Cross-training can be a good way to keep employees motivated and engaged, BLR recently wrote. It provides some variety from the routine of jobs, and broadens employee skills in a way that can help the employing business as well as the individual.
During economic downturns, employees may find opportunities to expand their own abilities particularly attractive. The benefits within the organization can be significant, with employees who better understand the system as a whole may be more willing to accommodate each other and more sympathetic to the challenges their colleagues face.
Workers who have cross-trained can better cover for each other during absences and vacations, making business run more smoothly, and it is even possible employers will discover an employee is more productive in a different position.
BLR notes flexibility is a key to encouraging employee participation and garnering enthusiasm. Programs can either be standardized and applied to everyone in a company or section, or allow more individual choice as to what area the employee wishes to explore.
A study by Bersin and Associates earlier in the year found many businesses increased training investment in 2010, representing a promising turnaround as companies improved operations by developing leadership and organizational capability. Such HR investment can have a major impact by building expertise.
