I am sure we have all witnessed or been a part of a corporate philosophy of "sink or swim," where the employee is hired, given a brief orientation and quickly turned loose on the rest of the company and its customers. To me, this is not so much a strategy as corporate laziness or, even worst, indifference or disregard for both the employee and the customers. No one benefits from this approach, in my view.
In days gone by, employees were apprenticed, working closely with masters of the skill or trade. This didn't just apply to tradespeople but to other occupations as well, lawyering being one. Formal schooling just provides a background. As we all know, the workplace is where the real learning happens. Some may be better equipped through knowledge and experience to hit the ground running, but each organization and its culture are unique. Some training is always in order.
A formal or even informal mentoring program is something to consider. Make a commitment to your employees and customers that they all matter. Tailor any such program to your company's needs and the employee's prior skills and experiences. Too often, I have heard employees complain that there is no real training program at their workplace. Pleas for assistance are even ignored in such toxic workplaces. Potentially good employees who could have been salvaged and even flourished instead are fired or quit out of frustration. Nobody truly wins in that situation. Treat your employees like assets, because they are and should be. If you don't, they will become a liability. http://www.employmentlawman.com/monday-morning-musings.html
In days gone by, employees were apprenticed, working closely with masters of the skill or trade. This didn't just apply to tradespeople but to other occupations as well, lawyering being one. Formal schooling just provides a background. As we all know, the workplace is where the real learning happens. Some may be better equipped through knowledge and experience to hit the ground running, but each organization and its culture are unique. Some training is always in order.
A formal or even informal mentoring program is something to consider. Make a commitment to your employees and customers that they all matter. Tailor any such program to your company's needs and the employee's prior skills and experiences. Too often, I have heard employees complain that there is no real training program at their workplace. Pleas for assistance are even ignored in such toxic workplaces. Potentially good employees who could have been salvaged and even flourished instead are fired or quit out of frustration. Nobody truly wins in that situation. Treat your employees like assets, because they are and should be. If you don't, they will become a liability. http://www.employmentlawman.com/monday-morning-musings.html
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