While we assume that new starters will require some form of training, even our most seasoned employees will reap the benefits of on the job training and insight into new procedures or skills. But when we do approach new employees with mentoring and proper training, it kickstarts their career with you and gives them the confidence to carry out their role properly. You will be showing them your systems and getting them used to how things work, but there’s more to it.

Training doesn’t just have to focus on a particular job role or technicalities. It may even be helpful to refresh the company culture and remind employees of the general expectations you have. This can be done with certain exercises and putting the company values into practice when they work. All of this combined is going to push for development and responsibility. As a result, your employees will feel valued and you’ll see some fantastic employee retention. If they know they’ve got something to work towards – they’ll stick with it.

Methods of training

We’ve established that workplace development comes in many forms and that it will vary from person to person as well as between departments. But what about the ways in which we provide it? It’s all well and good having an understanding of the content and what needs to be improved upon, but the way in which we deliver that will impact the benefits of on the job training. One method is not going to be suitable for every situation, so let’s take a look at a few options.

• Handbooks or manuals

This is a great way of giving people written proof of how they should be carrying out their role and what they should expect when they come into work each day. It can be useful to cover company values, procedures and other regulations that don’t change often. However, it could also be used for more technical roles in which someone needs to refer to a manual when getting started. 

• Videos

This method of training can be far more engaging than handbooks or written direction and a lot of people often benefit from visual learning. It allows them to see exactly what is being spoken about and put it into context. These are also efficient ways of teaching more technical elements.

• Shadowing/mentoring

A very popular and effective way of learning is to simply watch someone and then have a go yourself with some support. It gives you the advantage of face to face communication where you have the security of the mentor and the opportunity to ask questions. Shadowing gives an employee insight as to how other people carry out each task, so they may later adapt it to suit them.

The benefits of on the job training

When we talk about employee retention, it refers to a company’s ability to keep individuals on board for an extended period of time. It can be frustrating when employees are constantly coming and going – so it’s important we give them every reason to stay. That’s where personal development makes a huge impact. It is the one thing that many people say made them leave their place of work. If there’s no way to improve or move forward you are soon going to get stuck in a rut.

Job satisfaction

Being able to feel fulfilled in your job role and see clear progression gives people an immense sense of job satisfaction. The more opportunities you give someone to learn and develop their skills, the better chance they have at growing within the company. This results in a better drive to do well and progress in their career. Not only this but simply knowing the business they work for is making the effort to invest in them will help them to see it is worth their time and effort. 

We do understand that the business world is give and take, but when employees feel they are making a worthwhile contribution to the company it will give them a reason to push and work efficiently. They’ll see the difference they are making and want to do all they can to continue that or even better it. That is why so many people ask for learning opportunities within their role – even 5 years down the road. The benefits of on the job training are noticed by employees and employers alike. 

Engagement

Getting involved in your employees’ work lives gives them an insight into the company culture. If you make sure everything they need to excel is in place, they’ll be more likely to use it. They’ll get used to the fact that regular training is needed to keep them up to date with industry standards and new knowledge they might otherwise miss. It becomes part of their expectations too and they begin to notice how it impacts their work. 

When you see employees become more engaged in their work and the company as a whole, it tends to lead to a sense of loyalty and the desire to better themselves for the business. By offering them means of involving themselves in other departments and helping them to develop new skills, they’ll want to put this all into practice. As a result, you’re building a team of enthusiastic people that are really keen to stick around and see what more they can do.

Easing in

It can be overwhelming when you start a new job and immediately get thrown in the deep end. They have interviewed you and were impressed by all the experience you have, but now they assume you can get on with it all by yourself. While this may be true to some extent, we have to remember that from business to business, the applications may remain similar but the systems and processes someone has to go through to carry out their role can change drastically.

Even if you are working in the same industry all your life – there is never just one way to do something. That is why mentoring and supervising is important. It allows the employees to settle into a new environment and get used to how you prefer to run your business. This injects them with the confidence they need to work independently down the line. Not every skill is transferable so it’s vital we give employees the steps they need to get to where you expect them to be. This will ensure they aren’t scared away.

Team-building

An important part of retaining employees is making sure they feel part of the team. Anyone who goes to work and goes home without speaking to another person can quickly become unhappy in their role. The same goes for sharing ideas and asking questions. If they feel they are not being listened to by other members of the team, they won’t speak up and you’ll lose their trust in the business. 

One of the great benefits of on the job training is that it allows team members to work together and get to know each other. While you expect a professional working environment – it doesn’t mean colleagues can’t get on well and be friends. If they know who they can go to for help and who is capable of certain tasks, they will feel more confident to ask. Similarly, it helps them understand your culture and easily get to know what is expected of everyone. An employee who is part of a team will build loyalty and have a reason to stay. 

Want to set up your own training?

If you’re struggling to keep a hold of employees and feel like you may be missing out on the higher-performing individuals – take a look at what kind of development you offer within each role. It’s human nature to want to push ourselves and improve our skills, so giving your team the opportunity to do so will provide rewards to both parties. People want to feel appreciated and as though the effort is going into their development. But at the same time, companies who invest in their people see higher rates of retention and more efficient workers. 

Ultimately, you will see tangible results where teams have the opportunity to grow. They will be better equipped to carry out their responsibilities, as well as being more motivated to go above and beyond. Providing support is an easy thing to do because there are resources out there that can assist you in doing so. Why not take the plunge today and get your business on track for success?

Still unsure of how to get started? Or are you thinking of implementing your own in house training? Speak to one of our dedicated Azimuth experts today by contacting us at enquiries@azimuth.eu.com or call 01483 24 33 81. We’ll be more than happy to discuss how we can help you and with over 20 years of experience across a range of industries, we have the innovative, proven tools that can help you unlock the true potential of yourself – and your business. What are you waiting for?

Work with the experts you can trust. Azimuth, a new direction in learning.