Article 04 - Training
Introduction
Training is the methodical process of enhancing workers' abilities, competences, attitudes, and performance in order to increase output, productivity, and efficiency within a company. It entails giving people the means, information, and direction they need to develop new skills, enhance old ones, and adjust to shifting employment demands. Learning and development includes a wide range of activities, including organization development, development, and training.
Training is a set of planned activities on the part of an organization to increase job knowledge and skills, or to modify attitudes and social behavior, to achieve specific ends which are related to a particular job or role. (Henderson, 2017).
Training is a set of activities which are mainly focused to individual development and capability building, organizational potential and also reacts to present needs (Reynold, 2004).
Training is an indicator of employees which shows outlook, skills, knowledge and capabilities of them and ultimately shows the performances as well. Other than that, training adequate technical and social competency of employees and it indicates suitable management position as a specialist through career development of them (Laing,2009).
Video 1 – Training (HRM)
Source: YouTube
The Justification For Training
According to Armstrong, (2006) Formal training is indeed only one of the ways of ensuring that learning takes place, but it can be justified when:
The work requires skills that are best developed by formal instruction;
- Different skills are required by a number of people, which have to be developed quickly to meet new demands and cannot be acquired by relying on experience.
- The tasks to be carried out are so specialized or complex that people are unlikely to master them on their own initiative at a reasonable speed.
- Critical information must be imparted to employees to ensure they meet their responsibilities.
- A learning need common to a number of people has to be met, which can
readily be dealt with in a training program, for example
induction, essential IT skills, communication skills.
Tarique and Calligiri (1995) propose that the following steps should be taken to design a training program for expatriates:
1. Identify the type of global assignment, eg technical, functional, tactical, developmental or strategic/executive.
2. Conduct a cross-cultural training needs analysis covering organizational analysis and requirements, assignment analysis of key tasks and individual analysis of skills.
3. Establish training goals and measures – cognitive (eg understanding the role of cultural values and norms) and effective (modifying perception about culture and increasing confidence in dealing with individual behaviors to form adaptive behaviors such as interpersonal skills).
4. Develop the program – the content should cover both general and specific cultural orientation; a variety of methods should be used.
5. Evaluate training given.
Employee Training Statistics
According to the thinkimpact.com, (2023)
- 6 out of every 10 employees today say they have never had any training at their workplaces and that their skills are largely self-taught.
- 94% of employees say they would remain at the same company if it invested in their learning and training.
- CEOs spend 20% more time training and learning soft skills compared to the average time a normal learner spends.
- In 2020, 16% of learning and development professionals used surveys to evaluate learner satisfaction from training programs as compared to 27% this year.
- 6 out of every 10 employees worldwide believe that training allows them to be more capacitive to accommodate change.
- Half of the employees say they do not have time for training at their workplaces, and 61% of learning and development professionals acknowledge the lack of time as an obstacle.
- Trainees find out about 56% of learning programs from within the corporate circle.
Types of Training
The most typical types of training for learning and development (L&D) include the following:
- On boarding training: This training is given to new hires to assist them in learning about the business, their position, and the culture.
- Technical training: Employees receive this training to assist them in acquiring the skills required to do their jobs.
- Soft skills training: Employees receive this training to aid in the development of their leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities.
- Leadership development programs: These initiatives are made to assist staff members in acquiring the abilities required of effective leaders.
- Continuing education: Employees receive this training in order to keep them abreast of the most recent developments in their industry.
There are a few things to bear in mind regardless of the training you are seeking:
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Verify that the training is appropriate for the person's or the organization's needs.
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Ensure that the instruction is interesting and interactive.
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To be able to monitor the results, make sure the training is measurable.
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Give the student the chance to put what they have learned to use by giving them opportunities to practice.
- Describe the learner's performance and offer criticism.
Successful companies are aware that developing current staff is more advantageous and economical than looking for fresh talent.
- Enhanced productivity: Employees who keep up with new methods and tools can boost their overall output.
- Develop future leaders: In order for organizations to develop and change throughout time, they need a steady stream of knowledgeable and creative potential leaders.
- Greater job satisfaction and retention: Employees who receive quality training develop their self-confidence, which improves job happiness, lowers absenteeism, and increases overall staff retention.
