In today’s dynamic business landscape, developing a skilled and adaptable workforce is crucial for success. Effective employee training plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge. According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Trends, providing learning opportunities is the top way companies are improving retention.
What Is Employee Training?
Employee training refers to the systematic process of providing employees with the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their job performance and contribute to the overall goals of the organization. It aims to bridge the gap between existing skills and the evolving demands of the job.
Let’s explore 12 different types of employee training programs, their benefits, when to use them, and some sample topics to cover for each one.
1. New Employee Training
Onboarding or new employee training is designed to familiarize new employees with the organization’s policies, procedures, culture, and specific job responsibilities. It helps them quickly adapt to their roles and become productive members of the team. This type of training typically covers company orientation, introductions to key personnel, and essential job-related knowledge.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
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With new hires or employees transitioning into new roles |
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Check out our article on how to conduct new employee training. It also comes with a checklist to ensure you get everything covered in the training.
2. Technical Training
Technical training focuses on developing specialized skills and knowledge required for specific roles or industries. It equips employees with the expertise needed to operate machinery, use software applications, or perform complex tasks. Technical training may involve hands-on exercises, simulations, or workshops to enhance practical skills and ensure competence in technical areas.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Jobs requiring specialized technical skills or knowledge, such as electricians, chemical engineers, or automotive technicians |
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3. Compliance Training
According to Lorman, companies grappling with noncompliance issues face an average annual cost of approximately $14.82 million, highlighting the significant financial impact associated with failing to adhere to regulations and legal requirements. Thus, compliance training is a must for any business.
Compliance training ensures that employees understand and follow legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements related to their job functions. It covers topics such as data privacy, workplace safety, anti-discrimination policies, and industry-specific regulations. Compliance training helps organizations mitigate risks, avoid legal penalties, and maintain a responsible and ethical work environment.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered | |
|---|---|---|
Ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements |
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Read our article on HR compliance—with a downloadable HR checklist you can use for your compliance audit.
4. Soft Skills Training
Soft skills training focuses on developing interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills. It helps employees enhance their ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Soft skills training may cover areas such as active listening, conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, and customer service.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
All team members or employees looking to develop interpersonal and communication skills |
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5. Leadership Training
Leadership is among the most in-demand skills, according to LinkedIn. Leadership training aims to cultivate the skills and qualities required for effective management and leadership roles. It equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to inspire and motivate teams, make informed decisions, delegate tasks, and drive organizational success. Leadership training may cover topics such as strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, and people management.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered | |
|---|---|---|
Preparing employees for managerial or leadership positions |
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Check out our article on people management skills and discover the essential skills to look for and cultivate within your workforce for effective employee management.
6. Sales & Customer Service Training
Sales and customer service training is crucial for employees involved in selling products or providing customer support. It equips them with the necessary skills to understand customer needs, build relationships, and effectively communicate the value of products or services. This type of training may include techniques for prospecting, negotiation, objection handling, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Sales representatives and customer-facing roles |
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If you use customer relationship management (CRM) software, read our article on CRM team training that comes with a free checklist.
7. Diversity & Inclusion Training
Diversity and inclusion training promotes a culture of respect, equality, and inclusivity within the organization. It raises awareness about biases, fosters empathy, and enhances understanding of diverse perspectives. This training helps create an environment where all employees feel valued, contributing to innovation, collaboration, and overall organizational success.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Required for all members to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment |
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You can read about diversity in the workplace statistics to learn why the concept is important.
8. Team Building Training
Team building training focuses on strengthening collaboration, communication, and synergy among team members. It aims to improve teamwork, trust, and cohesiveness, leading to enhanced productivity and problem-solving abilities. Team building training may include activities, exercises, and workshops designed to foster effective collaboration, conflict resolution, and the development of a positive team culture.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
May be a regular initiative for all team members or employed as targeted intervention when specific challenges arise within a team |
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9. Change Management Training
Change management training equips employees and leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate and adapt to organizational changes effectively. It helps individuals understand the reasons for change, manage resistance, and embrace new ways of working. Change management training may include strategies for communication, resilience, and supporting employees through transitions.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Effectively managing organizational changes, such as mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, implementing new technology, or leadership transitions |
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10. Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity training educates employees about potential cyber threats, best practices for data protection, and how to maintain the security of digital systems. It aims to mitigate the risks of data breaches, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats by promoting awareness and providing practical guidance on cybersecurity measures.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Mitigating risks related to data breaches and cyber threats |
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11. Wellness & Well-being Training
Wellness and well-being training focuses on promoting employee health, work-life balance, and overall well-being. It addresses topics such as stress management, mindfulness, physical health, and maintaining a healthy work-life integration. Wellness training helps employees prioritize self-care, leading to increased satisfaction, productivity, and reduced burnout.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Supporting all employees’ health and work-life balance |
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12. Professional Development Training
Professional development training focuses on continuous learning and enhancing skills for career growth. It may include workshops, seminars, conferences, or online courses to expand knowledge, acquire new skills, and stay updated with industry trends. Professional development training supports employee motivation, promotes engagement, and fosters a culture of lifelong learning within the organization.
When to Use | Sample Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Ongoing development to enhance skills and knowledge |
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You can also read our article on training and development to learn about the elements of a training and development program and more.
Types of Employee Training Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most common type of employee training varies depending on the organization and industry, but often, onboarding or new hire training is considered among the most common types.
Costs associated with employee training can include expenses related to trainers, training materials, technology infrastructure, and potential loss of productivity during the training period. You may also consider using a learning management system for your organization to make it simpler to manage employee training content.
The benefits of employee training include improved job performance, increased employee satisfaction and engagement, enhanced productivity, and the ability to adapt to changing industry demands. Additionally, it can lead to reduced employee turnover and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
Bottom Line
Investing in a diverse range of employee training programs is vital for organizations looking to enhance workforce skills and maintain a competitive edge. With employee training, businesses can empower their workforce and drive success. Tailoring the best type of employee training to specific needs and strategically implementing them at the appropriate times creates a culture of learning, fosters employee engagement, and ensures that organizations are equipped with skilled, adaptable, and motivated teams ready to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving work landscape.
