By Alicia Stephens
Companies need to put more emphasis on training in today’s competitive hiring market to both retain and develop existing employees and to hire and recruit new staff. In the pool and spa industries, many are using a new approach to retain and find new employees. They focus on “human resources” from the perspective of the worker.
The workforce of companies that invest in education and training is built more systematically. Learning is a great way to keep employees engaged. Potential employees are also looking at the “investment,” a company will make in them.
Employees who enjoy their work and are constantly learning are more likely to recommend the company to a friend and recruit new employees. The pool and spa industry benefits from employees who have acquired experience and “human capital”. Education is a key component to solving the problems of a tight labor market.
Education and its ‘benefits
Employers today need to emphasize the satisfaction that employees feel when they work in the pool and spa industry. Compensation packages should not only include salary and hourly wages but also learning investments that the company provides to its employees. The benefits employees need and want should be highlighted. Investing in education and the long-term development of employees is more important now than ever. The best investment that pool and spa companies can make is to invest in their employees’ education. This will help them retain and hire talent.
Classroom training for industry specific
Online and virtual training options are still a valuable tool for new hires as well as veteran employees. “All the time, anywhere access” fits in with the new breed of pool care professionals who are entering the industry today. They have spent a lot of time in digital formats and are comfortable with screens. It is important to plan for the future of education. Companies can take advantage of this rather than trying to get them to stop using screens. Online training has advanced to the point that pool and spa professionals can take online courses from their desktop, tablet or phone. The course can be taken in the truck while employees are between jobs, or in the breakroom during slow retail traffic.
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