- Less micromanagement: Employees tend to require less supervision and work more independently when they feel empowered to complete a task.
- Enhanced camaraderie: Development and training programs foster a culture of cooperation and teamwork.
- Attract highly qualified workers: Top candidates are drawn to companies that offer a clear areer path focused on ongoing training and development.
- Ability to cross-train: Consistent training builds a knowledgeable team where employees can support or assist each other with training as necessary.
- Increased innovation: Staff members who receive consistent training can assist in creating fresh ideas and solutions that will benefit the business's bottom line and long-term performance.
Current Trends in Training and Development -
ibm.com, (no date). The corporate marketplace is quickly changing, and businesses must be flexible and easily adapt to change. Technology is one of the key drivers in this rapid change, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the forefront.
Here are four key trends impacting how organizations must rethink training and development:
Remote Mobile Training
Today’s corporations have discovered that it’s no longer just
about what employees need to know, but also when, where and how the
development experience enables performance. With the advancements in
mobile technology, companies are relying more on mobile workforces.
Training is migrating to mobile devices where apps provide
“just-in-time” information and recommendations to workers across
industries.
AI Training
AI systems can process unstructured information in a similar way
to humans. These systems understand language patterns and sensory
inputs including text, pictures and auditory cues. AI-based software
can customize how training content is delivered to a learner, based
on their learning style, suggest content based on a learner’s past
performance and predict what information is most important for them
to learn next.
Agile Learning
Agile learning is a process that encourages employees to learn by doing and iterate often, inspiring organizational change and buy-in. For example, IBM has introduced IBM Garage, a tool for executing, scaling and managing an organization’s multiple transformation initiatives. Companies like Ford Motor Company and Travel port are using IBM Garages around the world to create cultures of open collaboration and continuous learning.
Remote Flexible Learning Models
The importance of training remains paramount as workplaces continue to change. Its capacity to fill knowledge gaps, develop talent, and foster an adaptable and engaged workforce solidifies its position as a catalyst for progress, both at the personal and organizational levels. In a time of fast change, training is a must.
Armstrong, M (2006) Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management. 10th ed. New Delhi, Kogan Page Limited.
Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S. (2014) Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management. 13th ed. New Delhi, Kogan Page Limited.
Henderson, R. I. (2017). Human resource development: A strategic approach (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Ibm.com, (no date) What is training and development. Training-Development [Online]. Available at https://www.ibm.com/topics/training-development/. Accessed on 11th August 2023.
Thinkimpact.com, (2023), Employee-training-statistics [Online]. Available at https://www.thinkimpact.com/employee-training-statistics/. Accessed on 02nd September 2023.
effective training can contribute to meeting organizational cultural requirements by raising awareness, promoting open dialogue, and providing tools to mitigate biases. However, training alone is not sufficient. It must be integrated into a broader strategy that includes leadership commitment, policy changes, and ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. Training should be interactive, ongoing, and tailored to specific contexts, ensuring that employees understand how to recognize and address bias in their day-to-day interactions and decision-making. The training needs varies based on the Employee's attitudes, Personal culture, experience and qualifications etc..
ReplyDeleteLearning and development in an organization are pivotal for growth. They empower employees with new skills, enhancing job satisfaction and efficiency. A robust learning culture fosters innovation and adaptability, vital in today's dynamic landscape. By investing in employee growth, organizations ensure they stay competitive, nurture talent from within, and create a workforce that can navigate challenges effectively, resulting in a more resilient and successful enterprise.
ReplyDeleteNice article and a good read.
Without a doubt, you've drawn attention to a key point. When it comes to establishing an inclusive and diverse workplace, training is just one piece of the jigsaw. It's crucial to incorporate training into an all-encompassing plan that includes several components in order to effectively bring about a transformative shift.
ReplyDeleteTechnological advancements will significantly impact employee training and development, with trends such as increased online and blended learning, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and a focus on soft skills. Online and blended learning offer flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, while AI and machine learning improve training and development through personalized experiences, real-time feedback, and employee progress assessment. Soft skills training will be emphasized to prepare employees for the 21st-century workplace challenges. The future of training and development is bright, with a greater emphasis on lifelong learning and adapting to new technologies. Organizations must provide opportunities for lifelong learning to stay competitive and adapt to the ever-changing workplace.
