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Succeeding in today’s knowledge-based economy requires that workers have up-to-date skills compatible with emerging technologies and processes. In other words: ongoing learning and continuous advancements are part and parcel of a prosperous enterprise.
Professional training is all but mandatory for businesses and individuals to remain competitive, but not all learning programs are equal. At the end of the day, a business leader or human resources professional scouring learning programs deciding which to rely on will have a sharp eye on one key indicator: how in-classroom learning translates to workplace improvements. Essentially, the questions become:
What will be gained in the workplace as a result from the training?
How will these gains be measured and quantified?
Let’s take a look at how to assess the effectiveness of a training program to assist you in identifying the right model for your needs. Then learn why it is that Priority Management stands out above the rest as a proven and effective professional training partner. Learn More: How to Get Leadership Buy-In for Company Training
The What and the Why of Training Evaluation Methods
When deciding upon which training evaluation metrics to use, be sure that they are specific, quantifiable and capture critical return on investment (ROI) data. Key measurements will likely include, regardless of training type, the following:
Number of participants
Pass/fail rate of knowledge assessments
Participant surveys measuring their reaction to the training
Supervisor reports on subordinates’ improvements (or lack thereof)
Influence on key performance indicators (KPIs)
Of course, training evaluation metrics evaluate immediate effects. You will get an idea of what was learned and how participants applied this to their work in the time period between the training and the survey.
Training metrics are additionally beneficial in that they can inform future training decisions. Highly effective professional training can be modeled into a template and used across other working groups. Training that shows promise but does not quite deliver can be tweaked for future use. Finally, a course that has shown little to no visible enhancements can be ditched altogether with the lessons learned that will assist in landing a more suitable program in the future.
A Zealous Commitment to Real-World Improvements
Since the core of professional training metrics is measuring tangible advancements in the workplace, it stands to reason that companies will want a training partner with a proven track record of success backed by relevant improvement data.
But what about the methodology underpinning their training? How does a training partner instill lasting positive effects in the workplace?
In short, a dedicated training partner does not impart ideas and walk away, hoping their insights are taken to heart. Translating classroom concepts into business activities takes considerable thoughtfulness and effort.
In our 40 years of teaching business best practices around the globe, we have developed a commitment - some might say a dogged, zealous commitment - to helping our partners realize noticeable productivity gains.
The key word here is partner; we work closely with our clients in deciding upon the right training program, tailoring it to their needs and desired outcomes, and using metrics to evaluate success. We also return about a month after the training to provide follow-up instruction and practice. This is where real sustained developments happen.
Positive behaviour change takes time, and we are here for it.
The process we use to evaluate the effectiveness of any training program includes:
1. Post-Training Participant Survey
All training participants are surveyed four months after their initial training.
This survey reveals how learned skills have been applied to their position. The participants are questioned on competencies particular to each training. In addition to questions about prioritization, time management, collaboration, stress reduction and other key indicators.
2. Impact Results Report
Survey data is entered into our impact calculator. The results are a precise assessment of the impacts of instruction on your workforce at an individual and group level. The impact report also includes a breakdown of your ROI so you can make data-backed decisions about future training allocations.
Impact Survey Results 2022 Speaks for Itself
For the year 2022, we compiled all of our impact survey reports to create an impact average per client. The data set included nearly 400 people from 55 companies.
When asked…
How much time have you gained each day as a result of the program?
The average answer was…
+54 Minutes per day per person
The compiled Impact Survey Results for 2022 are further itemized by specific tasks, including tracking communications, finding and sharing information, teamwork and work-life balance.
These results speak for themselves. Our effective professional training modules save time and money, increase productivity and reduce stress. In other words, our clients feel more in control of their work as a result of training and these feelings are quantified with a deep data set.
Our evaluation process was launched in 2007 to amplify and measure the effects of our training. Over 32,500 individuals from 2,400 companies across the globe have completed our workshop effectiveness questionnaire. They come from small organizations and multinational corporations like Citigroup, Home Depot and Chevron.
Regardless of your company size, location or industry, we can devise an effective professional training program that is designed to make a positive impact. Find out how by reaching out to us today.
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