Our independently commissioned Value of Expertise report indicated that in today’s world, training isn’t given the focus it deserves. When it comes to training, delegates, managers and bookers are missing a trick in failing to champion its importance and value to an organisation. Training is the cornerstone of professional development and by consequence a key factor in success, it is an investment that deserves respect and attention from all those involved, throughout the whole process. Our research found four underlying factors that hinder successful training experiences. We have put together some top tips to make sure all those involved get the most out of a training session:
Our report found that 92% of delegates think it’s important a business meeting venue keeps non-business guests distractions to a minimum. In the last 12 months 65% of delegates have encountered disruption at an event, listing factors such as: background noise, parking difficulties, other guests and technical problems.
This highlights the importance of purpose-built training venues, as unlike other venues that offer meeting space to generate extra revenue, dedicated conference venues focus entirely on hosting corporate conferences, meetings and training events and provide the best learning environment in a dedicated surrounding.
In a world where we spend most of our time battling through our inboxes, it’s not surprising that 90% of delegates receive emails while at a training session. 81% of respondents said these emails requested actions to be completed before getting back to the office and 15% were from management requiring immediate action. While the world of work doesn’t stop because a delegate is at a training session, there are ways this disruption can be minimised.
The most vital point to address is communication with senior managers, ensuring both parties understand that full attention needs to be given to the training session and although emails can be checked at intervals, immediate responses are not likely and will in face hamper the learning experience. Attendees need to make sure to let colleagues know about any potential requests that may need actioned in your absence, while an out of office email should detail the relevant colleague who will be able to help in the case of an emergency.
One of the most notable statistics to come out of the report was that over half (51%) of delegates can be held responsible for cancelling their attendance at a training session in the previous three years. One of the main reasons for this was as a result of too much work, as well as claiming it takes up to a day to catch up. The best way to deal with this is effective time-management, usually a training session should be in the diary at least a month in advance. By giving delegates notice it means they can manage their workload accordingly.
Feedback is an essential part of the learning process and is just as important as the training itself, yet it is often disregarded post-event. According to the research 32% of event bookers claim that managers pay only some attention to the feedback and don’t act upon it. Hearing the thoughts of staff following training is some of the most important communication senior management and its team can engage in. Yes, it can be time-consuming but the best way to tackle this would be to put a simple and short survey in place and to set a dedicated time-slot to read through it and action where necessary.
By not prioritising training, companies are missing out on the opportunity for individuals to grow, develop and carry out their work to the best of their ability. In turn, increasing productivity and quality of work for the company. Improving the performance of staff means increasing staff retention. Neglect it and it may cost you.
Click here to view the full Value of Expertise report.