Staff Learning Benefits Employees and Businesses

Staff learning opportunities are available in various ways. These can include on the job training, external courses, mentoring, job shadowing and online learning.

In difficult economic times, it's particularly important that employers provide opportunities for their staff to improve their skills and knowledge. A lack of skills is not only frustrating and harmful for employees but is likely to hold back the growth and development of a company or other organisation.

A new member of staff will benefit from work shadowing, orientation and on the job training, even though they may already possess appropriate qualifications. They will need to become familiar with the way the organisation works and be introduced to co-workers.

Internal job training videos and PowerPoint presentations can be made and used in conjunction with on the job training. Specific instruction in the use of equipment and procedures will ensure the employee can do the job effectively, increase motivation and boost morale.

Longer serving workers will often benefit from external courses provided by the wide range of course providers. An opportunity to attend classes away from the workplace provides staff learning opportunities without the distractions of all the usual tasks that need doing in the place of work.

Many colleges and other course providers advertise their learning opportunities on their websites. The option of online learning is also available. This may be cheaper, more flexible and more convenient than paying for an employee to attend a college or university.

Alternatively, staff trainers can be brought in from appropriate organisations to provide training, advice and consultancy services. Such experts can contribute new and useful ideas to encourage staff development and business efficiency.

One of the advantages of providing staff training for employees is the increased chance of career progression. It is helpful to organise mentoring for a promotion candidate, from a senior manager who will also be able to assess what additional training may be needed.