• Business needs: Identify who decided that training should be conducted, why a training program has been recommended as a solution to a business problem, and what previous training has been provided by the organisation.
  
  
• User: Who will get the training, what is their level of existing knowledge on the subject, what is their learning style, and who will conduct the training.
  
  
• Work: Look closely at the tasks being performed in the job and the level of performance expected. A job profile or competency matrix can help with determining the main duties and skill level required. When this information is matched with the detail on the person to be trained you will be able to identify the type of training required and ensure that it is linked to the needs of the job.
  
  
• Suitability: Training is one of several solutions to employment problems. However, it may not always be the best solution. It is important to determine if training will be effective.
  
  
• Cost: What will be your return on investment? The right training will result in a return of value to the organisation that is greater than the initial investment to produce or administer the training.
  

Training Workshops

Our sister company, Hughes Consulting Group offered a series of HR-related workshops for 2006.  Following the success of 2005’s highly participative and practical training sessions, this season’s workshops provided more breadth of learning without compromising their highly interactive nature. The training ensures you have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver effective results for your company and your staff, whether this is recruitment, induction, performance management or disciplining staff.  Hughes Consulting Group is planning to offer the same workshops in 2007, so keep an eye out for more information as we regularly update the website. (All members and clients of hughesdirect get free updates not only on training dates but on employment legislation updates. Becoming a member is free, so it is a good way to be made aware of upcoming training.)

Hughes Consulting Group can also design and deliver in-house training for your company on a range of topics to up-skill your employees. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss the training options we offer. We are extremely flexible with both the content and setup of the training to ensure that we can offer a product that best meets the needs of your company.

Workshop Topics:

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Performance appraisals take many forms and can serve several purposes:- 

• Identifying barriers to effective performance, including lack of training, unclear objectives,  poor interpersonal relationships and ineffective job design
• Enhance motivation
• Identify additional responsibilities or change work practices which can achieve company goals
• Improve communication and reinforce company goals

This workshop will guide you through the appraisal process, get you involved in designing key performance indicators and even allow you to try an appraisal for yourself. 

At the end of this workshop you will have an understanding of how to design and conduct a performance appraisal with a member of staff against set job objectives, performance standards and personal goals.  You will be armed with the information you need to go ‘solo’ and be provided with templates to assist you in implementing your own system.

INDUCTION

The first three months of employment are critical to the success of a new employee.  A better understanding of the new job, new environment and the policies and culture of a company provides a firmer foundation for the employment relationship. 

Exercises have been designed to get you thinking about the benefits of induction and what your objectives might be.

By the end of this workshop you will have an understanding of induction.  You will know how to design, implement and conduct an induction programme for the mutual benefit of new employees and the company.  You will leave the workshop with information and templates to assist you in creating your own induction programme.

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND RETENTION

People stay in your company because they are well managed, feel valued and see opportunities in the company.  Succession planning allows you to develop this pool of talent with the skills, attributes, and experiences to fill specific positions in the future.  Correctly applied, you will be able to demonstrate real career growth, provide learning opportunities, retain valuable skills in the workplace and particularly in the current environment, grow your own skill base within your staff.  Your staff will be happier, more fulfilled, more committed, motivated and more productive. 

This workshop introduces you to the planning process of identifying, assessing and developing skills and talent within your business.  You will be also be able to design and implement a training needs analysis.  You will understand the benefits of staff surveys and how to use the information to increase staff loyalty, motivation and retention.  Case studies of successful initiatives from other companies will provide ideas for improving retention rates.  

HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE

This workshop contains the vital steps to successful recruitment and retention.

Job Profile – employing for the right job

Search – tips to find the right people

Interviews – tricks and techniques

Background checks – getting it right

Talent retention – induction, training & performance

You will gain first-hand experience in developing and writing a meaningful job description.   Through real life examples, you will develop an interview plan that reflects the position.  You will understand the benefits and limits of application forms, background and security checks.

DISCIPLINING AND DISMISSING

This highly participative and practical half day workshop will provide line managers with a framework that can be used to conduct a disciplinary hearing within the parameters of the law to achieve the best conclusion for both the employer and employee.

Working on real life scenarios, role plays and exercises, you will learn about the law, the prescribed procedure and how to use it.  You will understand how to use the disciplinary system to best effect for both you and your staff to help overcome behavioural or performance issues  

Email carmi@hughesgroup.co.nz for more details.