• 07 September 2021
• Liam Edwardson

How to Effectively Train New Employees

For any small business, hiring and training the right employees is critical. Employees who are not properly trained could be less efficient, take longer to get their work done, provide poor customer service and contribute to an unhappy work environment. This all leads to increased turnover, a need to seek and hire new candidates, decreases in profitability and, ultimately, more work for you. Here’s a guide for avoiding this situation by properly training your employees.

Training Tip 1: Consider the learning curve
Remember that new employees will need time to learn how your business works. Training programs should last a few days or a few weeks — whatever’s necessary to ensure that each employee understands what makes your small business unique and successful, what your core business principles are, and what’s expected of them in their new role.

Training Tip 2: Create a team environment
Ensure existing employees are on board to assist in training. A team effort makes for a more effective work atmosphere because it gives your current employees the opportunity to be involved and provide valuable feedback about the new hires. Your veteran employees are also likely to feel a sense of seniority when training others, making them more willing to take on this important task.

Training Tip 3: Answer questions thoroughly
Encourage your new employees to ask any and all questions they have. Otherwise, some may hold back out of shyness or to avoid giving a wrong impression. Be open to questions, even if they seem minor, as new employees are merely seeking to learn their jobs and ensure their success. At its core, asking questions is a crucial part of training because it results in a more knowledgeable employee who is better equipped to service customers and contribute to the success of the company.

Training Tip 4: Provide clear responsibilities
Because your small business may have few employees, training should always provide a basic but actionable list of responsibilities each should accomplish and the time frame in which you are expecting completion. This allows employees to review all of their requirements with confidence and efficiently complete them. By helping them prioritize, you’ll help your new employee accomplish what’s most critical for the business.

Training Tip 5: Reward them for a job well done
Once you feel your employees have gone through sufficient training, reward them for remaining attentive and willing to be part of your business. A small gift card from a local convenience or grocery store is generally easy on your company’s budget, and the employee will appreciate these small amounts of gratitude.

Training Tip 6: Ensure ongoing career development
Today, a small business’ overall strategic plan must adapt to an environment that is quickly and constantly changing, shifting, and transforming. One of the keys to thriving in a competitive climate is to start your employees off on the right foot with expertly administered training and then ensure that they continue to develop new skills throughout their career. They will feel more invested in your company and themselves.  What better way to keep your small business flourishing?