The Benefits of Investing in Your Employees

Employee retention is a struggle for many companies. Beyond just retaining employees, you want them to be successful. So how do you keep productive, committed employees? One word: training. Training can be the key to reducing turnover and developing your employee’s skills to make them more productive and happy at work.

 

When you hire someone, the goal is to integrate them into your team to help them become a valuable contributor. By investing in an employee’s training and on-the-job education, they are more likely to stay with the company.

 

There are several training programs you can implement that will boost camaraderie among employees.

 

First, consider an onboarding program that goes beyond day-to-day tasks. Lay out the milestones that a new employee must reach for them to become an experienced team member. The program can take a few weeks or months, and each step should be incentivized. Adopting this type of program encourages new employees to meet their goals and shows them you care about their professional development.

 

Second, always brush up on the basics. Schedule training programs or seminars that are relevant to your employees' job duties. These could review specific product lines like cutting tools, hydraulics, or abrasives. The programs typically cover details about the products and how to properly use them.

 

Having better-trained employees also means highly skilled, more productive workers, which is good for business operations. A well-trained employee can think critically on the job. By investing in training relevant to their position, they may view tasks with a new perspective, leading to operational improvements that save your business time and money.

 

Finally, create a training program that allows your employees to grow within your company. Employees want to know there is path for them to advance. Consider a tiered system in your shop. For example, instead of having three mechanics, have a Mechanic Supervisor or Lead, Mechanic I, and Mechanic II. Each position should have the opportunity to move up as they achieve a set of training requirements. Having a tiered system also allows you to delegate work to employees who have earned your trust.   

 

Investing in your employees gives you a competitive edge when seeking hires. People want to join companies that value their employees and their professional growth. Your simple investment in employee training can have a real, positive effect on your company name and status.

 

To learn how Kimball Midwest develops their talent and to find open opportunities,