3 tips to optimize training and development programs

They can also be a waste of time.

From a company perspective, training and development programs are meant to improve overall performance, but a well-designed program can—and should—do just as much for the employee. By giving workers an avenue, opportunity and impetus to build skills, you affirm that you have a vested interest in them as individuals, which decreases the likelihood that they’ll take those talents elsewhere.

The type of individual who participates in career development programs is often one who welcomes more engagement. Reward this desire to learn, and make the most of the opportunity to create genuine connections with your workers.

Of course, training programs should be engaging and useful. If the material isn’t meaningful, relevant, compelling or well organized, you’re just wasting everyone’s time.