April brings in a new season and a new energy. We’ve gotten through the first hectic months of the year, and now is when we hit our stride. In the second quarter, budgets are set, plans have been implemented, and we are ready for success. Part of that success will be investing in your team. Now is the time to empower them by developing their skills and knowledge.
There’s no downside to developing your team
Investing time and resources into training yields multiple long term and short term benefits. A long-term benefit that leaders will see over time is stronger employee satisfaction and loyalty. Actions speak louder than words, and when you encourage their development, you show them that you see real potential in their abilities and their futures. And who wouldn’t stay with a company that clearly wants to see them grow?
Additionally, a happy team is a productive team! Further training can only make them more productive at their jobs, which is nothing but good news for overall business objectives. You may not see a return in the investment immediately, but it’s inevitable when you put more power in your team.
An empowered team member, backed by their manager’s unspoken confidence, can feel inspired and motivated to assist the organization in new ways.
Valuable development on a budget
Even in uncertain economic climates, it’s possible to mitigate costs and still develop your team. There are plenty of methods at your disposal. The image in most employers’ minds when it comes to employee development are conferences and seminars, and the expenses that surround them: travel, lodging, food, etc. Or they picture guest speakers or third-party development organizations. In actuality, the ability to develop your team, right here in the office is as easy as A-B-C.
A. Internal training: A very effective and inexpensive training method may reside within your organization. Companies are full of subject matter experts who are at your disposal to host internal training sessions. For example, if you want your team to be more familiar with a particular software used in the company, why not have a colleague who knows the ins and outs of that software show them what they know? Internal training or cross-training will maximize the knowledge sharing within your organization, and save you the cost of hiring a third party.
Primary Services is fortunate to have a wealth of team members who are subject matter experts in their own right. We continually develop each other with internal training sessions, and lunch and learns. In addition, we recently conducted a training session on Microsoft Excel for contractors at their client site, at no cost to the contractor. Our Training and Metrics Specialist led two back-to-back sessions geared toward the needs our client identified. Since then, attendees have included new formulas and Excel functions into their daily work. By contributing to our employees’ development, Primary is setting them up for a successful present and future.
B. Web-based learning: Sometimes formal training can be time consuming, but supplemental learning materials that employees can access at almost any time comes in multiple forms. One is web-based training. Infinite reputable organizations host webinars at little to no cost, and employees can tune in from their desks, mitigating travel costs.
C. Print learning materials: This means industry-specific reading material made available in break rooms or wherever there is plenty of foot traffic. Curious employees can read and remain up to date with the industry. You could also provide fun incentives for accessing web or print material with trivia and light prizes.
We’re all hitting our stride at this point in the year. Keep the momentum going by moving your team forward in their own development. A capable, motivated workforce is the foundation of successful organization, so why not continue to strengthen it and fill in any skill gaps? You never know which individual will be critical to business goals, so let’s make sure they are prepared and ready to make a difference.