We all want competent, confident staff who feel fulfilled and motivated by their work – as we've discussed in previous blogs, it's a win-win that provides benefits for both the employer and employee.
Training and professional development is key to staff developing that competence and confidence, so this week we're inviting you to download our free JPAbusiness Staff Training Plan and Professional Development Plan templates.
Don't let COVID-19 derail your training plans
As we move through an uncertain FY21/22, business owners and managers may be tempted to think now is not the time to prioritise staff professional development needs. I believe the opposite is true.
One of the key elements of your business proposition – large or small – is your team of people, and they’re likely going through the same anxiety you are. COVID-19 is impacting their professional lives, personal lives, physical and mental wellbeing, just as it is yours.
You may be nervous about what the future holds, whether your business is holding its own through the pandemic, or struggling to simply pay wages. However, the last thing you want is to lose good people, whether you lose them physically, or in the sense that they become disengaged as a result of their anxiety about the current environment.
Rewards from a modest investment
When a business is prepared to invest in their team’s professional development it gives the staff members confidence they are seen as part of the business’ long-term future, and that can be very engaging for a team where there are individual uncertainties.
In terms of investment size, it doesn’t have to be large: it could be in the order of a few hundred dollars, up to a couple of thousand, or maybe even $5000 on an individual, in the next 12 months.
It may feel like a luxury at this time, but an engaged team is critical to the health of your business and, in working with clients, we increasingly find that staff training and PD is key to ensuring that strong engagement continues.
How to get started
Remember, despite the current uncertainty, there are things we have a fair degree of control over as business owners. Take these 3 steps now:
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- How are you going? Take time out to ask each of your people how they are faring, personally and professionally.
- What’s the plan? Have a talk about updating or establishing their professional development plan over the next nine months.
- Let’s do it! Jointly invest in and focus on things you can both have a positive impact on.
Below are some example plans we have filled out to give you an idea of how the templates can be used in your business (just click on the images to view the full-sized documents).
Generally speaking, I find staff training and development needs are best identified through a formal performance management and evaluation process.
I recommend you sit down with staff members once every 12 months, as part of their annual performance review process, and develop a plan jointly, with each individual.
If you would like to discuss implementing a staff training and professional development plan for your business, contact the team at JPAbusiness on 02 6360 0360 or 02 9893 1803 for a confidential, obligation-free discussion.
