How to Train Employees Effectively - 8 Training Tips

how to train employees effectively

Did you know that 40 percent of employees who are not trained properly end up leaving their jobs within the first year? And, that 68 percent of employees feel that training and development is the most important part of a company? 

Clearly, the importance of proper employee training cannot be underestimated. 

But, how do you make sure that your employees are trained properly?

Check out this guide to learn how to train employees effectively. 


1. Create a Plan 

Before you put an employee training program together, you first need to determine what your employees need to learn. 

Otherwise, you'll be wasting everyone's time with useless information and an unstructured training program. 

To formulate your plan, start by writing down everything your employees need to know. Then, you should break down how you'll go about teaching your employees these important things into small steps. 

After this, you'll need to identify who is best suited to complete the training program. It may be that you need to have different managers teach different parts of the training program. 

After you've figured out who's in charge of teaching what, you need to make sure that each teacher knows their stuff. Otherwise, it'll turn into the blind leading the blind. 

Also, make sure that each teacher has the adequate time and resources to put together their part of the training program. 


2. Make Sure Each Manager Uses a New Hire Checklist 

If you hire new employees on a semi-frequent basis, it can be very easy to get confused about where each employee is in the training process. 

To make sure things stay on track, ensure that each manager uses a new hire checklist. The new hire checklist should include:

  • A welcome email with practical information that employees should know (parking availability, dress code, lunch break info, etc)
  • Pairing each employee with a mentor
  • Developing an individually-tailored training program
  • Priority topics each employee needs to learn
  • Regular check-in meetings to make sure the employee feels supported and is on track

Your new employee checklist should be completed before your new employee even walks in the door. And generally, the checklist will extend through their first 6 months to one year of employment.


3. Start the Onboarding Process Before the First Day 

Think back to a time when it was your first day on the job. You were likely nervous and unsure about a lot of things.

So, instead of letting your new hires flounder on the first day, set them up for success by sending them an onboarding email before they arrive. 

This onboarding email should include:

  • What time they should arrive by
  • The dress code
  • What they can expect on the first day and the first week
  • Instructions for parking
  • General info about office culture
  • Any scheduled meetings, orientations, meals, or training
  • The supervisor's direct line
  • What equipment will be ready for them (such as laptops, tablets, etc)

Not only will this help make your new employees feel less anxious about their first day, but it will also prevent you from wasting time on these details when your employees first get into the office. 


4. Provide Hands-Training

The majority of American workers prefer hands-on training. In fact, a recent survey found that 52 percent of Americans listed hands-on training as their preferred learning method. 

So, as much as you can, you should work hands-on training into your new employee training program. 

Hands-on training gives employees the chance to apply what they're learning before it's time to work in a real setting. 

Plus, hands-on training allows employees to experiment and try out new things in a risk-free environment. 

It also helps to reinforce other training methods you've used, such as visual training or auditory training. 

In addition to the hands-on training method, you may also want to incorporate the micro-learning method. You can read more about that here. 


5. Allow Employees to Learn at Their Own Pace

You need to understand that not all employees learn at the same pace, and that's okay. 

While it may seem advantageous to get your employees into the swing of things as soon as possible, rushing your employees through complicated topics is only going to come back to bite you later on.

After teaching a new task to an employee, have them stop and reflect on it before they move onto the next task. This will help determine if they need more practice time or if they're ready to move on.


6. Train for Company Culture

When training new employees, you want to focus on more than just the practical information. 

In order for an employee to mesh well with your company, they need to have a solid understanding of your company culture and what you aim to represent through your brand. 

For example, if your company prides itself on being environmentally-friendly, highlight how you achieve this on a day to day basis. 


7. Set Training Goals

Setting goals and tracking where your employees are is the best way to determine if your training program is working.

You should set small training goals as well as large training goals. For example, a small training goal might be to ensure that all employees know how to handle a certain piece of equipment. 

A larger training goal may that be after a few months, an employee is able to handle all equipment without any supervision. 

Setting training goals doesn't just help you stay on track, but it also helps push your employees to work harder.


8. Host Regular Training Sessions 

Training isn't just for new employees, it's for all of your employees. 

Throughout the year, you should host training programs that are open to employees of all levels. 

These programs should aim to help employees improve upon existing skills, learn about new industry trains, or cross-train in a different area. 


How to Train Employees Effectively: Are You Ready to Churn Out Amazing Employees?

Now that you know how to train employees effectively, it's time to revamp your training program. 

Before you know it, your new employees will become your star employees. 

If you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more business-related tips and tricks. 

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