Posts tagged job performance
Your Organization Can Encourage Learning Transfer
Nov 29th
We all know that employee training and development is important, crucial to an organization’s success. But how can we ensure that it is effective? How do we know if training affects actual job performance? Training professionals have coined the term learning transfer to describe the learning that takes place after the training, the kind of learning that is translated into doing.
Many experts agree that a supportive work environment can increase learning transfer. There are many things an organization can do to support learning. A few common threads include:
Encourage learners to create goals
Talk with learners about how the training will affect job performance
Explain the new skills obtained in the training will improve job performance
Learners should create goals that directly impact their job behavior
Follow-up is essential
Learning transfer occurs after the training ends, find opportunities to keep the focus top of mind
Coaching has a direct impact on learning transfer
Learning buddies help to share new knowledge in a more social atmosphere
Mentoring allows someone other than a direct supervisor to help with learning transfer
Find creative, social ways to reinforce learning – picnic lunch, bulletin board, electronic newsletter
Space out learning opportunities
Learning takes time to apply, be sure to give enough time and attention on reinforcement and integration of the material
Learning happens in the everyday interactions after the formal training workshop has occurred. Creating an environment and culture that is receptive and encouraging to the learning that happens will encourage actual learning transfer – which impacts job behavior and performance.
ROI Linked to Ability to Manage Change
Nov 4th
Change is in the air. It’s all around us … in the physical sense the leaves are changing, the crisp cooler weather tells us that winter is on our heels. And change is inevitable in our current economic climate. Our ability and effectiveness to manage that change can mean the difference between running a successful business and running out of business. Poorly managed change in the workplace leads to stress which, in turn, creates poor job performance, more absenteeism and increased employee turnover.
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 74 percent of Americans identified work as the main cause of their stress; this is a 15 percent increase over the year before. Over half of the participants acknowledged that stress negatively affects their job performances. They also admitted that the mental and physical manifestations of stress caused them to leave or consider leaving positions. Forty-eight percent of employers surveyed recognized the problem, but only 5 percent were addressing the issue. Companies large and small must recognize the need for change management because the costs are high.
Keeping up with the global market, economic trends, information and technology requires companies to implement frequent changes. These changes, while often necessary, can cost millions. An individual company’s return on investment (ROI) for change is determined by how effectively that company implements the necessary changes. A study reported by the Graziadio Business Report of Pepperdine University revealed that companies with a strong change management program had an average ROI of 143percent while those without had an average ROI of 35percent. So, how does this affect the bottom line? A ROI of 143percent translates to a 43 cent gain for every dollar spent while a ROI of 35percent is a 65 cent loss for every dollar spent.
Half of all businesses recognize they are not managing change effectively, yet only 5 percent do anything about it! Yikes! Make a choice to better manage change in your organization. It is clear this is one factor that has a direct link to an organization’s success. Do you want to know how you score? Learn how effective you are at managing change by taking a free assessment. This assessment measures 17 personality traits and provides respondents with a snapshot and score in a variety of areas like time management, creativity and sensitivity. The personality assessment is available at www.northstar360.com/assessments. This is a complimentary assessment provided by NorthStar360.