Workforce development, often referred to as employment development, can be considered an essential component of successful businesses. Workforce training programs offer a variety of benefits, helping employees to gain skills and help them perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Whether your employees work in the healthcare field on the emergency floor or in an office, they can gain valuable knowledge from workforce development training.
Workforce development is a concept that was created to help keep a stable, competitive economic environment while training individuals in the workforce about the important demands of a business or their specific job function. It can come in a variety of forms and is often backed by the government or private agencies to help keep workers active, motivated, and accomplished. Workforce development focuses on going above and beyond the average on-the-job training an employee receives by giving them the additional skills they may want to advance in their career. This ultimately creates a strong, sustainable workforce.
The Benefits of Workforce Development
Many business owners find themselves wondering how workforce development can help them. What they may not realize is that employment development comes with a range of benefits, both for their business and their employees. Just a few of the benefits that come with workforce development training include:
Increased Productivity
One of the most noticeable results of any good workforce development program is increased productivity. Because workforce training focuses on fine-tuning important skills that can help them flourish, you’ll likely find your employees working harder and more productively after additional training. Plus, many development programs involve some form of initiative that helps to boost morale and productivity throughout the workplace.
Reduced Job Turnover
Businesses across the country often experience high turnover rates. This can cause the company to fall into a state of instability, where new workers are consistently coming in and out. One reason many businesses may see such high turnover rates is that their new employees are often thrown right into work without receiving the proper training, care, and advice to succeed. With workforce development training, employers can expect to see turnover rates reduced because employees develop the skills and knowledge to properly do their jobs.
More Creativity and Collaboration
By investing in workforce development, can gain valuable insights into important aspects of their business such as collaboration, which can facilitate a smoother working environment for employees who may face challenges. With increased productivity, higher morale, and greater desire to contribute to various initiatives, many businesses experience a significant boost in the overall creativity of their workforce. This not only fosters greater collaboration but also facilitates teamwork on shared concepts and ideas.
Higher Employee Satisfaction
By investing in workforce development training, employers can help their employees feel more secure in their jobs. When employees know that their employer is invested in their development, they are more likely to feel valued and committed to their organization. Through workforce training and development, they can improve their skills and knowledge, which can help them perform their jobs more effectively. This can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction.
What Makes Workforce Development Different from Job Training?
Most employers offer some basic form of training for their employees to grasp the essentials of their new job. However, job training may only give employees the bare minimum guidelines for performing their duties. What separates workforce development from job training is that workforce development training takes a more holistic, long-term approach to developing employees’ skills and knowledge, whereas job training focuses on the sole duties that an employee’s position will take on. Workforce development touches on topics such as productivity, how to succeed, the basics of your job, how to perform your job well, and more.
Types of Workforce Development Training
There are multiple kinds of workforce development training that help to improve employee performance. Some commonly used training types include:
- OSHA and Safety Programs. Most jobs have potential dangers and hazards that employees should know about. OSHA and safety workforce development training help to give your employees the knowledge to avoid these risks and keep themselves safe while working.
- Professional Development Programs. These trainings are focused on providing employees with the skills, tools, and knowledge to succeed at their job in a professional setting.
- Skilled Trades Programs. For those working in skilled trades, there is workforce development training that can help tradespeople stay safe, knowledgeable, and prepared for their jobs.
Workforce Training that Supports Businesses and Employees
Businesses can benefit from the knowledge that workforce development training can bring. At Ancora Training, we believe in empowering the workforce through career-focused training. If you’re looking to boost your employee performance and business as a whole, ask us how our workforce development programs can help you and your business.
