Don’t Skip Training on Technology Investments

Construction companies are investing in digital technology with expectations of a quick return on investment (ROI). The assumption is that the investment will more than pay for itself by winning more bids and managing more jobs, profitability. It seems like a no-brainer, right?

Not so, because some software technology products might be pitched as “plug and play,” and so user-friendly, that little training is required. Often, simple, easy-to-use software is not all that simple and training and support would benefit the users and the company. Without training and support, you may not get the full benefits of your investment.

Training has a big impact on the value to be derived from technology investments. Training in general, not just on tech, has a high value. According to a 2014 HR Magazine column, companies that invest $1,500 annually in training on each employee have an average of 24 percent higher profit margins than businesses spending less on training.

Implementation of new software is not enough. Using only self-taught PowerPoint training is a small step in the right direction, but employee engagement falls off rapidly and doesn’t match the power of classroom instructor-led training, professional video presentations or live technical support through webinars.

ATD’s State of the Industry reports businesses provide 32.4 learning hours per year, per employee; more than 50 percent are instructor-led classroom training.

To learn more about the impact and value of employee training, download the free guide ‘The Winning Formula: Technology Solutions & Employee Training.’