The Importance of Training and Development at Employment

Author: Harey Vigneswaran

Training at the workplace has seen a magnificent growth over the last two decades. Generally most new jobs require a level of training and orientation. Many employers quite literally dedicate the first days or weeks to adjust to the new environment.

Employees also place a much higher emphasis on growth opportunities, that flourish through the provision of training. Recent graduates have been particularly drawn by opportunities to develop their employability by signing up to apprenticeship or internship programs, that are designed to gain experience, while contributing to the success of the company.

The latest GDI submission indicates that 78% of UK based companies fall within the service sector. This utters the need for a competitive advantage for companies in providing a superior service to be able to sustain a business in the current market condition.

The way this is currently being achieved is through one of two ways; the provision of more advanced equipments and the provision of training. Since upgrading and investing into equipments and machineries can despite its advantages have a long lasting financial burden, many companies decide to invest into up-skilling their work force. Not only does this boost financial results over the long term, but also presents an immediate benefit of more satisfied employees.

Training also promotes safety and health amongst employees and helps employers to comply with local laws and regulations. Areas that are of particular interest to companies are sexual harassment, business ethics and diversity. Research shows that a training program can reduce the employers liability significantly when found guilty of criminal misconduct.

A well prepared training program also enables all employees to benefit of the same experience and knowledge. The provision of consistency is fundamental to expanding a business and obtaining quality of service and products, particularly for large businesses.

Evidence suggests that a well trained work force is a fundamental asset to a company to operate efficiently and productively while maintaining a high level of workers satisfaction.