Why is training important?

Why is training important?

If organisations are to survive and prosper in the modern world of rapid change, they need to be more flexible, faster-moving and faster-learning than before. Their ability to do this rests upon the abilities of their workforce to have these characteristics – hence the value of training. If individuals are able to learn, develop and change, then so can the organisations.

Too many managers view training as a luxury, not a competitive and strategic necessity. "What if we train our employees and they leave," they ask. Well, what if you don't train them and they stay?

Are you one of those managers who looks at training as a nice-to-have instead of a must-have? Do you talk the talk, but when push comes to shove, training gets pushed aside? To assess your commitment to training, see how many of the following statements hit too close to home:

Training is more than just building the skills and knowledge of each individual of your team for their own personal benefit. Companies that have invested in training report the following benefits:

Improved recruiting. Today's job applicant is looking for an environment that fosters personal growth and development. For many job hunters, training is every bit as important as the compensation package. Plus, an effective training program allows you to cast a wider net by hiring people with the right attitude. Developing the skills can come later.

Higher retention. When people know that a company believes in their personal growth, they are likely to stay with that company for a longer period of time.

Better output. The lower your turnover rate, the more productive, enthusiastic and motivated your workforce. Employees will pack their new knowledge and skills into everything they design, produce and service.

Saving time and money Take press operators. Well-trained pressmen are professionals who can save you money in many ways, from reducing startup waste to finding more efficient ways to maintain costly equipment.

Well-trained pressmen know the condition of the press, know when problems are starting to occur and how to do something about the problem before it becomes a catastrophe.
Indeed, the well-trained pressman will not wait until the press breaks down or until the print quality suffers to act on the problem. Waiting may only cause customers or advertisers to be lost. Well-trained pressmen are more likely to meet their deadlines because the machine that they are operating is properly maintained and is less likely to break down during a press run, which would cause operating expenses to skyrocket in all areas of production.

1. Training boosts morale. Staff members feel better and more motivated about working at your paper if you show your belief that they can improve.

2.Training emphasizes priorities. In a dollar-strapped newspaper, the needs of the current staff can be directed toward specific training.

3.Training is cheap — certainly cheaper than recruiting and hiring. Whatever the challenges your newsroom is facing, eliminating your training budget isn’t going to solve it.

4.Training is a stimulant, while eliminating training can enforce mediocrity.

5.Training helps keep pace with a changing business. You need to stay on top of new developments in order to stay competitive.

6. Training develops teamwork. If you’ve got fewer copy editors than you’re used to, a refresher course on headlines and cutlines can help the existing team zero in on the essentials and work together more efficiently.

7.Training shares the good habits on your staff and reinforces your best work. If you can only send one person to a workshop, have him or her lead a session for the other staffers when they return.

8. Training brings in money. Focused training can pay for itself many times over by raising morale, boosting efficiency and maintaining high standards.

9.Training treats your staff like professionals. People who believe they are valued enough for you to invest in developing their skills might stay with your newspaper a little while longer.

10.Training helps maintain and improve quality and productivity.