Are you a business owner or head of department not knowing whether to invest in staff computer training or to ditch the budget & use elsewhere? The arguments ‘for’ below will leave you and your business in doubt that training is good for business!
1. Better Staff Morale – by training your staff to be more competent, more confident in their daily tasks by using say Microsoft Word or Excel correctly. This will improve not only the tasks they are set by management but will provide a happier environment for all. The working environment will be less stressful as a result with employees enjoying their roles, which does wonders for mental health in the workplace and without the need for disrupting colleagues asking constantly “How do I do”?
2. Greater Productivity – when staff are competent in using the software required to carry out their jobs, they will work quicker, more effectively and with more passion! How many times have you seen staff scratching their heads for hours on end trying to figure out how to format charts, or create absolute cell referencing in Excel, or to create a pivot table, how to use styles in Word, Master sliders in PowerPoint or embedding documents into other MS Software to name a few?
3. Timesaving – a one day training course can save hours upon hours of your staff’s time each week through finding out faster ways of using the software’s features. Recently one three hour training session provided by Oregen has saved a client at least 3 hours a week, that’s 156 hours a year, multiply this by say an office full of staff over the year and that is a massive amount of hours saved! Even outsourcing projects as a consultancy package can be of benefit.
4. Staff Retention – employee’s who feel valued and invested in tend to stay in their job roles for much longer, saving recruitment costs. Did you know up to 40% of employee’s leave jobs within the first year due to a lack of training? High overturn of staff comes with a price, as those who leave can often bad mouth the company or more often than not if they stay be unhappy in it! This can be disruptive to fellow colleagues and the company.
5. Improved Customer Service – valued and contented employee’s will provide an enhanced customer experience as they will feel empowered by the company they work for. This will ensure customers receive a higher service level and foster a better working relationship. We have all I’m sure spoken to an operative over the phone who has sounded like they really couldn’t be bothered or is clearly not smiling over the phone which can be very off putting and creates a bad atmosphere from the outset.
6. Marketing & PR Opportunities – companies who like to see their staff do well in their place of employment can enter awards for both staff and the company. This promotes the company across a whole range of marketing platforms including social media, alongside industry experts and other innovating businesses. Marketing the success of your company and your workers creates a caring image. Companies that care about the success and well-being of their staff are often placed higher in people’s and potential clients minds. Creating good public relations can be a vital ingredient to ensuring your business keeps ahead of the competition.
7. Personal Development – by recognising staff may want to work towards certain accreditations and qualifications it is seen as good for employers to help support this. Hard working employee’s often would like to move up the career ladder or be promoted internally so allowing time for either on the job training or time out to attend courses be it management training, first aid or computer, can be a major benefit to their productivity and passion for the business!
8. Recommendations – a happy, motivated, valued workforce in a company that takes the time and investment to train them, will be only too glad to recommend the company their work for. ‘Word of Mouth’ is still one of the most trusted forms of marketing from both internal & external sources. The recommendation can stretch to inviting friends to come & work for the aspiring business.
9. Happy Staff – we all know happy staff work better, are less likely to take sick days, are punctual plus will be more efficient in their daily tasks. So, keeping staff happy with up to date knowledge in the latest technology or guidance in new working practices is a key ingredient for success. For example, if your business has an older version of software then suddenly decides to upgrade, staff can be hindered with a new layout as features have changed or are in different places! Regular training or refreshers can help overcome these potential issues staff may face in times of change.
10. Business Growth – add all the points above up and you should be well on your way to allowing your staff help and achieve business growth, reaslising your business ambitions! Businesses do not grow without the help of their workforce. Your staff are your biggest assets so make sure you use them to gain as much benefit as possible for your business.
If you would like to know more about training your staff in Microsoft Office Software contact Oregen Computer Training on 01892 665353 or email us on info@oregentraining.com