13 types of employee training to improve your workplace's performance

Training is a vital component of human resource management that focuses on equipping employees with the following for them to be able to perform their duties successfully:

• Skills
• Knowledge
• Resources necessary

Training programs are typically carried out for:

• New hires to let them gain the requisite skills
• Existing employees to fine-tune their skills

The following list some of the goals of these training programs, irrespective of who they're carried out for:

• Improve your company's work performance
• Increase productivity
• Promote employee morale and engagement
• Drive organizational growth and success
• Effective training programs may also help organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements and industry best practices

There are various types of employee training programs out there that you, as a business owner or human resources manager, can implement to upskill your workforce, as seen below:

Leadership Training

Leadership training is a form of training that focuses on the development of leadership skills and abilities for individuals in leadership positions or those who aspire to become leaders. This training provides trainees with the following:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Resources to effectively lead their teams, departments, or organizations

It is specifically designed to help leaders develop the necessary skills to lead, such as:

• Effective communication
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Conflict resolution

Compliance Training

This training is designed to educate employees about the following:

• Laws
• Regulations
• Policies that govern their job responsibilities and ensure they comply

It also aims to prevent the following:

• Legal violations
• Unethical behavior
• Reputational damage to the organization

This training is mandatory and typically covers a range of topics, including:

• Workplace safety
• Data privacy
• Sexual harassment and discrimination
• Financial reporting
• Industry-specific regulations

It can be delivered through various methods, including:

• Online courses
• Classroom-style instructions
• Interactive workshops

Technical Training

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, where everything seems to evolve constantly, technical training is critical to ensure that employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job functions effectively. This training is primarily focused on developing the technical competencies required for specific job functions, such as the ability to operate:

• Tools
• Systems
• Technologies used in the workplace

It can cover a broad range of topics, including:

• Programming languages
• Software applications
• Hardware
• Networking, etc.

Simulation training

The training simulates real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, allowing individuals to practice skills and knowledge without the risk of real-world consequences. Simulation training is used in a variety of fields, including:

• Healthcare
• Aviation
• Military
• Emergency response

This training can take various forms, including:

• Computer-based simulations
• Role-playing exercises
• Virtual reality simulations
• Full-scale mock scenarios

It aims to provide a realistic and immersive learning experience that enables individuals to develop the following skills:

• Critical thinking
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving skills

Product Training

Product training is a specialized form of education that aims to provide employees, customers, or partners with a comprehensive understanding of a company's offerings, including their:

• Features
• Benefits
• Value

This type of training aims to ensure that individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively:

• Sell
• Use
• Provide support for the product

Product training can cover a range of topics, including:

• Product specifications
• Use cases
• Target markets
• Pricing
• Competitive landscape
• Customer pain points, etc.

This training can be delivered through various methods, including:

• Online courses
• Classroom-style instruction
• Hands-on workshops
• On-the-job training

Sales training

This training program is essential for businesses that depend on sales to increase their income. These organizations should make sure that all their sales professionals have access to this training. This training should also be:

• In tune with the organization's sales strategy and goals
• Be customized to the demands and objectives of the sales staff

A variety of subjects can be covered in sales training, including:

• Product knowledge
• Communication abilities
• Lead generation and prospecting
• Closing strategies, etc.

Some of the ways that sales training may be provided are:

• Online courses
• Classroom-style instruction
• Role-playing activities
• On-the-job training

Anti-Bias and Diversity Training

Anti-bias and diversity training programs are intended to educate about the following issues:

• Diversity
• Equity
• Inclusion issues

These programs strive to raise awareness and comprehension of the impact of the following on individuals and the society they inhabit:

• Biases
• Discrimination
• Systemic inequalities on

Anti-bias training programs usually involve examining and exploring one's own biases and recognizing how they influence attitudes and behaviors toward individuals from diverse backgrounds. Conversely, diversity training aims to cultivate an environment of inclusivity by promoting understanding and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This training endeavors to foster an inclusive culture that values and respects everyone. Research suggests that anti-bias and diversity training can effectively reduce bias and increase awareness and understanding of diversity issues.

Gamification

This training method involves game-like elements and mechanics in non-game contexts to engage and motivate people to achieve a specific goal or complete a task. Some of the game elements it incorporates are:

• Points
• Badges
• Leaderboards
• Rewards for activities that are not traditionally considered games

It aims to make the tasks or activities more enjoyable and engaging, thereby increasing participation and motivation. This method can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Marketing
• Employee training

It works by tapping into people's natural desire for:

• Competition
• Achievement
• Recognition

Soft Skill Development

In today's rapidly changing work environment, soft skills development training has become increasingly important as employers seek individuals who can adapt to new challenges and work collaboratively with others. By investing in soft skills development, individuals can enhance their overall job performance and increase their career prospects. There are many benefits to developing soft skills, including:

• Improved communication and interpersonal relationships
• Increased productivity and efficiency
• Greater job satisfaction
• Career advancement opportunities

Soft skills are often highly valued by employers, and individuals who possess strong soft skills are often considered to be more valuable employees.

