Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Can training increase employee retention?

Training is often viewed as panache for all kinds of problems in an organization. Attrition is one such problem that many are attempting or hoping to solve by rolling out trainings.

First, let's take a look at common benefits of training? Training helps to bridge performance gaps and acquire new skills. In case of performance improvement, both the individual and orgnaization benefit. In case acquisition of new skills, the individual may benefit in short term or long term. The organization benefits only if the skills an individual acquires are relevant to business.

By making training available for employees organizations believe to communicate or show the intent in the employees growth. However, if the training is just a nice to have and does not lead to a solid outcome in terms of career growth within the organization, the training is redundant for both the individual or business. Training therefore cannot help to stem attrition.

If the goal is to reduce attrition and you wish to accomplish this by introducing trainings, then make the trainings relevant. You can achieve this by implementing some of this:

1. Defining functional paths for individuals versus hierachial growths

2. Provide training tied to certifications, industry standard or customized for your organization


In addition, to the above you must treat people with respect and do not forget to add fun. Self-Esteem is important to one and . A good friend and a senior director in training says:"Treat them with respect and they will also respect you." She also says:" Give me a team of seven and they will be happy, work with the organization for long, and all this I can achieve with