In organizational development, the related field of Training and Development (T & D) deals with the design and delivery of learning to improve performance, skills, or knowledge within organizations. In some organizations the term Learning & Development is used instead of Training and Development in order to emphasize the importance of learning for the individual and the organization. In other organizations, the term Human Resource Development is used.
Reasons for Employee Training and Development
Training and development can be initiated for a variety of reasons for an employee or group of employees, for example
- When a performance appraisal indicates performance improvement is needed
- To “benchmark” the status of improvement so far in a performance improvement effort
- As part of an overall professional development program
- As part of succession planning to help an employee be eligible for a planned change in role in the organization
- To “pilot”, or test, the operation of a new performance management system
- To train about a specific topic
Benefits from Employee Training and Development
There are numerous sources of online information about training and development. Several of these sites suggest reasons for supervisors to conduct training among employees. These reasons include:
- Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees
- Increased employee motivation
- Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain
- Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods
- Increased innovation in strategies and products
- Reduced employee turnover
- Enhanced company image, e.g., conducting ethics training (not a good reason for ethics training!)
- Risk management, e.g., training about sexual harassment, diversity training.
