Take Time to Assess Training

Excerpt from the Kansas City Star

Work place training needs have changed dramatically as the business climate has changed.

Computers, high technology and a highly mobile work force have increased the need for employee training.

Bill Russell, president of Russell Associates, says there are several warning signs that a business' training program is in trouble. Russell Associates creates custom computer-based interactive training programs for businesses.

Russell says these are warning signs:

• Product quality is declining. Improper training can result in decreasing product quality. This often happens when a person who holds a certain position trains a new employee for that position.
• Sales are declining. Declining product quality leads to declining sales. If your sales have dropped, take a look at product quality and then your training methods.
• High employee absenteeism. Employees who don't feel needed or important will move on or be unmotivated to come to work.
• Increased lost time because of accidents. Proper training will cut down on accidents.
• Low employee morale. Good training will make employees feel important.

-Susan M. Kreifel