Training staff may seem like a costly and time draining exercise, but the benefits of highly trained staff far outweigh the initial investments. Fully trained employees are not only better able to deliver the jobs that they are hired for, but they also impress customers more and are more easily retained. A workforce who has benefitted from sound training is one that is more likely to stay with their employer. In some cases, there will be a legal requirement for employers to carry out training of staff, whereas others may deliver training to enhance productivity, service standards and customer experiences.

Poor training in the workplace has a number of adverse effects and businesses can rapidly lose success because of this. Poorly trained staff do not project a professional image, are less likely to deliver impressive results, are more likely to leave and increase the chances of accidents and faults occurring in the workplace.

What training should be provided?

Training is vital to ensure that your staff can deliver products and services that meet the high standards that you want to reflect in your company. Some of the most effective and beneficial training that should be offered to staff includes:

• Customer services and customer relations training
• Health and safety training
• Sales training
• Business retention training
• Anti-discrimination training and team building workshops
• Branding and company awareness training

Will good training be expensive?

Some business owners avoid offering good training packages to their staff for fear that it will be an expensive exercise. In fact, training programmes can be inexpensive, and the returns on this small investment can quickly prove themselves. A well trained employee is more likely to stay with their employer than those who do not feel valued. And of course, a better trained worker will work to higher standards while reflecting the company values and preferred image.

To reduce the financial costs of training, some employers deliver training directly in-house, whereas others will pay for training companies to deliver bespoke packages. The cost of training should be assessed against the likely return value and employers should consider the additional benefits of well trained staff including a safer working environment, better company image and brand representation.

The Cost of Poorly Trained Staff

Many employers concern themselves with considerations relating to the cost of training programmes but overlook the expenses associated with lack of training. This includes costs incurred through claims for injuries sustained through poorly-trained staff, loss of customers through employee inability to conduct themselves as expected, the cost of compensating customers if products or services fall below standards and the potentially mammoth expenses of lawsuits for more serious issues.

Training to Maintain a Safe Working Environment

Training staff can be a legal requirement for some employers, including those who have workers who use machinery, tools or chemicals. All employers are required to provide a safe working environment for employees, and an element of this provision will be training staff on ways to minimise workplace risks which will also decrease the potential for a business being hit with an accident at work claim.

Training to Improve Morale

Training staff does not only work to improve the standard of work delivered and improve the safety of the working environment, but also to improve the morale and attitudes of staff. Employees who understand their role, the workplace and potential risks are more at ease in their work, show greater confidence and enjoy a more solid rapport with their colleagues.

Taking the time to provide sound training to staff demonstrates a commitment to their empowerment as well as an investment in their welfare and capabilities. In turn, these investments encourage staff to give more to their roles and further their own self-development.

The Impact of Poor Training on Customers

One of the first parties to recognise poorly trained staff in a workplace will be the company's customers. Customers acknowledge what a competitive economy we live in and as well as this dictating the standards of products and services that a customer expects, the relationship that they have with staff will also be of great importance. 

A company who wants to cement repeat customer bases, ensure positive customer reviews and benefit from harmonious transactions is well-advised to provide training to staff as this will ensure company expectations are delivered and met.