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Why Your Employee Training Isn’t Working

Staff training is an essential part of running a successful business. Your team members are often the people that do most of the day to day work that keeps your business going. They might be the people that have the most direct customer contact, and the people that take on the menial work, while you commit time to management tasks, networking, creative processes and growing your business. Their work isn’t more important than yours, but without them, your time would be severely limited. Your employees will also bring their own skills and ideas to the table. You might be lucky enough a mix of industry experts, people with years of experience and a little youthful enthusiasm, all of which are crucial qualities in a team. 

But, whoever you employ, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they are trained to a high standard. Training enables them to do their jobs safely and in good time. It gives them a chance to develop their skills and to push their limits. Staff training can be what sets you apart. But, only if you do it well. 

If your team isn’t performing as you’d hope, you have a higher than average staff turnover, motivation is low, and silly mistakes are happening too often, you might want to ask yourself if it’s staff training that is the problem. Here are some of the reasons why your employee training isn’t working. 

It’s Boring

Children learn best through play. Young kids remember things and understand things if they enjoy learning. The same is true of adults. You might not want your staff playing games (although, sometimes this is useful) but, making training exciting, and memorable can be helpful. VR learning providers and online courses can be useful, as can group sessions, demonstrations and outside training. 

It Isn’t Hands-On

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I am listening, that’s why I am writing stuff down!

Online courses, talks, books and worksheets are all effective learning techniques. But, that shouldn’t make up 100% of the training that you offer your team. Reading about things and answering questions is great. But, most people learn more from doing. Don’t just give your new employees a book and then send them off to work alone. Try buddying them up with a more experienced team member, and letting them watch, and have a go themselves with supervision and guidance from someone that actually does the job. 

You Treat Everyone the Same

One of the reasons that it’s a good idea to offer a range of learning experiences is that we all learn differently. Some of us like to sit and read. Others take nothing from this and prefer to watch. Some work well in group sessions. Others find this a waste of time. If your training isn’t working, ask yourself if you are expecting the same from everyone? Try getting to know each team member and gaining a greater understanding of their needs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll be able to offer a personalised training plan. 

It  Stops

Proper training should never stop. Business needs change; people forget things and become complacent. Hold regular training sessions, and brush up one on one when you spot a problem. Regular staff appraisals should help here.

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