Training is a major responsibility. Whether you’re a training professional, a veteran of company training, or have just been asked to take over or start up a training programme, you have a great deal of responsibility. Just think about all the different kinds of training employees need throughout their careers. There’s no doubt that health and safety training is an ongoing need in every company.

To thrive in today’s business world, your company needs to depend on employee education to promote six critical interests:

1. Effective use of new technology
   As technology continues to revolutionise the workplace, employees at all levels and with all degrees of experience will rely on training to keep up with the changes to their work processes. Because it is so important, this training will require comprehensive and continued effort.
2. Competitive edge in your market
   Companies now receive fierce competition, not just from local competitors, but from global, overseas operations. In many cases foreign companies will beat out local firms in quality, cost, and service. To remain competitive in the current marketplace, employees need to know how to make better products and services for your market, and this means all necessary training to ensure they remain at the ‘top of their game’ must continue.
3. Safety and health of employees
   In order to have a productive, creative, and committed workforce, employers need to make sure that employees are protected from workplace hazards and given the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. Safety training is a key component of any organisation’s productivity and prosperity.
4. Retention of skilled workers
   Skilled and creative employees seek opportunities for career development and personal growth in their jobs. They want the chance to do challenging work and be well compensated. They also want to be with a company where they can continue to learn and enhance their skills. If they don’t receive adequate training opportunities in their organisation, they will find somewhere where they can.
5. Compliance with laws and regulations
   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US, for example, requires employers to conduct annual employee training in a number of safety procedures. In other cases, although laws may not require it, training (at least of key employees) is highly advisable to avoid problems (e.g., sexual harassment, discrimination, violence prevention, diversity). The cost of not adequately training employees in all these areas can translate into large fines or expensive lawsuits (for failing to uphold the rights of protected employees).
6. Productivity and profitability
   Training makes workers more skilled and knowledgeable, which makes them more productive, better able to meet quality standards, and more able to provide excellent and efficient service to customers. Training, therefore, makes organisations more competitive, more profitable, and more successful.