Increasing headcount through the end of 2024 may not be feasible for some U.S. companies, as 33% of hiring managers say budget constraints or the inability to hire is responsible for stagnant or decreasing hiring plans. However, reskilling current employees may be the key to balancing the desire to strengthen workforces while keeping costs in line, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

There are specific fundamentals that may contribute to the success of training courses and the overall impact your learning strategy is having on employees. Since one of my favorite thought leaders is Stephen Covey, I will borrow one of his “7 habits” to begin our exploration of the fundamentals of training. That habit is number two on his list and it is “Begin with The End in Mind.” To that I say, let us explore the effectiveness of evaluations.

A recent survey by OverDrive and HR Dive reveals that most organizations recognize the importance of Learning and Development (L&D), as evidenced by their increasing budgets. Currently, 94% of HR leaders express optimism about the future of L&D in their companies, and 71% anticipate budget increases for L&D in the upcoming year. But developing an L&D culture doesn’t require an extravagant budget. For those working with limited resources, there are effective strategies...

Learning and development (L&D) teams have traditionally aimed to equip workers with the skills needed for their current jobs and future career advancement. While these goals remain true, the rapidly evolving professional landscape has made them moving targets. Today, the skills required for existing roles are constantly changing, and career progression within organizations looks different from the traditional path.

A few years back, the company I was working for at the time expanded their sales division and promoted one of our best inside sales representatives to manager. Her first hire was a server from a well-known restaurant in the area. As I facilitated her orientation, I was fascinated with the idea that this could work. Afterall, she had no business to business or outside sales experience. She had, at that point, never held a corporate job, working for the last few years as a server. How would...

On the ASE hotline, we are often asked which states and jurisdictions require harassment training.  Currently, Michigan does not.  We are still waiting to see what laws will be proposed before the end of year.  The election will likely influence activities by the legislature.

Google defines succession planning as a business strategy companies use to pass leadership roles down to another employee or group of employees. Given the youngest baby boomers are expected to begin retiring in 2031, seven short years from now, companies should begin the process of preparing the next generation of leadership. A seismic shift will begin to take place. Will your company be prepared to seamlessly continue strategic action? Only if you begin soon. This article though, is not...

No one likes to waste time.  If there is anything we’ve all learned from the Covid-19 crisis, it is that time is very valuable, and in business, that means MONEY.  It also may shock some of you to know that even training professionals don’t like wasting time.  We look for ways in which we can train your employees as fast as possible with the best results possible.  This, for us in the industry, is called Knowledge Transfer.  In other words, how do we make...

Upskilling and reskilling have become a key objective for today’s workforce. Technological advancements, demographic shifts, and the ever-changing economic landscape demand a workforce that is adaptable, agile, and equipped with the latest skills. As businesses strive to stay competitive and individuals seek to future-proof their careers, the need for continuous learning has never been more crucial for both employers and employees.

Everyone is talking about AI! Artificial intelligence is changing our landscape on every level. In the training world, facilitators are starting to rely on its benefits. Here is your cautionary warning and some things to look out for when using AI for training:

The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund offers more than $55 million to employers for training that will lead to a worker credential for skills that are transferable and recognized by industry. Though focused on hard skill training, Going PRO grants can be used to develop supervisor skills in the employer’s workforce. 

Have you ever heard these words? “Picture it, Sicily, 1919…” or “Back in St. Olaf, we…” Those phrases made a whole generation laugh and still entertain us today on the television show, Golden Girls, which ran from 1987-1992 on NBC.

It’s a new year, start it off with FUN in your training classroom!  Any learning professional will tell you that the most effective way to transfer learning in the classroom is through an activity.  No number of cute graphics on the PowerPoint or how many jumping jacks a trainer can do to start the class (this is an actual thing), will make the learning stick like a fun game.  There’s a term for this and that term is “GAMIFICATION.”  Sounds cool...

Alas, 2024 is here and usually that means resolutions.  I am a firm believer in building habits so that resolutions and goal setting can happen throughout the year, not just for the turn of the year.  Depending on how your 2023 turned out, it’s probable you have goals for your teams for 2024.  Make sure one of those goals is training.  Here are three reasons why:

TalentLMS, in collaboration with Vyond, a leading AI-powered video creation platform, released a research report on the 2024 learning and development trends within organizations. 41% of employees said they will look for another job in 2024 if their company doesn’t provide them with training opportunities. 

This is part three of a series about the elements of a presentation that should be included for the three types of learners.  Previously, we covered auditory learners (those who learn by hearing) and visual learners (those who learn by visual elements).  Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, thrive when they can actively participate and engage in the learning process. These learners benefit from hands-on activities and physical movement to help them understand and...

Learning how your employees learn could be the best use of your time yet.  By understanding the three learning styles, leaders can maximize effectiveness not only in training but also business in general.  There are three types of learners: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.  In a previous article, I shared with you a learner who was so Auditory, she knitted a whole Teddy Bear in our 4-week class and was almost perfect on her exams.  It was this inspiring situation that...

In preparation for an impending economic downturn, McKinsey emphasizes the significance of focusing on employee development as a strategic advantage. According to recent research from the McKinsey Global Institute, companies that prioritize both human capital development and effective workforce management tend to outperform their peers in terms of profitability and resilience, while also excelling in talent attraction and retention.

Do you know if your team needs training?  A training analysis involves a systematic process of gathering information and assessing various factors to determine the training needs of individuals or a group of employees in an organization. Here are three key components typically involved in a training analysis:

According to a recent ADP Research survey, 40% of respondents now place career advancement on their priority list, marking a substantial increase from the previous year's 23%. In fact, it surpassed the importance of flexible working hours.

What is manufacturing day? It is a national day where high school students can learn about modern-day manufacturing, career options, and more. Students can visit a local facility and envision their future careers. They can connect current classroom learning to on-the-job skills. Careers in manufacturing today are much different than years ago. Today, the manufacturing industry utilizes technology to create and build the latest and greatest products. 

Learning how your employees learn could be the best use of your time yet.  By understanding the three learning styles, leaders can maximize effectiveness not only in training but also business in general.  There are three types of learners: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. 

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of cultivating their internal talent to future supervisors. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager requires a shift in mindset and skillset. Many organizations have come to realize that simply promoting high-performing employees to managerial roles isn't enough. Instead, a systematic approach that combines training, mentorship, and ongoing development is essential.

As I sit in a hotel room in Texas the day before the start of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) annual conference, it made me pause to consider how much better this is than going virtual during the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong, there are benefits to learning virtually, and I can learn from both virtual and in-person classes, but there is something different about an in-person conference.

Creating a comfortable and engaging learning environment is crucial in the corporate classroom. Icebreakers play a vital role in fostering connections, breaking down barriers, and setting a positive tone for learning.