Maximizing Employee Retention: How On the Job Training Builds Loyalty

A staggering 80% of respondents to a nationwide survey said they would leave a job within six months if it doesn’t meet their expectations. HR pros are calling this phenomenon “Shift Shock”—when a new hire starts a job and they don’t feel aligned with the company, so they resign within a few months of starting. How much does this turnover cost? Gallup estimates it costs companies a trillion dollars—every year—and many of those employees could have been retained with the right employee retention strategies. It costs anywhere from one-half to two times the employee’s salary to find a replacement, and if you’re in an industry with high turnover, that adds up. One way to build a loyal, long-term workforce is On the Job Training (OJT). As a retention strategy, OJT keeps new hires engaged during the critical first 90 days of employment.

Relevant Training

New hires need to understand how their contribution helps the team, so they’ll feel invested in the company, their role, and the overall success of both. Without a formal training program that’s relevant to their ultimate responsibilities, they may feel they’re wasting their time and they’re more willing to check out. OJT provides targeted, relevant training that helps them feel connected to their role. With OJT they’re learning on the job, and they hit the ground running from the start of employment. Another benefit to OJT is new hires have access to a Workforce Solutions employee coach that checks in with them every 30-, 60-, and 90-days to make sure they’re on track and developing their skills as expected. Employers and employees can access these coaches any time during the crucial first 90 days of employment to ensure new hires are set up for success with the company.

Increased Satisfaction

Employees who participate in OJT programs often report higher job satisfaction levels. When employees are properly trained coming into a new company, they can feel more confident in their abilities, which leads to increased job performance and a greater sense of fulfillment in their roles. Instead of checking out and moving on if they don’t feel engaged, OJT gives them a hands-on learning period where they’re integrated into the team and making a difference from day one. Heightened job satisfaction is a powerful driver of employee retention. When employees feel confident in their work, they’re less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Improved Morale

High employee turnover comes with significant costs, and it’s not just the cost of recruitment. A potentially higher cost is the loss of morale when turnover is high. If new hires are coming and going within a few weeks or months, it creates a negative cascading effect through the organization. No one wants to work in an environment where teams are constantly changing, there aren’t enough skilled people to do the work, and existing employees are under pressure from being understaffed. Investing in OJT training and coaching shows the company is dedicated to keeping new hires for the long haul.

A Loyal and Skilled Workforce

OJT not only benefits new hires, it also builds a skilled and adaptable workforce that benefits the overall organization. As new employees learn new skills and knowledge, they become more agile and better prepared to tackle challenges. A well-trained employee is going to be a positive addition to the company’s culture. As employees become more confident in their skills, they better support each other, handle challenges together, and feel more loyalty toward their team and the organization.

In competitive job markets like the Gulf Coast region, organizations that implement OJT programs not only retain their employees but also position themselves as employers of choice. When new hires receive structured training and coaching, they’re likely to be engaged and loyal over the long term.

To learn about all of the benefits of OJT, email talent@wrksolutions.com or call 713-688-6890.