Fourteen reasons to invest in employee training and development

Employers that want to improve employee performance, innovation, and customer service invest in training and development. Done right, it eliminates skill gaps, teaches workers modern technologies, and helps employees become product experts.

Top Workplaces have strong training programs. That is not true in every workplace. Data collected by Energage shows only about 70 percent of employees surveyed nationwide say they get the formal training they want for their careers. Top Workplaces know they need to do better.

Top Workplaces also outshine the competition, leading with people-first cultures. Their employees agree. At Top Workplaces, 85 percent or more of employees say, “My manager helps me learn and grow.” 

Does your workplace put enough into training and development? Here is why it should:

1. Improved employee retention: Poor training and development is one of the biggest reasons why employees quit. But when they believe managers support their growth, employees are more committed.

2. Increased employee engagement: Investing in the growth of people makes them feel valued and appreciated. In return, employees remain loyal, bring their best to work each day — and they are more likely to recommend your company to others, including customers and potential new talent. 

3. More productivity: When prepared with the right skills and knowledge, employees are better able to do their work efficiently and well. It means more time to improve processes and increase profitability.

4. Boosted employee morale: When employees believe they are valued and the company is willing to invest in them, it lifts self-confidence and motivation.

5. Consistent work processes: Ensuring all employees have access to the same relevant and consistent education opportunities helps ensure everyone is working efficiently and headed in the same direction.

6. Less employee supervision: This enables managers to focus on larger initiatives and opportunities for improvement.

7. Increased ability to promote from within: Preparing employees for upward mobility is key to succession planning. It also helps maintain fair promotion processes. 

8. Reduced waste: When employees are properly trained, they are more efficient and less likely to make mistakes. It saves money, improves safety, and increases productivity. 

9. Better knowledge of company policies and goals: Learning sessions that explore the company’s direction and values strengthen employee alignment and connection. 

10. Better work environment: A positive culture improves morale, productivity, and business success.

11. Improved technology proficiency: Stay ahead of the technology learning curve to deliver better outcomes and outperform the competition. 

12. Stronger brand reputation: Employees will be more willing to recommend your company. Positive employees are a significant contributor to company reputation. 

13. More effective onboarding: With formal onboarding training, everyone starts a new role on a good foot.

14. Attracting top talent: Use this as a recruitment tactic. Today’s job seekers do their homework. They are motivated to find companies that will invest in their professional development and career goals. 

High-performing employees are eager to be challenged and are driven by professional growth. Employees who are interested in gaining new skills, improving performance, and taking on new responsibilities are usually the most receptive to learning opportunities.

Bob Helbig is media partnerships director at Energage, a Philadelphia-based employee survey firm. Energage is The Washington Post’s partner for Top Workplaces.