The Trainer's Handbook

Chapter 17Training During Tough Times

Learning Outcomes

In this chapter, you will learn

• To identify ways to maximize your training dollars
• To use internal resources to reduce training costs
• To leverage technology and nonconventional training to maintain the integrity of the training function

Prove the Value of Training

When times get tough, training is among the first things to go (or considerably scaled back). As workplace learning professionals know, the opposite should happen, but that's not reality. Training dollars as well as training resources are spread thin during economic downturns. So what does that mean for those of us who are committed to keeping the training function “alive” during tough economic times? It means that we have to be even more creative, more resourceful, and most important, more business-focused. We must become not only more agile in adapting to change but more business savvy and further develop our business acumen.

By far the most important strategy is proving the value of training. As competitive pressures increase and profit margins shrink, training expenses will be more closely scrutinized. As a result, quantifying the impact of training and development programs will be a major priority. Make sure you are practicing the evaluation methods, including ROI, discussed in Chapter 12. It is extremely important to link evaluation to the needs analysis and to make sure that training focuses on performance-based outcomes that can be measured. Arm ...