7 Types of Emplo​​yee Training Programs

Companies continually need employee training programs, whether they are onboarding new hires, introducing new products, or prioritizing employee safety. Effective training programs are crucial for equipping employees with the necessary skills to perform their jobs proficiently and safely. As such, companies should view employee training as a strategic investment that yields long-term benefits for both the employee and the employer. By allocating resources to training and development initiatives, companies stand to reap substantial returns on their investment in the form of improved performance and enhanced workplace safety. In this blog we will take a look at seven types of employee training programs, and the benefits for all parties involved.

Benefits for organizations that provide employee training include:

• Increased profitability and potential for growth
• Positive reputation and brand image
• Strengthened talent pipeline with employees possessing invaluable skills
• Reduced turnover rates as employees feel valued and invested in
• Highly skilled workforce leading to improved performance and outcomes

Benefits for employees participating in training programs include:

• Enhanced career prospects and opportunities for advancement
• Personal growth and development of skills and knowledge
• Improved financial stability through higher earning potential
• Increased productivity due to improved abilities and competencies

1. Orientation Training

Orientation training is a crucial component of onboarding for new employees, as it ensures a seamless transition into the company. Typically managed by the HR department, it encompasses a range of topics aimed at introducing individuals to the organization and its ethos.The primary objectives of orientation training are to familiarize employees with the company’s values and vision, as well as to provide insights into its unique culture. Additionally, new hires are introduced to the company’s leadership team and are guided through the completion of necessary paperwork. 

Administrative procedures such as setting up computer logins and email accounts are also covered to facilitate smooth integration into day-to-day operations. Furthermore, key corporate policies are explained to ensure that employees understand and adhere to the organization’s guidelines.

2. Compliance Training

In addition to Orientation training, there is another type of training called Compliance training that is required in certain departments to provide more specific education. Compliance training aims to educate employees about the laws and regulations that pertain to their job function or industry. These laws are in place to ensure workplace safety and prevent inappropriate conduct by employees. By implementing a comprehensive compliance training program, organizations can reduce risk, create a better working environment, and safeguard their reputation.

Examples of compliance training include:

• Anti-Harassment Training
• Workplace Safety (OSHA)
• Workplace Violence Prevention
• Workplace Substance Abuse
• Information Security Training (HIPAA)
• HR Law
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
• Diversity Training

The benefits of compliance training are numerous:

• Safer Workplace: By educating employees on safety regulations, organizations can reduce accidents and create a safer work environment.
• Preservation of Business Reputation: Compliance training helps organizations maintain a positive image and uphold their reputation by demonstrating their commitment to ethical conduct and adherence to regulations.
• Minimized Risk of Legal Action: Compliance training reduces the risk of non-compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards, thereby minimizing the possibility of legal action against the organization.
• Reduced Absenteeism: Compliance training can contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce by addressing issues like workplace safety, harassment, and substance abuse, which can negatively impact employee attendance.

Implementing compliance training not only ensures legal compliance but also promotes a culture of ethical behaviour and responsibility in the workplace. By addressing specific laws and regulations relevant to employees’ roles, organizations can create a more knowledgeable and engaged workforce.

3. Employee Onboarding

Employee Onboarding is often confused with orientation training, but they serve different purposes. While orientation training is a brief introduction to the company, onboarding training is a longer process that can span up to one year. The goal of onboarding training is to equip new employees with the necessary skills and behaviours to become effective contributors in their new workplace as quickly as possible.

There are several benefits of implementing onboarding training:

• Engagement and Productivity: Onboarding training helps new employees find ways to stay engaged and productive in their role. By providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, they can start contributing to the company’s goals from day one.
• Cultural Assimilation: Onboarding training plays a key role in assimilating new employees into the company’s culture and team. It helps them understand the values, norms, and expectations of the organization, fostering a sense of belonging and alignment.
• Faster Integration: By providing comprehensive onboarding training, new employees can be brought up to speed much quicker than if they were left to figure things out on their own. This accelerated integration can result in faster productivity and reduce the time it takes for new employees to become fully functioning members of the team.
• Time-Saving: Employee Onboarding can save a significant amount of leadership time. By providing new employees with all the necessary information and resources in the training, many of their questions and concerns are addressed upfront. This frees up leadership to focus on other strategic tasks, as they no longer need to spend as much time answering basic inquiries or providing basic guidance to new hires.

