10 signs your employees need workplace training programs

As a leader, do you want to implement training and development programs for employees that drive tangible results? Of course you do. After all, companies with comprehensive training programs have a 24% higher profit margin.

But without the right training plan, you could waste time on programs that don’t make a difference.

That’s why you must be strategic about your company’s employee training programs. Not only should a workplace training program’s content be relevant, but the delivery method should engage employees throughout the learning journey.

In this blog, we discuss training and development programs for employees and help you determine when it’s time to invest in these initiatives.

What are employee training programs?

Before we get to those seven types of training and development programs for employees, let’s review what exactly employee development programs are.

Employee training programs are structured learning experiences or educational activities designed to equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to be successful in their roles. These programs can vary widely in content, delivery method, duration, and purpose. They play a crucial role in ensuring that employees are competent, productive, and continually improving in their roles.

Employee training and development isn’t just for new hires to learn the ropes; it’s an ongoing opportunity for employees to improve their performance and prepare them for their future at the company.

5 types of employee training

So, what kinds of employee training programs should you use in your organization? While every company has a different mix of training needs, here are common types of employee training that should be part of every organization's plan.

1. Onboarding training

Onboarding training programs offer a clear roadmap that helps new hires transition into their positions and the company. Onboarding training topics may include role clarity, performance expectations, company history, policies, procedures, and more.

2. Job-specific training

Once new hires finish onboarding, the next step is job-specific training. For example, someone in sales will require a different learning path than a customer service representative. This training is directly applicable to an employee’s specific role.

3. Soft skills training

Technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient for success in the workplace. Hard skills become outdated, while soft skills are evergreen. Soft skills training enables employees to pivot to new positions with ease, developing a more well-rounded, agile workforce.

4. Leadership and management training

As employees progress within the company, leadership and management training prepare them for promotions. This type of training covers essential skills your organization's next generation of leaders need for the future of work.

5. Systems training

With the right systems training in place, your team will master the tools they need to be successful in no time. This type of training walks learners through your systems and allows them to turn their knowledge into action by practicing in a safe, simulated environment.

Next, we list indicators that signal your organization needs to refresh or implement training and development programs for employees.

10 signs that your company needs training and development programs for employees

If you observe any of these signs within your organization, implementing employee training and development programs can help turn things around.

1. High Turnover Rates: If your company experiences a high rate of employee turnover, it may be an indication that employees are not satisfied with their current roles or do not see opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
2. Declining Performance: If you notice a decline in the performance or productivity of your employees or certain teams, it could be due to outdated skills or a lack of knowledge in key areas.
3. Skills Gaps: When employees lack the necessary skills to perform their jobs effectively, it can lead to mistakes, inefficiencies, and frustration. Identifying skills gaps is a clear sign that training and development are needed.
4. New Technologies: As new technologies emerge and impact your industry, your employees will require training to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements, keeping your company competitive in the face of change.
5. Poor Employee Engagement: Low levels of employee engagement, as evidenced by disinterest, absenteeism, or lack of enthusiasm, may indicate that employees are not motivated, challenged, or prepared to succeed in their roles.
6. Ineffective Onboarding: If new hires struggle to integrate into the company, take a long time to become productive, or quit shortly after being hired, it may be a sign that your onboarding process needs improvement.
7. Customer Complaints: If you receive customer complaints related to employee performance or service quality, it may be a red flag signaling your need for a customer service training program.
8. Lack of Career Progression: Employees who see no opportunities for career advancement within the company are more likely to leave. Training programs can provide a pathway for growth, advancement, and succession.
9. Regulatory Compliance Issues: If your industry is subject to strict regulations, non-compliance due to employee ignorance can lead to serious consequences. Training can ensure that employees understand and adhere to current regulations.
10. Employee Requests: Sometimes, employees may directly request training or express a desire to improve their skills. These requests should not be ignored, as they indicate a proactive approach to self-improvement.

If you invest in employee training early, you can avoid these telltale signs. But if you’re struggling with these problems today, it’s time to implement training and development programs for employees.

While some types of employee training mentioned above may come in off-the-shelf packages, custom employee training content development enhances the effectiveness of your training programs.

Transform the learning experience with custom employee training content development

Custom content is contextualized within your organization’s business world, so it feels seamlessly integrated for employees. Tailoring training materials to meet the needs of your people creates a more engaging and relevant learning experience that drives results.

At Unboxed Training & Technology, we create custom training and development programs for employees that align with business goals and exceed expectations. As a corporate training and development company, we embed a culture of continuous learning in the workplace, catalyzing Skill Agility™ among employees.

Let’s transform your standardized employee training programs into engaging, personalized learning experiences. Request a demo to see the best corporate training programs in action and discover the difference custom content can make in your organization today.