ReplyDeleteThese factors will probably influence the landscape of employee training and development as technology continues to advance. A workforce that is more competitive, competent, and nimble can help organizations prepare for the challenges of the future.
DeleteInteresting read Wasantha! Thanks for your valuable time and effort taken to formulate this article. As you clearly mentioned, training plays a pivotal role in sustaining a business in the competitive market. What is your opinion on Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and its effects on organizations as whole?
ReplyDeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteTraining is a systematic process aimed at improving employees' abilities, competences, attitudes, and performance to enhance productivity and efficiency within an organization.
It involves equipping individuals with tools, information, and guidance to acquire new skills, refine existing ones, and adapt to changing work demands.
Training encompasses organizational development, personal development, and training initiatives. It fosters individual growth, enhances organizational potential, and prepares employees for higher-level responsibilities through career progression.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, as you stated that the cornerstone of both organizational development and employee growth is training. Furthermore, many businesses invest in employee training because it can increase staff motivation, improve productivity, and improve the quality of work. Employees who are trained are more likely to have a long-term commitment to their employer, as well as perform better at work.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Training involves organized efforts to improve employees' skills, knowledge, and attitudes for better job performance. It provides tools for learning new abilities, enhancing existing ones, and adapting to work changes. Formal training is planned teaching to develop specific job skills, and learning and development cover various improvement activities.(Steve. Alexander-1996).
ReplyDeleteHi wasantha
ReplyDeleteI also thought your point about the importance of training for employee engagement was spot on. I think this is another area where many organizations can improve. When employees feel like they are constantly learning and growing, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and to feel a sense of ownership over their contributions.
Overall, I thought this was a very informative and well-written blog post.
I wish to ask you What are some of the challenges that organizations face when it comes to providing training for their employees?
Agreed, training is a vital tool for organizations seeking to stay competitive and adaptable in a dynamic business environment. It equips employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles, fosters a culture of continuous learning, and contributes to the overall success of the organization (Turner,2022).
ReplyDeleteThis is such an insightful and thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteGreat Article!! In addition to the points you've provided, Training and development, like any other professional subject,
ReplyDeletehas seen significant trends that are fundamentally reshaping it. After all, the world's fresh resources and events are gently reshaping the landscape of practically every professional field. The following are some growing trends in the training and development industry.
Big Data Training
A New Way to Develop Leaders
A Diversifying Skillset
Changes in the Workforce
Due to Technological Advances
(5 Trends in Training and Development - Human Resources Degrees, 2019)
Your emphasis on the importance of aligning training with organizational goals resonates well – it's essential to ensure that training efforts directly contribute to the company's success. I also appreciated the insights you provided on joining different training methods and technologies for a well-rounded approach.
ReplyDeleteIn order to improve employees' skills and productivity inside a business, the essay stresses the value of training as a systematic process. It highlights the many facets of training, such as the growth of skills, attitudes, and flexibility to shifting workplace demands. Training is necessary for workers to stay current and succeed in their jobs, and its all-encompassing approach is crucial for developing a qualified workforce. Henderson (2017) and Reynolds (2004) emphasize how training should be in line with professional development for individuals as well as for organizations looking to expand and meet current demands. The article emphasizes the value of a comprehensive approach to skill-building in modern workplaces by highlighting the relationship between training and performance.
ReplyDeleteYour article provides a thorough and insightful understanding of the concept of training in the context of organizational development. The definition, purpose, and benefits of training are well-explained, highlighting its role in enhancing employee skills, productivity, and overall efficiency. The discussion on various types of training, such as onboarding, technical, soft skills, and leadership development, showcases the diverse approaches to skill-building. The article effectively emphasizes the importance of training through real-world examples and justifications, while also delving into the negative consequences of neglecting training. The overview of current trends, like remote mobile training, AI training, agile learning, and remote flexible learning models, aptly showcases the evolving nature of training in response to technological advancements and changing work environments. Your article offers a comprehensive view of training's significance in organizational growth and employee development.
ReplyDelete