Employee Onboarding is a crucial process for successful employee integration. It helps new employees quickly become effective contributors, find their place within the company’s culture, and allows leadership to focus their time and energy on more strategic initiatives.

4. Managerial Training

When employees have been in a position for an extended period of time, they may either request a promotion or be considered for a higher managerial role by the board. In such cases, organizations provide managerial training to help individuals develop the necessary skills for a managerial position. While an employee may excel in their current role, there are specific skills that can only be acquired through managerial training. This training is beneficial as it enhances the individual’s business management abilities.

Managerial training provides employees with insights on various aspects, such as:

• Effective and timely delegation of tasks
• Methods to maintain motivation within their team
• Techniques for providing constructive feedback and coaching

5. Leadership Training

Leadership skills training provides managers with the opportunity to enhance their ability to inspire and motivate their employees and teams, ultimately leading to outstanding business results. This program not only encourages managers to focus on their personal growth, but also on developing their team members. This mindset is essential for effective leadership.

Benefits of Leadership Skills Training:

• Developing future team leaders: Leadership training helps identify and develop individuals who have the potential to become future leaders within the organization.
• Increasing employee engagement: Through leadership training, managers learn strategies to effectively engage and involve their team members in the decision-making process, increasing overall employee morale and satisfaction.
• Improving leadership styles: Training allows managers to assess and enhance their own leadership styles, enabling them to adapt their approach to various situations and individuals.
• Learning effective influence techniques: Leadership training equips managers with valuable skills to influence and motivate their team members, allowing them to achieve desired outcomes more effectively.
• Building a strong and united team: Through leadership training, managers learn techniques to foster teamwork, collaboration, and trust among their team members, resulting in a more cohesive and high-performing team.
• Boosting self-confidence: Leadership training provides managers with the tools and knowledge to confidently lead their teams and handle challenging situations with ease.
• Implementing effective leadership strategies: Through leadership training, managers gain the knowledge and skills to effectively implement various leadership strategies, resulting in improved performance, productivity, and success for their teams and the organization as a whole.

6. Product Training

Product Training is a vital program designed to educate employees about the specific products or services offered by a company. This training is essential for organizations that sell various goods or services. New employees typically undergo this training within their first week of joining the company, while existing employees may receive training when new products or services are launched or to refresh their knowledge. The goal of Product Training is to equip employees with a comprehensive understanding of the products or services so that they can effectively assist customers. To achieve this, a wide range of content must be prepared. The type of content utilized will depend on the chosen learning strategy, such as in-person learning, virtual classroom learning, or a combination of both via blended learning. For online or blended learning approaches, the development of an online course is necessary, with the aid of a learning management system (LMS) facilitating the delivery of the training content.

7. Food Safety Training

Food safety training regulations mandate that individuals handling food must take the necessary steps to ensure its safety for consumption. It is essential for food businesses to properly supervise their staff and provide them with food hygiene training. To achieve this, online training, especially through mobile learning, is highly effective and convenient. Mobile training enables employees to learn from anywhere and at their own convenience, whether they are at work or home. Utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) is the ideal solution for this purpose, as it allows businesses to create and provide courses to their staff effortlessly.

Employee training should never be overlooked or undervalued. The advantages of providing training to employees are immense, making it crucial to invest in their development so they can reach their full potential and make significant contributions to the company. Aside from enhancing employees’ skills, training also has a positive impact on the company’s growth rate. Consequently, prioritizing employee development is paramount to fostering business development.