Quality Assurance training

Quality assurance training is a form of training that concentrates on the principles and practices involved in ensuring the quality of products and services. This training aims to help individuals and organizations develop the necessary competencies to implement effective quality assurance programs. It provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure that products and services:

• Are of high quality
• Meet customer needs
• Comply with regulatory requirements

Quality assurance training typically covers a variety of topics, including:

• Quality management systems
• Quality standards and regulations
• Process improvement methodologies
• Quality metrics and measurement
• Quality auditing

It may also cover specific industry-specific quality standards, such as:

• ISO 9001
• Six Sigma
• Lean

Change Management

Training programs centered around change management focus on assisting people and organizations in navigating and managing change. These training programs typically cover a variety of topics, including the:

• Principles and practices of change management
• Psychology of change
• Stages of change
• Communication strategies
• Stakeholder management, etc.

It may also cover specific change management methodologies, such as the ADKAR model or Kotter's 8-step change model.

Stress Management Training

Stress management training can help individuals:

• Reduce the negative impacts of stress on their physical and mental health
• Increase resilience
• Improve their overall quality of life

It can also help organizations:

• Improve their employees' wellbeing
• Reduce the costs associated with stress-related absenteeism and turnover

The training may be delivered in a variety of formats, including:

• Classroom-based training
• Online courses
• Workshops
• Combination of these methods

Many stress management training programs also offer certification programs to validate the skills and knowledge acquired through the training. These programs typically cover a variety of topics, including the:

• Causes and symptoms of stress
• Effects of stress on physical and mental health
• Stress management techniques

Time Management Training

The primary objective of time management training is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their time effectively. This training can lead to:

• Increased productivity
• Reduced stress and burnout
• A better work-life balance for individuals

Additionally, organizations can benefit from:

• Their employees' increased productivity and efficiency
• Reduced costs associated with time wastage
• Improved effectiveness

Time management training generally encompasses a range of topics, including:

• Principles of effective time management
• Prioritizing tasks
• Setting goals
• Delegation
• Time blocking, etc.

Moreover, it may also cover specific time management methodologies, such as the Pomodoro technique or the Eisenhower matrix.

Tailoring Training to Your Business

It is important to consider customizing types of employee training programs and materials to meet your organization's unique needs and goals.

Evaluating Employee Training Needs

This involves identifying the skills and knowledge gaps within your organization and determining the specific training programs or interventions needed to address these gaps. The goal of evaluating employee training needs is to ensure that the training programs are aligned with the needs of the organization and will be effective in improving employee performance and achieving business goals.

Based on the results of these assessments, the specific training programs or interventions needed to address the identified skill and knowledge gaps can be implemented. This may involve:

• Selecting off-the-shelf training programs
• Developing customized training programs
• Partnering with external training providers to develop tailored training solutions

Structuring Training Programs

You must focus on designing and organizing training activities in a way that is:

• Effective
• Engaging
• Aligned with the goals and objectives of the business

The following are some key steps to consider when structuring training programs:

Define The Goals and Objectives of the Training

You should identify the specific skills and knowledge that employees need to acquire, and define the outcomes and objectives that the training should achieve.

Determine The Target Audience

Determine the specific groups or individuals who will participate in the training and tailor the training to their needs and learning styles.

Develop

Develop a curriculum that covers the relevant topics and skills and that is structured in a way that is easy to understand and follow.

Select Delivery Methods

Determine the most appropriate delivery methods for the training, such as in-person training, online learning, or a combination of both.

Create Training Materials

Develop materials to support the training, such as presentations, handouts, and exercises, and ensure that they are engaging and interactive.

Plan The Training Schedule

Determine the length and frequency of the training, and plan the schedule to minimize disruptions to the workday.

Evaluate The Training

Develop evaluation metrics to measure the effectiveness of the training and assess the outcomes and impact of the training on employee performance and business results.

Encouraging Employee Participation

It is not gonna be a hit if no one participates! Ensuring that employees are engaged, motivated, and receptive to learning is essential. The following are some strategies that can help encourage employee participation:

Communicate The Benefits of the Training

Clearly communicate the goals and objectives of the training and how it will benefit the employees and the organization. Explain how the training will help them:

1. Improve their skills
2. Advance their careers
3. Achieve personal and professional goals

Involve Employees in the Planning Process

Involve employees in the planning and development of the training program by soliciting their input and feedback. This will help to ensure that the training is tailored to their needs and preferences.

Offer Incentives

This will encourage employees to participate in the training, such as rewards or recognition for completing the training or achieving certain learning goals.

Make Training Convenient

Make training convenient and accessible to employees by offering flexible scheduling options, online learning modules, or mobile-friendly training platforms.

Provide Opportunities

Employees can practice and apply what they have learned through hands-on exercises, simulations, or real-world scenarios. This will help to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Creating A Supportive Learning Environment

It encourages employees to ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate with their peers. This will help to create a positive and engaging learning experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, different types of employee training are essential to organizational development and success. It provides employees with the following:

• The knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs effectively
• Improve their performance
• Contribute to the growth and success of the organization

By adopting a strategic approach to employee training programs, organizations can create a continuous learning and development culture that supports employees':

• Growth
• Engagement
• Retention

This will ultimately drive business success.