Training in Tough Times

In tough economic times, any sensible organisation will look at ways of managing costs while maintaining peak performance.  Training and development can seem like an easy way to save money and also to reduce the amount of time the workforce has to spend away from the task.  As a market leader in stress management training, we firmly believe that cutting access to training can be a false economy in the short and long term.

These views are echoed in an article in Personnel Today:

Three quarters of company directors (77 per cent) believe it is important to invest in staff training in the current economic climate.
Aware of the difference training makes to the bottom line, 82 per cent of bosses reported uplift in staff productivity – translating to an average nine per cent increase in company turnover following staff training. (Bosses turn to training to credit-crunch proof their business)
27 November 2008

Let’s imagine your staff are cars.  Whether a Ford Focus or a top of the range Mercedes, you know that a certain level of maintenance and care is essential for best performance or even just getting from A to B. You might decide against a re-spray or treating yourself to alloy wheels, or upgrading the stereo. You might be tempted to risk skimping on service and oil and tyre checks, but you won’t be surprised if bits start to break or fall off!  And if you decide that you can economise on fuel, your car will come to a juddering halt, way short of your destination.  If your “fleet” of staff is reduced and stretched with increased workload, it’s even more important to make sure they are properly looked after.

Training is the fuel that keeps you running.  What is important is that any development you invest in:

• Is clearly rooted in and designed for your business needs
• Enables people to do their job better and increase productivity
• Delivers value for money
• Minimises the time spent away from the workplace
• Promotes sharing of good practice across the organisation

In Equilibrium can offer training in the following areas as day or half-day workshops, delivered to groups at your place of business.  The group approach develops a “critical mass” of good practice within the company.

• Stress management and developing resilience – strategies for staff to build energy and perform effectively in challenging circumstances
• Managing Anger within the Workplace , Conflict Resolution and Managing Difficult People
• Coaching skills – improving communications and delegation and enabling staff to take more responsibility
• Personal Wellbeing and lifestyle management- learn how to identify factors conducive to personal well-being including optimism, meaningful activities, diet and social relationships