Why People Dislike Training

Summary

Training sessions often feel like a burden to employees, akin to taking medicine or facing punishment. Many enter training rooms with dread, expecting a tedious experience. This article delves into why this perception exists and how organizations can change it. By involving leadership, ensuring engaging content, and fostering a supportive environment, training can become a valuable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Why Training Feels Like a Burden

Leadership's Role

• Lack of Participation: When managers skip training, it signals to employees that the session isn't important. This is common in many industries, such as healthcare, where doctors often skip customer service training, leaving nurses to attend alone. This sends a message that the training is not valuable.
• Solution: Leaders should participate in training to show its importance. If they can't attend, they should communicate the reasons and emphasize the training's value.

Boring Content

• Unengaging Sessions: Many employees have endured dull training sessions, leading to a negative perception. Engaging trainers with energy and humor can make a significant difference.
• Solution: Choose trainers who are dynamic and engaging. Ensure internal trainers remain motivated and refreshed with their material.

Fear of Embarrassment

• Intimidation Factor: Employees fear looking foolish during training, especially if leadership is absent or if the session is held after hours. This can make them feel like they're being punished.
• Solution: Create a fun and safe environment. Use interactive methods that don't embarrass participants. For example, using themes or humor can break the ice and make the session enjoyable.

Attendees' Responsibility

• Open Mindset: Employees should approach training with an open mind. Even if the session seems unnecessary, there's always something to learn.
• Growth Opportunity: Training is a chance to grow and improve. Embrace it as an opportunity rather than a chore.

Different Perspectives

From the Employee's View

• Resistance: Employees often see training as a waste of time, especially if it doesn't seem relevant to their daily tasks.
• Engagement: When training is interactive and relevant, employees are more likely to engage and retain information.

From the Organization's View

• Investment: Training is an investment in employee development and organizational growth.
• Retention: Engaging training can boost morale and reduce turnover, saving costs in the long run.

Interesting Stats

• Training Effectiveness: According to a study by LinkedIn, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. Source
• Engagement Impact: Companies with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share. Source

Conclusion

Training doesn't have to be a dreaded experience. By involving leadership, ensuring engaging content, and fostering a supportive environment, organizations can transform training into a valuable and enjoyable experience. Employees, in turn, should approach training with an open mind, ready to learn and grow.