What is the use of training in times of labour shortage?

Do you have trouble recruiting staff? The labour shortage is now a reality for most SMEs. Leaders no longer know where to turn to attract and retain the workforce.

In this context, many neglect training. After all, what is the use to train its employees when positions remain vacant and employees leave?

Give me a few minutes and you’ll see why training is more important than ever in times of labour shortage.

A difficult shortage for your employees to live with

I am not learning you anything new by saying that your employees are paying the price for the labour shortage, just as much as your company.

In recent months, remote and hybrid work have put a strain on employee endurance. They had to learn how to use new tools, like Teams, and how to work collaboratively like never before. Many felt overwhelmed by the proliferation of tools.

In many SMEs, current employees often do the work of two or three people. Managers are exhausted constantly looking for staff to recruit. And human resources teams are overwhelmed.

Faced with this shortage and staff turnover, managers are afraid to invest “for nothing” in training. They do not want to train people who will leave just as quickly.
It’s human to react like that, but it pays more to act differently.

Training pays off!

Investing in training is the best way to increase your team’s productivity. This is therefore the best approach to avoid exhausting your current employees, who you risk seeing leave.

Through training, you give them back control over their work and equip them to face the new reality.

In addition, employees enjoy training. It’s empowering and it’s a sign that you believe in them, in their abilities. A well-trained employee is a more efficient employee who is not bored. He is also an employee who feels in full possession of his means.

In other words, in times of labour shortage, training allows:

• Fill skills gaps;
• Invest in your employees and show them the trust that will retain them;
• Increase your team’s well-being at work by giving them the tools they need to thrive.

Giving your employees the skills they need

Hybrid work — at the office, remotely or in mobily — requires different ways of working and new forms of productivity. Training gives your team the knowledge and tools they need to adapt.

The sources of frustration can be quite great if new methods and tools are not mastered. People often feel overwhelmed by the tools they need to learn and use. Training helps alleviate or eliminate this frustration. It turns your employees to action.

As an employer, your job is to provide your employees with the tools, resources and skills to achieve their goals. The training allows you to master the tools and acquire the required skills.

Current employees are important

In times of labour shortages, all of our energy is focused on talent acquisition. It’s easy to forget about taking care of our current employees. Training is a concrete way to improve the efficiency and well-being of your employees. With, as a bonus, increased retention.

Giving training pays off right away. Even if some employees leave, they will have been more efficient and those who replace them will be too. We must continue to invest in training to prevent some employees from being more effective than others, because this asymmetry can generate a lot of inefficiency and frustration.

Training makes you a better, more attractive employer. It’s a fact: when you train your employees, you’re sending a message to candidates that you’re concerned about your employees’ well-being and growth. You tell them: employees are important to us. Isn’t that the best way to recruit?

Need a hand? Contact me.