In the 21st century, customization is expected in just about every facet of our lives. Why should training your warehouse employees look any different? Every member of your team likely plays a unique and important role. Not to mention, some of your employees may be required to adapt to better accommodate the new normal for safety. Here’s more about why individualized warehouse employee training works.
Engaging your trainees helps the skills stick
If you begin training your employees with a lack of purpose and enthusiasm, it’s not going to motivate even the hardest workers to perform. In fact, using the “What’s In It For Me” (WIIFM) approach can be particularly effective.
This isn’t to say that your employees will want to be trained for selfish reasons. On the contrary, the end goal will be that much easier to both understand and achieve on behalf of the whole team. And, the more you emphasize a one-on-one or small group approach, the more likely you’ll be able to pick out employee strengths and weaknesses.
You’ll have an easier time filling the gaps
It’s no secret recent events have taken a particularly heavy toll on both our physical and mental health. This is especially true when considering the mental health of essential workers. However, with individualized warehouse employee training, it can help you keep a pulse on your team’s well-being. It can also help them help not only themselves, but each other.
Individualized training is also important for the concept of cross-training. With a team that’s properly cross-trained in a few different disciplines or tasks, you likely won’t have to worry about staff shortages often. Furthermore, you’ll be fostering growth in your employees. This is especially true for those that may be newer to the workforce or your industry, making them more well-rounded for the future.
Limit the risk of warehouse hazards and accidents
Employees who don’t know their way around potentially dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise sophisticated machinery pose a risk to themselves and their surroundings. The worst possible outcome is obviously injury, though it’s not likely that you want to deal with product loss any time soon. But don’t worry. Proper training practically eliminates the risk of these top 10 OSHA recordable injuries. That being said, accidents happen.
Another consideration when it comes to individualized warehouse employee training is the concept of AI implementations. Though tempting, integrating AI into your warehouse is a quick way to add safety risks IF you do so without proper employee training. It’s important to make sure that your facility and your employees are ready for AI. Do so before you add too many applications, robots, or protocols at once.
It creates a happier, more productive workforce
Keep a diligent eye on your employees. It doesn’t make you overbearing — it means you care. You can then lend additional support when needed to help your workers maintain both productivity and safety. After all, employees that feel competent in their abilities have better performance and productivity. And they should — it’s crucial to have confidence when operating heavy machinery and other warehouse equipment.
Furthermore, you take note of who’s consistent, who should be rewarded, and who needs some extra attention. In fact, two “Dos” from this list of “Dos and Don’ts of Training Warehouse Employees” are to always assess your employees’ skillsets as well as reward consistent efforts.
For more tips on warehouse safety, check out the rest of our blog. Or, contact our team to discuss how you can easily and affordably boost the safety of your facility and your employees.
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