Most successful companies today have some form of training process to help assure their employees are competent in their roles and contributing effectively to organizational goals.
Unfortunately, so many organizations think of training as a checklist of things folks to “just have to get through.” But training should be considered an ongoing investment in the success of both the employee and the organization itself.
In reality, everything you impart to your staff through training is a blueprint for the company culture you want to build. From expectations to technical know-how to social skills and more, what you impart and how you impart it has a direct relationship with how your employees feel about working for you, and how they’ll act as a result.
Effective Training Sets Everyone Up to Win
No matter what kind of business, or business environment, people work in, everyone wants to succeed at work. When you give your team the tools, confidence, and support to help them succeed right from the start, you send the message that your company is a place they can actually expect to succeed, and that they can trust you have their backs when they need help.
Demonstrating that you are invested in your employees’ success sends them the signal that you value them for more than just what kind of profit they can generate for the business.
And when employees feel valued, they experience higher job satisfaction and exhibit loyalty to the company. When this sense is felt collectively, morale is enhanced across the company.
Setting Clear Expectations from the Outset
When new hires first start, it’s important to share what you expect of them, as well as what they can expect from you and from co-workers. Ideally, you’ll share expectations that go beyond just their job performance. For example:
What is your company code of conduct? Beyond basic behavioral expectations, what does the company encourage (e.g., collaboration, creativity, volunteerism, situational awareness)? Where can they get help with various aspects of their work, should they need it? Do you offer flexibility with hours or work location? What communication tools does your company use to support clear dialogue, smooth work flows, and secure data? To whom do they turn if they have an HR issue? What kind of feedback would you like from them, and how can they provide it? What benefits do you offer, and how can they access them? How and when will they be paid?
When your new hires understand how your company cares for them, you’ve succeeded at some critical facets of culture building:
- You’ve reduced some of the common anxieties of being a new hire. This helps give them confidence that they will be able to succeed.
- You’ve built trust. They now know how to be dependable in this environment, and they know you are there to help.
- You’ve leveled the playing field. When you establish a common vocabulary across the organization around standards and processes, you model consistency. This in turn encourages a focus on quality, and can both facilitate and improve collaboration in service of providing that quality.
- You’ve shown them respect.
When it comes down to it, setting clear expectations helps employees feel valued for who they are as people, not just as workers. As a result, they are more likely to approach their work with dedication – which supports your business goals as well.
Next month, we’ll talk about how cultivating a culture of continuous learning and development offers myriad benefits for everyone.
Looking for help building your employee training program?
SACS Consulting can help you develop Human Resource policies and procedures for your workplace. We can also provide your team with training on a wide variety of topics, from safety and security to effective Human Resource management to culture building! Check out our training services to learn how we can support your training needs. And you can learn more about our HR services here.