Rapid skills acquisition is extremely important in today’s digitised era. In order to catch up with digital revolution, continuous employee training should be number one priority for employers to improve productivity. In Japan, for example, business leaders are urged to invest more in employees’ training and development. An average 280,000 yen a year are spent on each employee for in-house and outside training and seminars as they believe that self-development will benefit company and retain employees longer.
However, many people still argue that training and development will not have significant improvement on employees’ skills. Owing to some myths surrounding professional training, leaders are reluctant to invest company resources in employee development. Here are some of the most widespread myths about employee training and what you should know about it:
See also: 7 Types of Employees and How to Motivate Them
#1 Only large-scale companies have access to training
The truth is – Nearly all small business (88 percent) owners offer training in their workforce, and more than half (74 percent) founders reported that they have increased revenue in 10 months by providing training to their employee. The key they use is that, they optimise technology such as e-learning or in-house training to make it easier for their employee to access. Thus, it can save both employee’s time and company’s budget.
#2 Becoming certified won’t help you find a job
The truth is – Many employers are more interested in hiring potential candidates who have skills required. About 89 percent employers believe that certified people will be more likely to perform better than non-certified people. Additionally, nearly half companies (42 percent) prefer or require HR certification for their potential employees. Therefore, if you have taken certain course or, better yet, taken course and earned certification on certain subject, you will likely to be hired by employers than those who do not.
#3 Professional development isn’t a priority
The truth is – Learning and development (L&D) should be every leader’s number one concern. 80 percent of L&D professionals agree that developing employees is top-of-mind for an executive team and 27 percent of them received an increased profit. Association for Talent Development (ATD) reported that firms with good comprehensive L&D will have 218 percent higher income per employee and gain 24 percent higher profit margin. Moreover, they also generate 6 percent higher shareholder return if the training expenditure per employee increases by $680.
#4 Training isn’t modern or digital enough
The truth is – Today’s workforce are more tech savvy. There are many jobs that already adapt technology in their training. Training has become more digital and modern to appeal younger generation of workers. Data shows that 87 percent of millennial would choose to work for a video-enabled organisation. There are many employees who also use mobile devices to access learning and 75 percent will make up workforce training by 2025.
#5 E-learning is not as recognised as in-person training
The truth is – E-learning is just a delivery method. However, an e-learning course from an accredited and reputable provider will be held in much higher regard than an in person with lesser-known provider. Not to mention, 88 percent of employees say e-learning helps them more on daily workforce tasks and 50 percent companies that offer online training will see higher productivity.
#6 Training courses are way too theoretical and not practical
The truth is – In today’s advancement of technology, many businesses have more imagination than ever before. They already adopt real-life trainings such as gamification, role-playing, virtual reality, internships, on-the-job training, and simulation. Therefore, information that employees get can retain longer. It can also encourage employees to have a fun training time.
#7 Microlearning is not as effective as long-form training
The truth is – Microlearning courses are preferred by L&D professionals because many students prefer this method. It can also be done in 300 percent less time and 50 percent less cost than traditional courses. Microlearning can drive 20 percent more information retention than long-form training.
#8 Workers don’t have time for learning
The truth is – Employees will not stop make time to learn if it thrives and fuels their careers lives. A survey by Chief Learning Officer shows that on average, employees spend 37 minutes per week on employer-provided training. Yet, they make almost 3.3 hours per week learning on their own. Many said, it is because training can leverage their professional growth and 75 percent of them have invested their own money in career development over the past year.
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