 |
Written by Liz McDermott |
With the rise of technology, compliance regulations, and the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce, mandatory training for employees offers organizations a unique opportunity to not only meet regulatory standards but also to improve employee engagement, productivity, and, ultimately, profitability.
This article explores the key benefits of mandatory employee training programs and best practices for designing and implementing effective compliance training programs to drive business success.
What employee training must employers provide?
Employers are required by law to provide specific safety training or certain types of education to their employees, depending on the nature of their business. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires U.S. employees to receive adequate training on specific safety and health hazards in the workplace. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is the regulatory body of the same for Canada. For example, hazardous materials regulations require employees who work with hazardous chemicals to receive WHMIS training under CCOHS and Hazard Communication training under OSHA to protect them against a new chemical hazard and how to handle hazardous materials safely.
Similarly, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires U.S. federal employees to receive adequate training on preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, state laws require training for employees in California, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and Maine to prevent sexual harassment.
Industries such as construction, maritime, food service, healthcare, and mining have applicable laws that require industry-specific training for employees as part of CCOHS and OSHA regulations or by industry regulatory bodies. For example, the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires healthcare providers that are covered entities to provide HIPAA training to health administration employees on how to handle protected health information.
Aside from regulatory requirements, employers must train workers on job-related skills and knowledge. You can include training on new software systems, customer service skills, and industry-specific certifications. By providing employees with the necessary tools for adequate training and knowledge to perform their job functions, employers can improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
What's the difference between Statutory vs. Mandatory training?
Statutory training, such as federal occupational safety, is required by law. It includes education on health and safety and sexual harassment and discrimination prevention. On the other hand, mandatory training is required by the employer but not necessarily required by law. It includes education on company policies and procedures, customer service skills, and leadership development.
While statutory training is mandatory, employers should also consider implementing mandatory training programs to improve employee behavior and skills. For example, absence training can help a business communicate absence procedures and provide managers with information on all the applicable leave laws. By doing so and effectively coaching employees, employers can create a company culture of learning and development in the workplace, leading to improved productivity, engagement, a healthy work environment, and, ultimately, profitability.
What is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide training on certain topics related to wage and hour laws. It includes education on how to correctly classify employees as exempt or non-exempt, how to cover overtime requirements, how to calculate overtime pay properly, and how to maintain accurate payroll records.
In addition to FLSA training, employers should also consider providing education on other wage and hour laws that may be specific to their industry. For example, employers in the restaurant industry may need to provide training on tip pooling and tip credit regulations.v
Check out Vubiz's FLSA training course designed for employers and employees in all industries in the U.S. to take it at their own pace for an interactive learning experience.
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Retaliation
Employers are also required to provide training on non-discrimination and anti-retaliation. It includes education on preventing workplace harassment and discrimination and how to report incidents.
Employers should also train employees on anti-retaliation, which includes training on how to prevent retaliation against employees who report incidents of sexual harassment or discrimination. By providing this education, employers can create a safe and inclusive workplace where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of retaliation.
Need Sexual Harassment Training For Your Business?
Don't tolerate discrimination at work. Provide Vubiz's award-winning sexual harassment and discrimination prevention training to your employees.
How To Implement Mandatory Training For Employees
Implementing mandatory training programs can be daunting, but it can be a smooth and efficient process with the right approach and best practices. Here are some best practices for designing and implementing effective mandatory training programs:
Mapping Training Requirements to Job Roles
Before implementing mandatory training, employers should map education requirements to job roles. It involves identifying the skills and knowledge employees need to perform their specific job functions effectively. By mapping training requirements to job roles, employers can ensure that employees receive the necessary education to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.
State-by-State-Required Employee Training List
If your business has offices or facilities in different regions, it's important to compile a list of workers by state to make sure the education provided applies to state laws. For example, workers in California require more training than employees in other states.
Sexual harassment training is also mandated at the state level. To learn more about training laws by state, download our Anti-harassment Training Laws quick guide.
Safety Education
Your business is responsible for safety training for employees depending on hazards found in the workplace. For example, fire safety applies to most companies since it covers orderly emergency evacuation.
Compliance and Ethics Training Program Example: Ethical Business Practices
An Ethical Business Practices course can provide employees, such as your sales team, with an initial assignment that gives them the knowledge to understand what's expected of them under certain circumstances, such as off-the-clock work, criminal misconduct, and ways to address wrongdoing per your company's policies. This additional training is a best practice.
Adding Employees and Communicating Expectations
Once training requirements have been mapped to job roles, employers should add employees to the training program and communicate expectations. It involves letting employees know what training they are required to complete and when they are required to complete it. By communicating expectations clearly, employers can ensure that employees understand what is expected of them for certain job assignments and can plan their work accordingly.
Deliver Mandatory Training With An LMS
An effective way to deliver mandatory training programs is through a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS software application allows employers to create and manage training programs online.
Select a Learning Management System (LMS)
The first step in delivering online mandatory training is to select an LMS. Many LMS providers are available, each with unique features and capabilities. Employers should choose an LMS that aligns with their training needs and budget.
Learn more about Vubiz's LMS Solutions.
Conclusion: Hire Training Supervisors To Manage Your Training Program
Supervisors play a critical role in the success of compliance training programs. They are responsible for compliance training and ensuring employees complete it on time and understand the material. Employers should provide supervisors with performance management training on how to manage and track employee training and provide constructive feedback and support to employees.
Mandatory employee training programs offer organizations unique opportunities to meet regulatory standards and improve employee engagement, productivity, and profitability. By mapping training requirements to job roles, communicating expectations, and delivering effective training programs through an LMS, employers can create a culture of learning and development in the workplace. By doing so, they can gain a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced business environment.
To get started, employers should evaluate their current training programs and identify areas for improvement. Employers can improve productivity, engagement, and profitability by implementing mandatory training programs and investing in employee development.
For more information, please contact us to inquire about our Compliance Training programs.