Our Wednesday post was all about how skills training can positively affect businesses as a whole. While these advantages of training are extremely helpful to employers, they might leave some employees wondering what’s really in it for them. This post will break down common topics for employee training (computer skills, time management, ethics, safety training, and interpersonal relations) and give examples of personal advantages employees can look forward to after completing these courses.

• Computer Skills Training: With so many programs available, training employees in computer skills has become very prevalent. A working knowledge of popular programs is a great resume builder, but even a basic working knowledge of current programs like Microsoft Excel and Outlook can be improved with a skills training course. All of the programs we use today have many helpful and efficient functions that the general public oftentimes overlooks. These little unknowns can boost productivity and might even get you promoted! Don’t skip basic computer skills training because you might learn something that will make your day-to-day tasks easier and more enjoyable.
• Time Management Training: Time management training has been at the forefront of the training world for decades. Employers are always trying to make their company as efficient and productive as possible. But what’s in it for the employees? Stress relief for one, better day-to-day productivity, and of course some extra time in your busy schedule. Principles learned in time management courses can be translated easily from work mode to home life. Use what you learn to reduce stress and spend more time doing what you love.
• Ethics Training: The business world we live in now is ever evolving. Familiarity with a wide variety of languages and customs as well as awareness for ‘political correctness’ has become mandatory in today’s workforce. Ethics training will keep you up to date and can actually save you from a discrimination lawsuit. It’s a lot easier than you might think to be sued over an off-handed discriminatory comment. Ethics trainings can cover areas such as sexual harassment, discrimination, and basic business values and morals. Keep yourself safe from fees, fines, and even lawsuits by taking an ethics course.
• Safety Training: Safety training will make you more aware of what’s going on around you. Even though safety training is geared toward operating heavy machinery, handling hazardous materials, and working with dangerous equipment; the basics can, yet again, translate into your personal life. A solid awareness of your surroundings can reduce your risk for accidents; whether it’s in a car or falling and injuring yourself. Think outside the box when participating in safety training and use the basic skills for your personal “risk management”.
• Interpersonal Relations Training: A popular class in colleges today is ‘Interpersonal Communications’. These courses are designed to help develop your personal communication style to allow you to communicate more effectively in the workplace. Similarly to the time management training, learning to better communicate with those around you can make home life less stressful and more organized. Learning to give and receive positive criticism in the workplace can work wonders in your day-to-day life. No matter how much conflict you have in your life, a better understanding of interpersonal communication will decrease it.

Hopefully the personal advantages we’ve provided will get you thinking about participating in any training available to you in your place of work! To learn more about HR Strategies’ training, go to the Training and Performance Management Page on our website!