46 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Cost-effective ways to train staff
Training budgets are usually the first to undergo cuts when an economic recession knocks on the door . Yet , having a skilled workforce is a critical element of success for any organisation and company .
By
Arnoux Maré , CEO of Innovative Solutions Group
The importance of training your employees , both new and experienced , cannot be overemphasised . Effective training of new employees will ensure a workforce that is proficient , effective , and productive . But the importance of employee training does not end with new workers . Manager training and development is equally important to workplace safety , productivity , and satisfaction .
It is therefore imperative to not skimp on providing your staff with the right training . The SMME sector often cuts the training budget when times are tough . The worst thing to do is to bring in a scaled-down training and development programme that does not address your employees ’ needs or does not align with strategic imperatives . The cheaper or slightly more time-efficient training option is not always beneficial to your company .
Here are five practical suggestions on how companies can continue with the development of their staff , even through tough times .
1 . IN-HOUSE TRAINING AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE It might not be an obvious approach , but the knowledge you require may well be sitting in your own organisation . Sharing information is a very productive and cost-effective way to transfer knowledge . Give team leaders the opportunity to host mini training sessions to share their skills and knowledge . You can even call on partners or clients to do the same .
2 . PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Regular reviews and one-on-one sessions between managers and employees are essential to gauge the level of training but at the same time also develop staff without incurring extra costs .
3 . DISCOUNTS ON TRAINING Instead of sending individuals for training , rather look at group training options that could result in a discounted price .
4 . COLLABORATION IS KEY Do you have contacts in other companies that are facing similar issues ? If so , you could consider what opportunities there may be for your employees to spend time in another organisation to learn new ways of doing things and new ways of thinking .
5 . SELF-LEARNING METHODS Online courses are popular choices for self-directed learning . Staff can access the courses from their own desktop at a time that suits them . E-learning is a very efficient way to reduce overheads while at the same time tracking progress made . These online courses are , however , not an instant fix . You need to put measures in place to ensure your staff respond well to this type of training .
As business owners , managers or team leaders , our main focus should be to enhance the current skills of our labour force through various opportunities , such as further education , on-the-job training , mentorship programmes , and promotion , while continuing to contribute to job creation . PA
March 2018 Volume 24 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za