Training And Development: Key To Sustaining Business Growth And Success

by Elpidio Estioko

While business is now very competitive due to the latest developments affecting the country today, there is a way to sustain business growth and success through training and development!

It should be an all-year-round company activity because training is not only for new staff. It’s for everybody, old or new. This is the way to stay in the 21st-century business and educational environment characterized by global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine War, COVID-19, and advanced technology, among others!

So, believing that training the staff is the greatest company asset, the San Jose Job Corps Center (SJJC) held its second All Staff Training Day for this year at the center’s Gymnasium in its 11-acre campus which started with Quarterly Awards for Outstanding Employees. SJJC believes that continuous training is a must to be able to survive the 21st-century educational challenges.

In her opening remarks, Center Director Davina Hernandez recognized all the center employees and reiterated her “open door policy.” She also expected that all staff offices will likewise adopt the “open door policy” for staff and students.

The awardees are property assistant, Irene Eugenio, academic instructor Annie Zachariah, counselor Debbie Chen-Tam, Fresno Office admissions counselor Kee Yang, and Linh Hoang.

Investing in training and development is key to sustaining business growth and success. This commitment should not end after hiring. Training should be whole year-round for all employees, old and new, tackling the latest trends and best practices.

The SJJC all-staff training day covered the topics on Crisis Intervention given by TEAP Specialist Leslie Duldulao; Bloodborne Pathogens & Non-Health Standing Orders by RN Mary Mendoza and RN Nhat-Tien Lu; EEO, Civil Rights, Sexual Harassment, & Ethics by Records Manager Mary Eros; and AG & D: Boundaries by Dr. Janet Nagley.

Studies show that organizations engaged in employee development see increased sales and doubled profits compared to organizations not committed to employee engagement.

Dedicated training and development foster employee engagement, and a more efficient, competitive, and engaged workforce is critical to the company’s financial performance. Furthermore, statistics show that 93% of employees will stay longer when a company invests in career development.

Training and development help companies gain and retain top talent, increase job satisfaction and morale, improve productivity, and earn more profit.

Additionally, businesses that have actively interested and dedicated employees see 41% lower absenteeism rates and 17% higher productivity.

Statistics in educational institutions also showed that schools engaged in training and development stayed very competitive and maintained success in retaining their staff and students.

In my 26 years of employment in various businesses and educational institutions, employees who were trained regularly stay in their respective companies, compared to those who don’t have training at all.

As I See It, regular training is a prerequisite for managers and supervisors. This will hone their knowledge and keep them updated on developments in the workplace.

Moreover, leaders who feel empowered within the workplace will be more effective at influencing employees and gaining their trust. Employees feel a greater sense of autonomy, value, and confidence within their work.

Yes, this is the environment employees need for them to stay longer in their companies. If one is given the leeway to achieve their goals, the feeling is greater in building up confidence and self-respect.

Another benefit derived from training is itboosts workplace engagement. Finding ways to bolster the consistent engagement of employees can diminish boredom in the workplace, which left unchecked can create feelings of dissatisfaction and negative working habits.

Regular training and development initiatives can prevent workplace idleness and in turn will help businesses establish regular re-evaluation of their employees, skills, and processes.

This benefit will keep the employees busy and always on the alert to learn more and adjust to real company problems.

Training and development likewise build workplace relationships. Providing opportunities for employees to explore new topics, refine their skills and expand their knowledge can help team members bond with each other tackling new challenges together.

They can also lean on one another for various learning opportunities by collaborating with colleagues who have specific areas of expertise. Research has shown that peer is actually their preferred method of learning.

Learning from each other’s strengths not only leads to a more well-rounded workforce, but those bonds can also improve retention and engagement.

As I See It, yes, training sessions develop camaraderie and respect among employees who are at the same time developing close relationships while engaging in discussions and exchange of ideas during training time.

Business leaders, educators and managers better take note of the greatest asset for progress and success: training and development!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.