Training and development - OCRWhy businesses train their workers

Training employees costs money. However, it enables staff to complete work to a higher standard, and this can provide a number of benefits to a business.

Filling skill shortages

If a business is struggling to find staff who have the skills it requires, then training existing staff so that they develop these skills can solve the problem.

Improved customer service

Staff who have been trained should complete their work to a more consistent standard, eg better-trained customer service staff should be able to provide customers with an improved experience. Providing a better level of customer service often leads to an increase in sales.

Improved productivity

Productivity refers to the amount of work produced by a person in a given time. Trained staff are often able to work more efficiently, so they are able to produce more products or serve more customers. This helps to increase the profitability of the business.

Improved motivation

Motivation refers to how driven and happy an employee is in their role. Offering training can make staff feel valued by the business. Improving an employee’s skills can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to do a good job and work hard.

Improved retention

Retention refers to the ability of a business to keep its employees working for it. If staff feel that they are valued by a business because they have been offered training, and can develop skills there, they are more likely to stay. Being able to retain employees avoids the cost of recruitment.

Development of the business

A trained workforce is more likely to be motivated, be productive and offer customers a better service. This can help a business to increase its sales and profits, which in turn can be used to grow the business.