Training and Development Explained
Training and development encompass all activities carried out at an organization to improve the skills and knowledge of employees. These activities are also aimed at equipping employees with the specific skills they need to perform. Training and development could also be aimed at improving the proficiency of employees at specific tasks.
Generally, training and development could be defined as all forms of educational activities that serve the purpose of enhancing skills and expertise and providing employees with the information they need to perform better at their jobs and carry out specific tasks associated with their jobs.
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How training and development differs
Both training and development are activities aimed at equipping employees with knowledge and skills. Even with similarities in basic features, both educational activities differ in multiple ways. Let’s consider the differences between training and development.
A major difference between both endeavors is the time they take to be completed. Training is more of a short-term process, while development is more of a long-term process.
Both training and development also differ in aspects that are part of their basic feature. Training is more of a reactive process. On the other hand, development activities are usually proactive, with a long-term approach and goal.
The type of employee training and development are aimed at also differs. Training is more aimed at operatives and process staff. On the other hand, development is usually targeted at executives, preparing them for managerial and general leadership positions.
Training and development also differ in terms of their goals. While training aims to make up for the present shortcomings of employees, development is aimed at more of the employee's future shortcomings.
To explain further, training is aimed at addressing gaps in skills and experience. On the other hand, development is aimed at preparing employees for the organization's future long-term goals.
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Why organizations carry out training and development
Organizations routinely organize training and development programs for numerous reasons, which include the following:
1) Maximization of human resources
With training and development, organizations develop their employees' maximum potential, both for managerial and non-managerial positions.
2) Enhanced skill development
Specific skills of employees can be developed with targeted training. Training and development are especially important for the new skills which the employee would need at the job or improve proficiency at specific tasks.
3) Improved profitably
By developing the skills of employees and improving their productivity, organizations and businesses can improve their profitability. Both small businesses and large corporations can apply training and development to strategically improve ROI.
4) Enhanced organizational culture
An organization’s culture can be established and expressed through training and development activities. Routine training and development can be established as part of an organization’s culture to improve retention and attract the best talents.
5) Enhanced corporate image
An organization can create its corporate image based on its training and development culture. Employees seek organizations that encourage growth. Training and development activities are a great way to create a remarkable company image.
77% of students who enroll in online programs claim that it will help them reach their employment and career goals.
Advantages of training and development
The advantages of training and development encourage organizations and businesses to establish proper programs and schedules. Here are the advantages of training and development:
Improves the knowledge base and skills of employees.
Prepares employees for new positions, especially development that prepares employees for managerial roles.
Keeps employees motivated and enhanced their productivity.
Reduces employee turnover and improves retention of employees.
Disadvantages of training and development
Even with its numerous advantages, training and development have several disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages are typically placed side by side and compared by organizations to develop strategic training and development plans. Here are the disadvantages of training and development.
Training and development could significantly improve the cost of operations of an organization. This is especially true for technical training and development activities.
Training could be counter-productive, especially if an employee leaves an organization after extensive training.
Training and development are both essential to every organization. Although they differ in so many ways, both their benefits cannot be overemphasized.