Question

a. What are some reasons why on-the-job training can be ineffective?

b. What can be done to ensure its effectiveness?

Answer 1

What are some reasons why on-the-job training can be ineffective?

True, on the job training can be highly effective if undertaken properly. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, employees undergo more stress, greater frustration and have higher job expectations. These factors may affect their performance. Lately, realization has dawned upon organizations that employee i.e. human resource is the most important asset. The on-job training provided today should be more work oriented rather than theoretical. I feel that the training should be more practical. It can also be ineffective if the individuals who attends the training are not attentive, create distractions or bring other work to work on while there. If the subject of the training is not relevant to the actual job being done, it will be ineffective.

What can be done to ensure its effectiveness?

A successful training program is always a work in progress, and the training cycle isn’t complete without an evaluation of training’s effectiveness, which leads to decision-making and planning for future training. Therefore, a useful and informative evaluation program needs to be a part of your overall training operation. The training needs to reflect the actual steps and decision points that the task requires from the worker. The location of the training is important. Desk space, isolation from outside events and noise, room temperature all make a difference. Also, provide a take away handout that concisely reflects the training or email the document for future reference. This should not just be a copy of the power point presentation. Also, I believe that you should evaluate the effectiveness of the actual training. These minor steps can eliminate issues that may occur in the future.