Our Blogs

Aug 28, 2024

Did you know? Soft skills training can boost employee engagement by up to 57% according to a study by Gallup. But even with this potential, many organizations struggle to see a tangible return on investment. 

You’ve invested in your employee soft skills training. You envisioned a more collaborative, engaged, and productive workforce. Yet, post-training performance seems stagnant. This can be frustrating, but fear not, L&D professionals! There are several reasons why soft skills training might not yield the desired results.

“Training is always an investment, never an expense.” – Benjamin Franklin

This blog explores potential roadblocks and offers actionable steps to get your employee soft skills training back on track. After all, research by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) shows that strong soft skills lead to a 12% increase in productivity. Let’s dive in and ensure your training translates into real-world improvements.

Diagnosing the Disconnect: Why Soft Skills Training Might Not Be Sticking

Several factors can hinder the effectiveness of employee soft skills training:

• Misaligned Training: Did the training target the right skills for your team’s needs? For instance, focusing on negotiation skills for a customer service team might yield less impact than training on active listening and empathy.
  Lack of Alignment with Organizational Objectives One of the primary reasons soft skills training may fall short is a lack of alignment with your organization’s overall objectives and priorities. According to a study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), only 23% of companies have a clear understanding of the connection between their training programs and broader business goals.
• Delivery Disconnect: Was the training engaging and interactive? Did it promote active participation and knowledge application? Lectures and dry content often struggle to resonate with learners.
• Transfer of Learning: Did the training provide opportunities to practice the newly acquired skills on the job? Without reinforcement and application, knowledge retention dwindles.
• Leadership Blind Spots: Do managers actively encourage and support the use of these soft skills? If leaders don’t model these behaviors, employees might find it difficult to integrate them into their daily work.

Reinvigorating Your Soft Skills Training Strategy

Now that we’ve identified potential roadblocks, let’s explore actionable steps to bridge the gap:

• Needs Assessment 2.0: Revisit your initial needs assessment. Did your team’s priorities shift? Talk directly to employees and managers to identify current challenges and required skills.
• Focus on Practical Application: Incorporate role-playing, scenario-based learning, and on-the-job simulations into your training. This allows employees to practice applying their new skills in real-world situations.
• Ongoing Reinforcement: Provide ongoing support through coaching, mentoring programs, and microlearning opportunities. Regularly revisit key concepts, offering employees the chance to ask questions and refine their skills.
• Leadership Development: Equip your leaders with the skills to coach and support their teams in applying soft skills learned in training. This creates a culture of continuous learning and development.

Metrics Matter: Measuring the Impact of Soft Skills

Beyond intuitive observations, consider incorporating metrics to track the impact of your soft skills training. Here’s how:

• Employee Surveys: Track employee sentiment towards collaboration, communication, and overall teamwork after the training.
• Performance Reviews: Look for improvements in areas targeted by the training, such as customer satisfaction or conflict resolution.
• Focus Group Discussions: Hold facilitated discussions with employees to gather feedback on the training’s effectiveness and its impact on their work.
• Insufficient Measurement and Evaluation How do you know if your soft skills training is truly effective? By implementing robust measurement and evaluation mechanisms. Research shows that organizations that measure the impact of their training programs are 2.5 times more likely to report successful outcomes.

“The greatest leader is one who has the ability to make others feel that they are a part of something important.” – Abraham Lincoln

Additional Tips for Effective Soft Skills Training

• Tailor Training to Different Learning Styles: Utilize a variety of delivery methods (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to cater to different learning preferences.
• Involve Stakeholders: Collaborate with managers and employees in designing the training to ensure it aligns with their needs and expectations.
• Leverage Technology: Explore e-learning platforms and mobile apps for accessible and flexible learning opportunities.
• Measure Training ROI: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate the business impact of the training.

Examples of Soft Skills Training Success

• Company A: Implemented a comprehensive soft skills training program focused on communication and teamwork. After six months, they observed a 25% decrease in employee turnover and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction.
• Company B: Conducted a pilot program on emotional intelligence training for sales teams. The results showed a 20% increase in sales revenue per employee within a year.

Partnering for Success with The Training Booth

At The Training Booth, we specialize in delivering high-impact soft skills training that drives tangible results. Our approach is centered around:

• Customized Solutions: We work closely with organizations to understand their unique needs and develop tailored training programs that address specific challenges.
• Expert Trainers: Our experienced trainers bring real-world expertise and a passion for adult learning, creating engaging and impactful training experiences.
• Blended Learning Approach: We combine classroom training, virtual learning, and on-the-job coaching to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience.
• Measurable Results: We track key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate the return on investment of our training programs.

By partnering with The Training Booth, you can be confident that your investment in employee soft skills training will yield significant improvements in employee performance and overall organizational success.

Contact us today and let’s work together to develop a customized soft skills training program that empowers your employees and fuels your company’s success.

Let’s make your soft skills training a resounding success!