Employee training is an investment that benefits an entire organization. The results might include increased productivity, more contributions from employees, increased loyalty and retention, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to successfully manage change.
Numerous types of training programs exist, from online tutorials to seminars to hands-on development, and each can be effective as long as the information provided is worthwhile and usable.

The Maids, the residential cleaning company that stands out from competitors because of its exclusive 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, provides training for franchisees to ensure they have every opportunity to be successful.

To ensure that your company gets the most out of training, follow these tips from The Maids.

BE CONSISTENT – Build a company culture that encourages skills development and provide ample opportunities for employees to sharpen their knowledge. If outside vendors don’t have the specialized training your company needs, create an in-house instruction program that will keep employees up-to-date and motivated. Everyone in the company, from top to bottom should be involved. Training is of little use if employees don’t follow the same guidelines or if supervisors don’t support what has been learned.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING – Providing training for a new procedure or technology application that won’t be implemented for several weeks likely will be a waste of time and money. Ensure that employees have the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned immediately so new-found skills will become second-nature to them. Don’t expect perfection at once. Provide follow-up coaching, reminders, flow-charts or other useful documents to help cement new behaviors or procedures.

THE REASONS WHY—Give employees concrete examples of how what they are learning will benefit them and the company. Staff members who understand both the process and the goal not only are more motivated to implement new knowledge, but are more likely to make meaningful contributions to the business.

DON’T RUSH – Focus on what employees need to know to improve or enhance the way they do their jobs, but don’t try to cram all that information into a one- or two-hour session. Change isn’t always easy. Employees will need lots of encouragement and time to discuss new practices if you want them to truly embrace modifications.

LET THERE BE FUN – Learning doesn’t have to be a bore or a chore. Seminars and workshops aren’t the only ways to impart learning. Try a field trip to other companies or bring in a panel of experts. Mentoring programs are an effective way of providing more personal training. Offer benefits to those who wish to learn, including tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling or work time for learning.

About The Maids:
Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.