Improving team productivity isn’t something that happens overnight, and it usually isn’t just a matter of having a talk with employees.
In fact, it may not be the employees who are the main culprit. It could be that you or the business isn’t giving them what they need to be productive.
In order for a team to reach its true potential and be the most productive it can possibly be, that team needs the right tools and the proper training.
1. Get Out of the Board Room
One of the biggest mistakes business owners can make spending too much time in meetings. If a meeting is absolutely necessary, it should be kept very short. Less meeting time equals more productivity time.
2. Conduct a Training Needs Assessment of Employees
If you have never provided workplace training before, or it’s been some time since the last one, then a training needs assessment is usually a good first step in the process.
This is an opportunity to identify weaknesses and strengths so you can customize the actual training package.
Training is only helpful if you are offering the correct kind of information to the people that need it.
3. Obtain Your Training Materials
A huge part of workplace training is to provide your employees with takeaways that they can refer to. These training manuals can include books, pamphlets, a digital presentation, or a manual.
These materials will help with the training process, of course, but are also meant to answer questions they may have moving forward.
You may opt to use an outside company to help with the training materials. There are many that specialize in putting these sorts of packages together.
Some companies will even do the training needs assessment for you, listen to what your training goals are, design the material, and then teach the content to your employees.
4. Training Day Tips
Now that you’ve done all the planning and gathered all your materials, it’s time for the training day to begin.
There are a few tips you can use on this day to help it flow more smoother:
- Keep the session light. Don’t be afraid to use humor now and then. You want to keep the attention of your employees, as training material can get a bit dull.
- Encourage your employees to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to call on them to answer questions as you go. This keeps them engaged.
- Try to make learning fun by using interesting techniques. Rather than just read from a manual, look for ways you can teach the material in a more entertaining and hands-on way. This can include training videos, mini break-out sessions, and changing up the pace frequently.
- Consider hiring a professional to present the training material. A professional will have the skills and confidence needed to teach the material with ease and excel at keeping it engaging and interesting.
- Make sure the room is comfortable. This includes ample comfortable seating, a desk/table they can work at while making notes, proper lighting, a comfortable temperature, extra supplies (paper, pens, and pencils), and snacks and beverages to help perk your employees up.
5. Offer Chances for Additional Learning
It can be helpful to offer courses and learning seminars on the premises or through an outside learning environment.
This gives employees a chance to learn new skills and develop new interests, and help to make them a well-rounded employee. It’s a win-win for all involved.
These courses may even discuss current trends, techniques, and equipment being used in the workplace today.
6. Post-Training Follow Up
Once the workplace training is complete, that doesn’t mean the leader’s job is finished. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
There are numerous actions that can be taken to continue the success of the work training and to ensure productivity moving forward:
- Follow up with employees on assignments and projects
- Hold them accountable for roles, tasks, duties
- Encourage them to continue their hard work
- Recognize the efforts they have made
- Ask for their feedback on the tasks at hand
A Great Way to Improve the Company’s Productivity
When it comes to improving your company’s productivity, it may be that workplace training is in order.
Workplace training often has positive results and empowers your employees with the skills and confidence they need to excel.
Remember, a productive and happy employee is one who helps the organization move forward and achieve its goals.
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How Do You Use Workplace Training?
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