Employee Training for ‘the Whole Person’ – 7 New Ideas to Check Out

When many workers hear there’s going to be employee training, they usually think of presentations that focus on something that helps them do their jobs better.

Depending on how long employee training sessions are, there’s a chance they might start thinking about other tasks they need to accomplish that day, maybe zone out and not be fully engaged.

But what if you also provided employee training that helped them find significance in the work they do and showed that you’re invested in them as people?

Employee Training on What?

One of the top things the next generation of workers is looking for from their employers is development opportunities that help them live their lives outside of work better.

Research studies have shown that younger workers most desire and value employee training on:

• making sure their finances are in order
• managing marriage and relationships, and
• making sure their ongoing health and fitness goals are up to date.

This type of “whole person” development is the kind of benefit that forges a deeper connection between your people and your organization’s mission and purpose.

Grow Them as People

When employees are strong as individuals, what they do in their productivity will be even stronger.

Yes, there are trainings that are legally required or crucial, like learning to use new hardware, tools and machines; new technology or system software; regulations that affect your business; safety procedures; harassment prevention, etc.

But the key going forward will be to think beyond the basic and typical training topics that address working better, and consider what your employees could use help with in their lives.

When the workforce associates their personal goals with your company’s goals, they find purpose in their work and renewed motivation that can improve employee retention.

Resources to Get Started

The types of learning options you offer, which might even involve worker reskilling, will be important. Consider new employee personal development programs would be a good fit. Here’s where you can get some ideas:

1. your Employee Assistance Program provider
2. your health insurance provider
3. FinancialLiteracy.org
4. MyMoney.gov
5. MoneyManagement.org
6. 20 wellness program ideas for your workplace, and
7. WorkLifeBalance.com.

(Gabrielle Bosche, president, The Millennial Solution, as presented during the BambooHR Virtual Summit)