Training Compliance

Running up and down the stairs in the Walmart-legal building, I realized two things: (1) I am not fit enough to climb up 500 stairs a day, and (2) Walmart takes Training Compliance very seriously – and that’s where my job is critical.

I hope by my sharing this you realize why a lack of training compliance may screw your business if you don’t get it right.

In my previous role, part of my job was supporting training-related lawsuits. We faced several serious situations where directors testified in court. As a Learning & Development manager then, I played a supportive role by providing honest feedback and evidence. What helped me the most was my experience from the store operations. I always reverted back to how I did things, and that helped me support each case because:

1. I sympathized with the associates!
2. I understood Walmart operations and expectations very well.

Training Compliance is there to protect three things: the employee, the employer, and the business. And more so in operations and industrial areas.

• The employee is meant to undergo adequate training, receive clear instructions, know performance expectations applicable to their job function, apply all the safety precautions, and be proactive in raising concerns.
• The employer is fully responsible for setting clear expectations, training the employees, and treating them fairly.
• The business is of course meant to abide by all the federal and state laws at all times.

Unfortunately, the lack of the above brings loss and causes unforeseen obstacles. 

The best way to evaluate training compliance is to ask the following:

1. Are we leaving any room for the employees to have to guess how to do their job?
2. Have we covered all that needs to be done – the way we want it done per the laws and regulations of OSHA, HIPAA, FEMA, privacy laws, etc.?
3. Is the training setting the associate up for success or failure?
4. Is this training boring or confusing?
5. Is there a test at the end that certifies or proves that the learner has really learned this?

Accountability

The employees have the ultimate responsibility for raising questions and asking for support if they need additional training. Personally, I always do that. Quite often I walk up to my peers and managers and ask them to spare a moment to show me certain technical things.

The employers are responsible for updating their training for “today’s operations”; they should also troubleshoot frequently and ask for feedback on effectiveness plus find ways to improve it.

Moral responsibility and judgment

Human error is part of our lives. Companies must be able to discern the degree and intention behind any mistakes. Investing time to investigate the motive behind why an employee performed in a certain way will help improve conflicts, give the employee a second chance, and improve training content.

Training compliance is relevant in all areas of business

This is relevant across the board: from culture to communications style, to operating machinery and certifying your associates. You may train your employees in all these aspects – and the more you do, the better a workforce you will have. The question is, Are you investing enough in your Talent Development and Organizational Effectiveness?

Instructional Design

I work with Instructional Designers every day and I love it! They are the most straightforward human beings ever? #ShoutOutToAllMyIDs! #LoveY’all

Try going out for lunch with an Instructional Designer. You will realize how diligently they communicate the lunch plan and tell you exactly how to get there. That is what you need on a massive scale for your company. Instruct your workforce how to move your business the correct way.

The 'why'

Do you invest in time spent telling your associates why certain things need to be done in certain ways? Because in my experience most associates hesitate to ask 'why?' The moment employees know the reason behind a certain instruction, they start following it more diligently and with a sense of accountability and respect. Try it! It works every time.

I'll leave you with one question: Is your training compliant for your current operations and is it sufficiently diversified to train all kinds of people?

#Shoutout to our #ContentDesign teams, you guys constantly innovate far beyond our imaginations and keep the Walmart Academies fun and engaging.

Sincerely,

Lily