee training and development. Let’s explore the others!
1. Improved employee retention
One of the most significant benefits of training and development is improved employee retention. A lacking program is one of the biggest reasons why employees quit. But when they believe managers support their growth, employees are more committed to your company and want to stay put.
2. Increased employee engagement
Training and development programs also improve employee engagement. Investing in the growth of your people makes them feel valued and appreciated. In return, employees remain loyal, bring their best to work each day — and they’re more likely to recommend your company to others, including customers and potential new talent.
3. More productivity
Productivity is one of the significant benefits of training and development. Employees are better able to do their work efficiently and well when prepared with the right skills and knowledge. Higher productivity means more time to improve processes and increase profitability.
Learn More: How to Measure Workplace Productivity and How to Improve Employee Productivity
4. Boosted employee morale
A supportive work environment is one way to boost employee morale, and this is one of the benefits of training and development. When employees believe they are valued and the company is willing to invest in their development, self-confidence and motivation are the results.
5. Consistent work processes
Regular training and development opportunities also increase the uniformity of work processes. Ensuring all employees have access to the same relevant and consistent education opportunities levels the playing field, standardizes advantages, and even helps maintain fair promotion processes.
6. Less employee supervision
Employees who have been properly trained require less supervision. This enables managers and employees to develop a relationship that’s focused on larger initiatives and opportunities for improvement. Smart managers know this is one of the key benefits of employee training.
7. Increased ability to promote from within
Training and development builds future leaders by providing the education necessary for growth. Preparing your best employees for upward mobility is one of the primary advantages of training and development and a key part of succession planning.
8. Reduced waste
Another advantage of employee training and development is reduced waste, from time and energy to materials and equipment. When employees are properly trained, they are more efficient and less likely to make mistakes. It saves money, improves safety, and increases productivity.
9. Better knowledge of company policies and goals
Employee training and development programs are the perfect way to educate about company policies and goals. Learning sessions that explore the company direction and values strengthen employee alignment and connection, which is one strategy to improve workplace culture.
10. Better work environment
Combining all these benefits of employee training is a better overall work environment. Employee training and professional development encourage a positive culture with increases in morale, productivity, and business success.
11. Improved technology proficiency
Stay ahead of the technology learning curve is important to productivity, effectiveness, innovation, and efficiency. It’s also one of the benefits of employee training and development that helps companies to outperform the competition.
12. Stronger brand reputation
The importance of company reputation should not be underestimated. Employee training and development improves a sense of connection. In turn, this leads to an employee’s willingness to recommend your company. Positive employees are a significant contributor to company reputation.
13. More effective onboarding
Onboarding new employees can take time and energy from current employees. Companies should create comprehensive onboarding training programs to improve and regulate the process, leading to better onboarding and more employee respect. With formal onboarding training, everyone starts their new role on a good foot.
14. Keeps the company competitive
Because employees want to work where they can grow, strong training and development boosts a company’s competitive edge. The more personal and professional development opportunities you offer, the more competitive and popular your organization becomes. And without the right training opportunities, employees who value growth will leave to find it elsewhere.
Just think about it: if you help employees grow, training and development create a positive company culture that others want to be a part of. It’s a great recruitment tactic, plus, the more your employees grow, the more your organization grows, which can also attract job seekers and potential business partners.
15. Attracting top talent
One of the most significant advantages of employee training and development is the ability to attract top talent. Top Workplaces use this as a recruitment tactic. Today’s job seekers do their homework and are motivated to find companies that will invest in their professional development and career goals.
Who to include in employee training and development
Employee training and development offers many benefits, and learning plays an important role in workplace culture. High-performing employees are eager to be challenged and are driven by professional growth.
Employees who are interested in gaining new skills, improving performance, and taking on new responsibilities are usually the most receptive to learning opportunities. Training and development is also essential for leaders who want to remain competitive.
Difference between training and development
Training and development are often referred to together, but the two terms have an important distinction. Training is specific for an individual’s current job, while development is all about long term growth beyond a specific role.
People with a skill or knowledge gap often ask for training to become better in their current role, while development requires larger, two-way conversations about personal goals, passions, and progressions.
For example, learning how to use a new tool, like Excel, would fall under training, while learning leadership skills would be considered development.
Methods of employee training and development
There are many different types of training and development methods. Depending on your unique goals and employee feedback, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the best methods for providing training and development at your organization:
- E-learning in virtual classrooms
- In-person training with instructors
- Mobile learning with different applications
- Blended learning (a mix of everything)
Top Workplaces excel at employee training and development
Top Workplaces recognizes companies that excel at employee training and development. These organizations achieved the highest scores based on employee feedback. Winning companies are highly regarded by job candidates and employees as a great place to work.
See the Top Workplaces for Formal Training award.
See the Top Workplaces for Professional Development award.
If your company is proud of its employee training and development programs, get recognized for it! Nominate your organization for Top Workplaces, the employer recognition program that offers awards in 60+ regional markets and national awards for culture and industry excellence.
