Training as an Investment: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

As technologies advance and industry standards shift, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. One key way to ensure your company thrives in this dynamic environment is by investing in your most valuable asset: your people.

In a recent conversation on the Manufacturers Network podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Sanderson, MBA , Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at @Gleicher Manufacturing. Lisa shared her journey of transforming a #family-runbusiness into a forward-thinking enterprise. A central theme of our discussion was the importance of viewing training as an investment, not a punishment. Here’s what we learned from Lisa’s experience and how you can apply these insights to your organization.

1. The Mindset Shift: Training as an Investment

Lisa emphasized that training should be perceived as an investment in employees rather than a response to a deficiency. At Gleicher Manufacturing, this mindset shift has been crucial. By focusing on development and growth, employees feel valued and are more motivated to engage in training opportunities. They see the company’s commitment to their personal and professional growth, which fosters a culture of loyalty and continuous improvement.

Key Insight: Position training as a chance for employees to expand their skills and advance their careers. This approach boosts morale and enhances employee retention by demonstrating the company's dedication to their future.

2. Bridging the Generational Gap

One challenge Gleicher Manufacturing faced was managing a workforce that included long-tenured employees with decades of experience. These seasoned workers often resist change, especially regarding new technologies and procedures. Lisa found that the key to overcoming this resistance was communication and inclusion.

Gleicher Manufacturing turned potential pushback into collaboration by framing training as an opportunity for these employees to share their knowledge and contribute to the company’s evolution. This approach not only preserved valuable institutional knowledge but also encouraged a smoother transition to new ways of working.

Key Insight: Encourage experienced employees to view training as a way to leave a legacy. This not only helps bridge the gap between generations but also integrates new practices without losing the valuable insights of long-term staff.

3. Tailored Training for Varied Needs

Every employee is different, and so are their training needs. Lisa shared that Gleicher Manufacturing recognized the importance of customizing training programs to fit its staff's diverse capabilities and comfort levels. For some, that meant basic digital skills, like learning how to attach a PDF to an email, while for others, it involved more advanced technical training.

This tailored approach ensures that all employees benefit from training regardless of their starting point. It also helps build a more cohesive and adaptable workforce prepared to meet future challenges.

Key Insight: Develop flexible training programs that cater to the varied needs of your workforce. This inclusivity not only promotes skill development across the board but also demonstrates respect for each employee’s unique experience and knowledge base.

4. The Role of Continuous Feedback

Training doesn’t end once the program is complete. Lisa stressed the importance of continuous feedback and follow-up. At Gleicher Manufacturing, they revisit training sessions, gather employee feedback, and adjust their approach. This ongoing dialogue helps identify what’s working, what isn’t, and how the training can be improved to better serve the workforce.

Key Insight: Establish a feedback loop to refine training programs continuously. Regular check-ins and open communication ensure that the training remains relevant and effective, contributing to a culture of learning and growth.

5. Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Investing in training is more than a nice-to-have; it's a strategic imperative for any business looking to thrive. By viewing training as an investment, companies can build a resilient, adaptable, and skilled workforce ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Lisa Sanderson’s insights from Gleicher Manufacturing highlight that employees who feel supported and see growth opportunities are more likely to stay and contribute to the company's success. This improves retention and helps build a strong foundation for future innovation and development.

Key Insight: Make training a cornerstone of your business strategy. By doing so, you can cultivate a team that is not only equipped to handle today's demands but also prepared to lead your company into the future.

Training is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Investing in your employees and fostering a learning culture can build a future-ready workforce that drives your business forward. Take a cue from Gleicher Manufacturing and start viewing training as the valuable investment it is. Your employees – and your bottom line – will thank you.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/94bda277-ce2e-45af-99b7-6e361530ccb2/

#EmployeeTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #ContinuousLearning #InvestInPeople #FutureReady #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #ProfessionalGrowth #SkillBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment