07. Negative Effects of Lack of Training and Development in an Organization

  by Yasodha Pathirana

We are living in a global village. The world is becoming smaller and our business is becoming larger as the result of globalization. In this regard the companies must be competitive to face the challenges of the globalization. Current organizations are facing extensive competition, continuously changing technological and business environment. Globalization and ever-changing customer needs have added up more challenges on business organizations. In order to meet these challenges, the industries are seeking to reach its targeted profit level by ensuring proper Training and Development of employees. Employees are most precious asset for any organization as they can build up or destroy reputation of company and they can affect profitability (Karim, et al., 2019). Therefore, employee training is extremely important for organizational development and untrained employees will be a big threat to organizational development and progress. Lack of training can have several negative consequences. Here are a few potential impacts.

 

Poor and Worsening Performance 

Employees who don't receive adequate training may have difficulty meeting performance standards. While some of workers may be self-motivated and take it upon themselves to learn how to do their jobs better, others may not have this kind of initiative. As a result, they may end up learning by trial and error or by imitating co-workers of varying levels of competency. Mediocre performance not only takes its toll on employee morale but negatively impacts entire business (Al-Aghbari, 2019).

Unsafe Work Environments

Organizations have a legal obligation to ensure provide employees with the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision needed to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees at work. By ignoring this responsibility, organization could face legal repercussions, an increase in workplace accidents, decreased staff morale and an increase in staff absence (Hendy , 2023).

Diminished Industry Standing

If employees are continually learning through seminars, classes and participation in industry events, they are able to keep the organization on the cutting edge of industry trends. Failure to invest in training can result in a cloistered business that has little industry relevance. If organization want to stay competitive, it is necessary employees are learning from and alongside their industry colleagues (Al-Aghbari, 2019).

Unhappy and Unsatisfied Employees

Inadequately trained employees are likely to experience poor job performance and increased levels of work-related stress. If employees are feeling unhappy and undervalued, the chances of them searching elsewhere for progression and development opportunities will increase. If organization want to retain good employees, it is important to invest in their happiness by prioritizing their development (Hendy , 2023).

Lower Employee Engagement and Retention

Training programs demonstrate a manager’s investment in their employee’s growth and development. Employees receiving training feel valued and motivated, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction. Conversely, a lack of training can lead to feelings of reduced motivation and increased turnover (Sharma, 2023).

 

According to the research done by Elnaga and Imran in 2013 the researchers found that managers does not recognize about the importance of training and its effect on employee performance or they believe that training increases the company cost. But in their research, they highlighted that effective training is considered to be a key factor for improved performance; as it can enhance the level of employee and firm competency. It supports to fill the gap between what performance if required and what performance is happening, i.e. gap between desired performance and actual employee performance (Elnaga & Imran, 2013).

 

Conclusion

The lack of training in the workplace is a critical issue that managers must address to unlock their full potential. Managers must prioritize training and create a culture that embraces continuous learning. Investing in training is an investment in the future of the team. It enhances individual performance and contributes to long-term growth, innovation and adaptability. By unleashing employees’ potential through training, managers create a competitive advantage, attract and retain top talent and position themselves as industry leaders (Sharma, 2023).

 

References

Al-Aghbari, S. G., 2019. Small Business and Lack of Training. 1 ed. s.l.:Lebanese International University Yemen/Sana’a.

Elnaga, A. & Imran, A., 2013. The Effect of Training on Employee Performance. European Journal of Business and Management, Volume 5 (4), pp. 137-147.

Hendy , N., 2023. The Consequences of a Lack of Training in the Workplace. [Online]
Available at: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/lack-of-training-in-the-workplace/
[Accessed 15 December 2023].

Karim, M. M., Choudhury, M. M. & Latif, W. B., 2019. The Impact of Training and Development on Employees’ Performance: An Analysis of Quantitative Data. Noble International Journal of Business and Management Research, Volume 3 (2), pp. 25-33.

Sharma, S., 2023. The impact of lack of training: 6 Strategies to empower your workforce. [Online]
Available at: https://www.risely.me/impact-of-lack-of-training/
[Accessed 15 December 2023].