Training ROI

Enterprise technology advances at a very rapid pace in today’s business world. Change is always hard. Integrating software changes into the daily routine of employees requires comprehensive training to ensure end users are able to use these new technologies without compromising productivity. There is strong resistance to change. It is human nature. On a company-wide level, an aversion to altering the status quo can impede long-term growth.

Taking shortcuts is not an option for something so important to organizational growth and development. Not providing training has costs. The most obvious cost is loss of productivity when employees are trying to “figure things out with the help desk” or surfing the internet for the answer. This is frustrating to employees.

Software adoption and acceptance becomes easier when a greater value is placed on training versus quick fixes. This means providing the correct information in an effective format relating to the needs and skill levels of the employees.

It is important to know that a one size fits all approach to training will not work. Training needs to be customized. Customization needs to take the form of customized materials, customized delivery methods and customized topics. The more employees can relate the training to their jobs the more it will benefit them and the organization. In addition, if this is done training will be embraced not avoided by employees.

In conclusion, training can save money and time in an organization. Training can save money by reducing help desks calls and productivity. In fact, employees can learn productive techniques and shortcuts when attending training. Training can also reduce employee frustration when new software is just “dumped” on them. Employees who perceive that software is “dumped” on them lose productivity because they can’t do the necessary things in the timely fashion they did in the past. This causes a tremendous reduction in productivity – not just with one employee, but this production loss is multiplied by every employee in the organization.  Ignoring training will have a long term negative effect on the origination!