Some professions such as medicine and real estate require that professionals take part in continuing education to keep their license active. But the need for continuing education extends far beyond licensure requirements. There are certain topics that all employees should be routinely educated on to maximize performance and productivity.
With tools like learning management software (LMS) it’s easier than ever to keep your employees trained. New LMS rankings highlight that there are cost-effective options for businesses of all sizes. Putting these systems in place and keeping your employees informed on the topics below is a benefit for your company and the people who work there.
Cyber Security
Cyber security is a vital component of continuing education for two very good reasons. First and foremost, any weak link can lead to a serious security breach. Every single employee must be up-to-speed on best practices and cyber security protocol.
The other reason cyber security requires continuing education is that the threat is always changing. Hackers are always finding new ways to breach firewalls and bypass weak passwords.
Continuing education could be mean going over password guidelines each quarter or attending an events around cyber security. At the bare minimum, each employee should have a copy of your company’s cyber security measures and know how to report a problem immediately. The most important thing is that all employees understand the importance of cyber security and the best practices that must be followed.
Laws, Rules and Regulations for the Industry
Any job that requires adherence to laws, rules and regulations will also require continuing education. If not, employees could unknowingly be out of compliance. Have the human resources department track which job roles require licensure, certification and/or adherence to outside regulations. Create a calendar specifically for continuing education deadlines.
You’ll also need to create a system for alerting employees when there is a change in the laws or regulations. In addition to company wide email alerts, meetings should be scheduled for one-on-one discussions with employees who are directly affected by the changes.
Training on New Tools and Procedures
Every time you initiate new procedures or incorporate a new tool each employee should receive training. If not, some people could struggle with a learning curve that slows productivity.
Schedule a time to train everyone at once. It saves time and allows for a question and answer period. If there are employees who are having a difficult time learning to use the new tool team them up with a co-worker who has a firm grasp on the system. This will help reinforce the knowledge for both employees.
Mentoring and Management
If you want to get the most out your employees you need mentors and managers that can provide strong leadership. It’s a continuous job that ebbs and flows as the company evolves. A new generation of employees or adding a new department can also change the dynamics in an office and necessitate the need for managerial continuing education.
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Continuing education for mentors and management can be done online, through a custom leadership program or a corporate retreat. The main focus is making sure your managers and mentors have the tools they need to lead employees.
Company Corporate Culture
It’s a good idea to have an annual refresher with each employee on the corporate culture. You’re company’s corporate culture evolves overtime and helps shape the identity of the business. It encapsulates the ideals of your company and the mission you’re trying to achieve. The corporate culture also outlines acceptable interaction among employees and with clients.
Corporate culture continuing education can include:
- · The company mission.
- · Email guidelines and best practices.
- · Acceptable and unacceptable behavior outside of work hours or when interacting with the public.
- · Dress code in the office and at company events.
- · General office environment and decorum.
- · Client satisfaction and interaction guidelines.
- · Rundown of employee benefits and how they are earned.
- · Hiring and firing procedures.
- · How employee complaints should be submitted and handled.
Your corporate culture shapes your business is so many ways. Going over the corporate culture at the time of hiring is a must, but reminders keep those ideals at the forefront of employees’ minds every day they come to work.
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