Though employee training offers many rewards, it also presents several common challenges. The following are some of the most common challenges associated with employee training:
Time constraints
One of the most common challenges associated with employee training is time constraints. Effective employee training requires time and resources, both of which can be in short supply in many organizations. It can be difficult to find the time to plan and provide training due to competing demands and existing workforce commitments.
Cost
Another issue is cost. Training is not free and can be quite costly, especially when employees need to be sent offsite for specialized training or when an organization has numerous employees requiring training. The cost of training can sometimes exceed a business’s training budget, making it necessary to implement cost-saving strategies.
Skill level
Different employees have different learning needs, and it can be challenging to find the right balance of instruction based on the skill level of each employee. Furthermore, different employees have different interests and learning styles, meaning that a “one size fits all” approach to training is rarely effective.
Retention
Providing effective training is only part of the challenge.
Organizations must have a plan in place to gauge employee training effectiveness to ensure that employees are absorbing and retaining the information they require.
Technology
Technology is a key enabler of employee training, and challenges can arise when the technology to support employee training is not readily available. Organizations must assess their current IT infrastructure and the resources available to ensure training is successful.