The following information comes from BLR’s 10-Minute HR Trainer session, "Cross-Training to Promote Better Productivity."
How Does Cross-Training Benefit the Organization?
- Cross-training involves teaching workers job duties other than the ones they normally perform.
- It develops skills and knowledge so that employees have more to offer the organization.
- It helps you cope with absences and leaves by distributing an absent employee’s work to coworkers who are already trained to perform the work competently.
- Cross-training allows for greater flexibility in scheduling work, as you are able to assign workers who can perform a variety of tasks where they are needed most at any given time.
- It ensures that there is always more than one person who knows how to operate equipment, find necessary information, deal with problems, etc., so that production is not affected.
- Cross-training enriches jobs and creates greater job satisfaction, which reduces turnover.
- It may lead to innovation and greater efficiency as employees approach new tasks with different perspectives, expertise, and talents.
- Cross-training prepares workers for promotion and ensures smoother, more successful successions.
- It can also reduce costs by allowing you to keep a lean workforce and reducing the need for temporary workers.
Yes, you do have the budget and time to train managers and supervisors with BLR’s® 10-Minute HR Trainer. Try it at no cost or risk. Get details.
How Does Cross-Training Benefit Employees?
- Cross-training helps employees develop knowledge and skills, preparing them for advancement and promoting career development.
- It makes employees’ jobs more interesting and challenging, thus improving morale and motivating them to learn more and be more productive.
- Cross-training increases cooperation and communication among employees, enhancing teamwork and positive work relationships.
- It increases employees’ knowledge of the organization and helps them see a bigger picture.
- Cross-training increases confidence and competence, reducing errors, improving problem-solving, and encouraging initiative.
Train your line managers with BLR’s 10-Minute HR Trainer. There won’t be time for classroom boredom. Try it for free.
In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll look at how to implement a cross-training program—and preview a dynamic resource that helps you get training done quickly and efficiently.