IS STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT?

Posted on 22 November, 2021 at 08:28

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” Benjamin Franklin. Many organizations always debate on this – 'Is staff training an Investment or a waste of resources?' Some organisations are reluctant to invest in training their staff members as they feel that the mandate for skills development lies with the employee and not the employer or the thoughts of losing employees soon after training makes them hesitate on any plans of staff training.

A graduate with not much work experience to offer on her new job. Jane, was a young woman, slightly stubborn with strong beliefs.  She had a tendency to bottle up feelings and not communicate. She was most of the time moody and clearly unhappy at work. Her main job was in the Sales department.  Her performance level was generally low such that a cause of concern for the management arose. Working for a small company going through a major restructuring with profitability, solvency and liquidity problems, low employee productivity, and engagement as well as bad staff morale did not make things any easy for Jane. There was a real question of whether the organisation was worth trying to save. A proposal to be present to an important client was due in a week.  Jane’s manager put her to the test and assigned the job to her.

Jane had no one to assist her since everybody was busy trying to save the company. She then found some free software on the internet, taught herself how to use the software. She took care and attention to make an accurate presentation. Jane took initiative to come up with solutions and recommendations for the assignment. Where Jane would normally leave as the clock struck five, she instead put more effort and sacrificed her personal time to complete the project. When the presentation day came, Jane left everyone in awe, even she was impressed with the high-quality work she had done. That is when she broke out of her shell and grew wings. She started flying and doing more. Other employees were even motivated and developed the desire to work with and learn from her. Teamwork spirit was cultivated and the small company thrived through and everyone realised the worth of saving it.

Staff training and development does not only entail investment by an employer, but the effort put by an employee to personally develop themselves. Eventually, this makes the whole process of staff training and development easier. Development of skills is a worthwhile investment that does not start in a team-building session but starts within the willingness of an individual to diligently perform their duties to achieve organisational goals. Both the employer and employee have a duty to enhance the skills of staff. Research has proven that the benefits that can arise from staff training can by far outweigh the reasons for not training staff. Success in the future will require staff to be equipped with additional skills other than those they had on initial engagement. Training equips staff with fresh thinking skills thereby nurturing future leaders within the organisation. This is a fundamental requirement for all organisations that prioritise sustainability issues. It should also be noted that training ensures that new skills and practices are imparted in employees for them to be up to date with modern changes and trends in their areas of operation.

Naturally, staff training is motivational, as trained employees will feel wanted by their employers; this will also boost their confidence and technical know-how of how to expertly deliver responsibilities. Staff training also ensures increased job satisfaction and reduced employee turnover within organisations. Trained employees also guarantee increased efficiency in work processes and activities, resulting in financial gains for the organization.

Lastly, training staff demonstrates how much an organization understands the value of its employees enough to invest in them. This serves as a motivational tool for a loyal workforce that is guaranteed of job security.  Forms of training can range from sending individuals to specific training or workshops; in-house training on issues or concepts that affect every employee or enrolling employees in established schools or colleges for long-term qualifications on a part-time or full-time basis. Whatever the form the training takes, diligence is achieved, and diligence is entirely the mother of good fortune.

Remember not training staff is like a manufacturer expecting increased productivity without any upgrading of the plant in use. Not investing in staff training is a risky business. Establish a realistic staff development plan for all staff members and set aside resources to put this in motion.

By Passmore Muringai

KFM Consultants Accountant

www.kfmconsultants.com