The integration of technology into business operations is no longer a luxury, but a requisite for maintaining competitiveness even among the newest and smallest businesses. This advancement comes with its own set of challenges—chief among them being the potential for insufficient IT training for employees.

By IT training, we mean everything from cyber security protocols (our bread and butter) but also training on your standard office software, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook, to get the best bang for your buck. If you’re in the Microsoft universe, you probably also use Microsoft Teams to an extent, and there’s some great tips that will help facilitate the best video calls, adding professional credibility to your business. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of good quality, comprehensive IT training, beyond simply ‘getting by’.

The Risks of Inadequate IT Training: Security, Productivity, and Compliance

Security vulnerabilities

At any time, any member of your team can inadvertently expose your business to cyber threats, compromising crucial data. Much like an unguarded fortress, a team untrained in safe device use is susceptible to external threats. Lack of awareness about phishing emails, insecure passwords, or unsafe browsing practices can lead to breaches that put your sensitive data and intellectual property at risk.

Regulatory risks

Failure to adhere to data protection and industry-specific guidelines may lead to significant legal repercussions, including hefty fines and damage to your organisation’s reputation. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and failing to comply with data protection and other relevant regulations due to a lack of training could have severe legal implications for your business.

Conflict in the office and drops in productivity

An employee not well-versed in IT is a cog in a machine that doesn’t quite fit; that equals frustration and downtime for both the individual needed extra support, and their colleagues relying on everything running smoothly. A lack of IT proficiency doesn’t only impact the individual; it has a trickle-down effect on the entire team. Next comes reduced productivity but also creates a ripple effect of inefficiency across the system.  Even a single untrained employee can lead to project delays, reduced quality of work, and increased tension among colleagues.

Benefits of Training on Employee Performance and Retention

Enhanced performance, morale, confidence and collaboration

Well-trained employees are not just more proficient; they are also more likely to engage in best practices that improves the efficiency of the entire operation. Employees with an adequate level of regular training feel empowered, competent, and valuable, leading to increased job satisfaction and higher morale within the team.

Effective use of technology can facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members, even those working remotely. This leads to more streamlined operations and improved outcomes. A team well-versed in leveraging technology can give your business a competitive advantage. Good quality training could also afford your business a competitive edge by ensuring your staff will be more agile, adapting to changes in the marketplace more rapidly than competitors who lag in this area.

Lower Operational and Costs

Training can also lead to lower long-term operational costs by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for external technical support or frequent software-related disruptions. A trained employee is less likely to make costly mistakes, whether it’s falling for a phishing scam or mishandling client data, thereby reducing business risks. When employees feel that they are growing and being valued through effective training programs, they are more likely to stay with your company, thus reducing turnover costs and retaining internal expertise.

Actionable Strategies for Addressing Insufficient IT Training

1. Conduct a Skills Assessment

Before embarking on a training program, it’s crucial to know where the gaps lie. Consider conducting an audit through surveys or direct interviews to assess current skill levels and identify areas for improvement. Start at the very beginning of device use, things that you may do automatically but some of your team need support with the basics, this is often overlooked and the exact method of attack by cyber criminals.

2. Develop Custom Training Programs

Based on the skills assessment, tailor your training programs to meet the specific needs of your employees. External consultants or accredited online courses could be viable options for this. If you use an IT support company, ask them what training materials they include in their service. Clearsky IT has a range of Microsoft 365 training guides, as well as customisable training on their customer portal.

3. Institute a Culture of Continuous Learning

In a fast-paced digital world, continuous learning should be an integral part of your company culture. Make educational resources available and create an environment where ongoing training is encouraged and rewarded.

One of the best ways to implement and get company-wide adoption for new training plans is to have selected employees ‘own’ the training and ensure each member of the team has the necessary support to work through the training modules. Clearsky IT’s customer training portal can send progress reports to key stakeholders so nobody falls through the cracks.

4. Utilise High-Quality Online Resources

Consider leveraging established educational platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to supplement your internal training programs. There’s some gems to be found, and some of them aren’t very expensive when compared with the cost of creating courses from scratch. If you need help selecting the right training materials for you and your organisation, ask the professionals at Clearsky IT. While you’re at it, take a look at all of the free learning resources on the Knowledge Centre – the guides are free to download and print!

5. Periodic Review and Updating

It’s essential to review the effectiveness of your training programs periodically and update them as necessary to adapt to emerging technologies and practices. Keeping up with the fast-paced digital world is a full time job (and we love it!) so enlist the help of IT professionals to ensure your team remains sharp and on top of their personal development.

Investing in adequate IT training is not an option but a requirement in the modern business landscape. It safeguards your organisation against multiple risks and fosters a more efficient and harmonious work environment. For additional plans tailored specifically for small and medium enterprises, please explore our Clearsky IT solutions.

The return on investment for comprehensive IT training is substantial, offering benefits that extend from enhanced security to improved team cohesion and employee retention. Don’t sleep on your team’s IT training: bridge the IT training gap to stay ahead from the rest.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice specific to your business needs.