Needs Assessment

Sometimes training is not the solution. Other forces may reduce success:

• Unclear employee expectations
• Inadequate resources are available
• The workflow process is cumbersome
• Technology is not utilized to the fullest

The work environment must be analyzed to determine what the need is. Training comes into play when employees need more knowledge and skill in order to perform their job duties.

Therefore, the first step is to do a needs assessment of the workplace. Here are a few sample questions to think about:

Preliminary Needs Analysis - Look at the knowledge and skill level of the employee:

• Did the employee ever perform the task properly?
• Are job aids available and effective?
• Are the procedures for this task stable (i.e. they don't change frequently)?

Look at the capacity of the employee:

• Do they have the mental and physical capacity to perform the task?

Look at the job standards:

• Do they know what to do (i.e. expected performance)?
• Are there clearly defined standards?
• Do their supervisors agree on what and when?

Look at the measurement:

• Is performance measured?
• Are measurements based on results rather than activities?

Look at the feedback mechanism:

• Are employees informed about how they are performing?
• Is feedback accurate and specific?
• Is feedback given in a way they can accept?

Look at the conditions of the workplace:

• Is the workplace physically organized?
• Are tools and equipment operative?
• Is information accurate?

Look at the incentives:

• Is the task seen as worthwhile?
• Do the incentives really matter to the employee?
• Is "reward for poor performance" prevented?