Training your staff

Staff training is something a lot of small businesses don't do, often because of a lack of either finance or time. But if your business doesn't invest in its people, no matter how small your team, you can be sure they're not going to be loyal to you.
"Positive social interaction is core to peoples' work value and identity," says Professor Ian Williamson of Melbourne Business School, in Chapter 21 of The Small Business Success Guide.
"Essentially (staff) have to appreciate the benefits they get out of your business or they will leave."
According to research quoted on the Australian Government's training portal, staff who receive formal training can be 230 per cent more productive than untrained colleagues who are working in the same role.
And a business that invests in targeted training can have an increase in labour productivity by as much as a 30 per cent return on their investment.
"Don't make training an entitlement, it's an investment," adds Professor Williamson.
So plan how you can invest in training your staff, with some firm business-related outcomes in site. Do it well and your employees will feel good about themselves and about your company. This can only have a positive impact on the way they work and communicate to customers.
A definite win-win.
Margie