Training new employees is one thing, but creating an effective one is quite another. Training is essential for new hires to succeed in their roles later on, so a lack of preparation in creating the program may lead to them being unable to do their work efficiently. Now, what are the key aspects of employee training, and how to create one?
Key Aspects in Training New Employees
When developing an effective training program for employees, here are several elements that need to be put into consideration”
1 . Job Responsibilities
Managers should take time to carefully explain what needs to be done by new employees within their job desc. This can include KPIs, cultural norms, management perspectives, key milestones, and deadlines of projects. You also need to highlight why the role is important to the division as well as its strategic objectives.
2 . Objectives and Goals
To best suit the needs of the division new employees will work in, its objectives and goals should be made clear from the beginning. This will help new hires recognize how they can contribute to the success of the division and the company.
3 . Workflow
New employees must also understand how work is performed, including the procedures and workflow. They need advanced training in these procedures and workflows, as well as an opportunity to practice before doing actual work on their own.
4 . Company Policy
It is important to let new employees know about the company policy, including the “do’s and don’ts”. This can range from formal rules, such as dress code, leave policy, gadget policy, to something less formal such as behavioral guides among employees.
5 . IT Needs Checklist
Depending on the industry and how your company optimizes technology, there may be specific needs of IT and software used by employees. Thus, make your IT needs to be known to new employees and equip them with the appropriate tools for their daily job duties. Although it is getting common for employees to use their personal laptops for work, make sure to check their compatibility with your company’s IT needs. Read more about the ‘bring your own gadget’ policy here.
Read Also: 5 Signs of a Poor Hiring Process and How to Avoid Them
Creating an Effective Training for New Employees
During the training period, employees should acquire a more in-depth grasp of the job duties, core competencies, key metrics and KPIs, team and individual goals, and, ultimately, what success looks like. Here are some steps to ensure that the training program for new employees is effective and efficient.
1 . Assign a Competent Mentor
In ensuring that the training for new employees is on point, assign a competent mentor to guide them. This will depend on what division new employees will work in. For example, if the new hire is hired as a graphic designer, then a competent mentor will be your company’s head of marketing. The mentor will act as the main consultant when designing materials for the training. If you think that heads of departments in your company do not have enough time to mentor, you can outsource an external mentor who is competent in that field of expertise.
2 . Choose the Right Training Methods
There are several methods of training you can choose, such as mentor-led training, on-the-job training, or job shadowing. This depends on the time given for the training, availability of resources, and the nature of the actual job. Some jobs that require specific, non-theoretical knowledge may be more suitable with job shadowing, where new employees follow the division head while performing his or her job. You can also combine these several methods of training if needed.
3 . Set the Appropriate Timeline
Once you have the method, material, and mentor in place, the next step is to set a timeline for the training. In some companies, training can last up to two weeks, while some others may only require a few days. Make sure you consult the head of the division under which new employees will work because they need to acknowledge that the new hires may not be able to do their duties immediately during the training period.
4 . Value the Process and Encourage Feedback
Training for new employees is a process that lets them learn as much as they can about their new job, so you need to value the process. Encourage them to not hesitate in asking questions and assist them if they have difficulties during the training. Leaders should also ask for feedback from new employees, such that they can make improvements for a better training experience in the future.
It should be noted that new hires do not come off as perfect employees. Do not expect them to ace during the training program, since they will best learn from mistakes. While creating effective training for new employees may be daunting and require a lot of effort, it surely is worth it for the long run.
Read Also: The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing for Business
