Types of Employee Training

Employee Training is more than just an event where trainer talks and trainees listen or take notes, it has far reaching effects on business and its performance both in the short and long term. Training acts as a pathway to learning, Learning drives change and change is key to survival in the fast changing business world.

Types of Employee Training

Employee Training is more than just an event where trainer talks and trainees listen or take notes, it has far reaching effects on business and its performance both in the short and long term. Training acts as a pathway to learning, Learning drives change and change is key to survival in the fast changing business world. There are different kinds of activities that require training. The most of them are safety, customer service, computer skills, quality initiatives and communication. As mentioned benefits of well-done training include (for both individuals, teams and organization) enhanced skills, greater ability to adapt and innovate, better self-management, performance improvement, effectiveness and productivity, more profitability and reduced costs, improved quality.

Employee training is crucial for enhancing skills, knowledge, and performance in the workplace. Here are several types of employee training commonly utilized by organizations:

Onboarding Training:

This type of training is provided to new employees to help them familiarize themselves with the organization, its culture, policies, procedures, and their specific job responsibilities. It aims to facilitate a smooth transition into the company and ensure employees have the necessary information to succeed in their roles.

Skills-Based Training:

Skills-based training focuses on developing specific job-related skills. It may include technical skills, such as using software applications or operating machinery, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, or customer service. This training helps employees acquire or enhance the skills needed to perform their jobs effectively.

Compliance Training:

Compliance training ensures employees understand and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. It covers topics such as workplace safety, diversity and inclusion, sexual harassment prevention, data privacy, ethical practices, and industry-specific regulations. Compliance training helps mitigate risks and ensures adherence to legal obligations.

Leadership Development Training:

Leadership development programs are designed to enhance leadership skills and competencies at various levels within the organization. These programs may include training on effective communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, team management, and other skills necessary for effective leadership.

Professional Development Training:

Professional development training focuses on expanding employees' knowledge, capabilities, and expertise within their field or industry. It may include workshops, seminars, conferences, or online courses to enhance technical knowledge, industry trends, new technologies, or best practices. Professional development training promotes continuous learning and career advancement.

Diversity and Inclusion Training:

Diversity and inclusion training aims to promote understanding, respect, and inclusivity in the workplace. It addresses biases, stereotypes, cultural differences, and fosters a more inclusive and equitable work environment. This training helps create awareness and sensitivity towards diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration and mutual respect.

Customer Service Training:

Customer service training equips employees with the skills to provide exceptional customer experiences. It focuses on active listening, problem-solving, effective communication, empathy, and handling customer inquiries or complaints. Customer service training enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Cybersecurity Training:

With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, organizations provide cybersecurity training to educate employees about potential risks, safe online practices, and protecting sensitive data. It covers topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, password security, data encryption, and the importance of maintaining a secure digital environment.

Change Management Training:

Change management training helps employees adapt to organizational changes effectively. It provides strategies and tools for managing resistance, embracing change, and developing resilience. Change management training promotes employee engagement and supports successful organizational transformations.

Sales and Marketing Training:

Sales and marketing training focuses on enhancing sales techniques, product knowledge, customer relationship management, negotiation skills, and marketing strategies. It equips employees with the skills necessary to generate leads, close deals, and effectively promote products or services.

These are just a few examples of the various types of employee training. Organizations may combine different types of training based on their specific needs, industry, and workforce requirements. It is essential to align training programs with organizational goals and periodically assess their effectiveness to ensure they meet employees' needs and contribute to overall business success.

Training Categories

Training can be designed to meet a number of objectives and can be classified in various ways. As Figure shows, some common groupings include the following:

Required and Regular Training

These are the mandatory trainings that has to be provided due to legal or other business requirement, for instance, fire training, or one given to all employees (e.g., new employee orientation)

Job/technical Training

These training are provided to enhance employee capability to perform the job. (e.g., product knowledge, technical processes and procedures, customer relations)

Developmental and Career Training

Focused on growth of both the individual and the business, these trainings are provided to gear up for the future challenges e.g., business practices, executive development, organizational change, leadership.

Interpersonal and Problem-Solving Training

Aimed at establishment of a conducive, and better working culture, it helps address issure pertaining to both operational and interpersonal problems and aims at improving working relationships for instance interpersonal communication, managerial/supervisory skills, conflict resolution.

Bibliography

Source: Mathis, L, R., and Jackson, H, J., (2010). Human Resource Management. 13th Edition.