By Manisha Sachdev, Learning & Development, ITM Group of Institutions

 

The only thing constant in this world is change. No wonder the corporate trainings have undergone a metamorphosis in this decade. Four factors have played a vital role in this metamorphosis; namely Technology, Change Model Perspective, Embedded Learning, Training Vs Learning.

 

Learning Management System (LMS) became known to the corporate world in the last decade itself, however it was limited to blue chip companies of sectors like IT, Banking, etc. It is getting popular now as the technology costs are going down. Smaller companies too are opting for LMS. LMS selling companies have mushroomed and they are selling their Cloud LMS to the businesses. The advantage is that the employees get flexibility of time and place of learning. They can do the learning online and at anyplace anytime. The most recent trend in this regard is involving android apps so that the employees can access the same with their mobile devices.

 

Change Model Perspective

Change Model Perspective is the process to make sure that new interventions are accepted and used by employees. It involves overcoming opposition to change, managing the transition phase from old to new practice, managing behavioural dynamics and utilizing training to ensure the change is imbibed. This model must be accompanied by continual survey to identify challenges and making action plan to solve them. A training consultant works with managers to improve events that occur at workplace.

 

Embedded Learning evolved when the business heads were not willing to spare the Manhours of their employees to classroom training. Hence the need of learning on the job was highlighted. Though On the job training (OJT) is there since training was recognized in the beginning the last century, the recent trends show that OJT has become more focussed through performance tracking and error tracking. Pareto Charts are being popularized again to ensure error free performance.

 

Training has paved the way for learning. You can lead the horse to water but can’t make him drink is an old proverb. Gamification or incorporating more games and activities to enhance learning has become the order of the day. Instructional based training designs have incorporated flexibility of choice by learners. The flexibility of choice works especially in how the training is delivered. They happily engage in a learning process where they have the opportunity to make their own perception of knowledge, and to decide how that knowledge is to be applied into practice. Learning facilitation aligns the need for what to learn, why to learn and how to learn.

 

Why is corporate training important for employees?

 

When a supervisor recommends that an employee participate in a training program the employee is be pleased. Why? Because the manager is showing that he is willing to sacrifice his productive time to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude of the latter. Training facilitates employees to develop new skills, hone existing ones, become more productive and become better leaders. Since an organization is the sum total of what employees achieve individually, organizations should leave no stone unturned to ensure the employees give their performance. Nonetheless, the organization benefits in terms of increased productivity, better employee engagement and a higher level of employee retention. Viewing the same from the employee perspective the benefits are galore however we are segregating them into points mentioned below:-

 

Improves self-esteem of employees

Training helps the employee to get job satisfaction. Higher one’s self esteem , higher will be one’s  contribution to organizational success.

 

Independent working 

A well trained employee will be well versed with one’s job and will need lesser supervision.

 

Reduced Errors

Errors are likely to happen if the employees lack knowledge, skills and attitude required for doing one’s job. The more trained an employee is, the less are the chances of errors. One becomes effective and efficient in work.

 

Promotion

Trained employees have a higher chance for promotion. They become an asset for the organization. They may get a new title, pay hike or promotion.

 

Increased Performance

Training improves performance of employees. Well trained employees show both quantity and quality performance. They display less wastage of time, money and other resources if they are properly trained.

 

The importance of training for employees becomes indispensable especially in the case of new hires. They need to possess their key job knowledge, employer’s Vision/Mission and organizational culture. Compliance knowledge becomes of utmost importance to them as they are likely to make errors. No wonder the top leaders of the organization come themselves to onboard new hires in most of the companies.