Getting Return on Investment (ROI) for Your Training Dollar

You can spend a lot of money training your staff but rarely do business operators seriously look at the return for investment (ROI) for their training dollar. ROI is the improved value that your employees bring to your business as a consequence of the training you’ve offered. It’s about how an employee implements the learning when they return to their workplace, rather than how much they enjoyed the training session, which determines the true value to you as a business owner.

Here are some tips to get the most from your training dollar:

• Clarify your expectations – Before sending an employee to a course, discuss with them the potential benefits for both their career and for your business. Discuss what you’d like to see happen for them, and for your business, as a result of the training. Explain you’ll be asking them to implement the training when they return. Ensure that your employee knows that the training is an investment in their future.
• Personalize training options – There are many delivery options available today: on-line learning and workplace/distance learning are becoming increasingly popularity and can be very convenient options. These learning options can present problems too; working alone can be an isolating experience with few opportunities for immediate feedback, clarification and reassurance. For many the best option is still the classroom giving learners face to face contact with their tutor and opportunities to share experiences and ideas and collaborate with their fellow classmates. One-size-fits-all training doesn’t work so consider each employee’s individual maturity, motivation, experience, family and personal commitments and learning style.
• Encourage your employee to transfer the learning into your workplace – Show an interest. Make time to ask your employee about what they learned and solicit suggestions on how they will use what they’ve learned. Listen to their ideas and find ways to endorse and resource their new initiatives.
• Acknowledge and reward – Observe your employee at work and acknowledge the improvements. Seek ways to reward but keep in mind that sometimes a simple acknowledgement; a “well done and thank you” message is all that’s needed to keep your employee motivated and enthusiastic.

One last thing: Consider making contact with us prior to course commencement. Chat with us about your organisation and the reasons you have selected the workshop for your staff member. Keep in mind that offering the course facilitator insight into your business helps us to select learning relevant activities and discussion points.

We know you’ll enjoy the benefits from your training.