The Importance Of Developing A Training Program For Your Company

It is important for companies to develop a good trainingin policy or procedure.
program to keep their staff motivated. Training mayOn the Job Training or OJT is another form of a
cover a wide range of reasons from new-hire trainingnew-hire training program wherein a potential associate
about your operation, to introducing a new concept totrains directly next to an existing associate. OJTs allow
a workgroup to bringing in a new computer system.the new associate to see first hand the different
Whatever the reason for conducting a training session,facets of the position.
it is a must that a comprehensive, ongoing andThrough an OJT, the new-hire will have the opportunity
consistent training program be developed in order toto develop a working relationship with an existing
keep your staff motivated about learning newassociate. Concepts learned in the initial training are
concepts and keeping your department profitable.reinforced through OJTs.
A formal new-hire training program, with an overviewContinuing education is another aspect of a
of the job expectations and performance skills neededcomprehensive training program. In fact, a good training
to perform the job functions, is an essential part of aprogram should make it an ongoing responsibility of the
complete training program.associate in a department. Continuing education will
A new-hire training program provides essentialkeep all staff members current about policies,
knowledge and understanding of the position and howprocedures and the technology used in the
the position fits within the organizational structure. Thedepartment.
new associate will better understand their impact onStudies have shown that associates will only retain
the organization if he or she has good backgroundapproximately 40 percent of the information learned in
knowledge of how one workgroup interrelates withthe initial training session.
ancillary departments.That's why a continuing education program for a
A good and reliable new-hire training program startsdepartment is just as important as the new-hire
with the creation of a sound and comprehensivetraining. A continuous effort, either formal or informal,
training manual. A manager or supervisor must keepmust be placed on reminding the staff about various
the associate in mind while writing the training manual.procedures and concepts.
It is also important that it is interesting so the associateCommon practice on informing associates about the
will actually read it. It is highly advisable to use graphicsneed for continuing education often includes a member
and to deviate from normal "corporate" language. Inof management sending a memo to each associate.
computer training, it is essential to incorporate a visualAnother, more informal way is to send a one-page
image of a computer screen to illustrate a function.information sheet to staff. The information sheet, called
A good training manual must act as a building block ofa training alert, should be informative and presented in
practical and technical skills needed to prepare thea non-threatening manner. If the policy or procedure
new individual for his or her position.changes, therefore, the informal approach would better
A manager or supervisor must ensure the departmentprepare the department to receive this presentation.
manuals are kept current in order for the departmentWith a new-hire and continuous education as part of
to understand current policies and procedures. It mustyour company's training program, you could be sure
also include any system enhancements and/or changethat your associates will grow well in your company.