Difference Between Training and Development

Training and Development mobilize the horizontal variable “Competence” of the Human Talent Management System and are part of the Competence Assurance process. There is a notable difference between training and development. Many leaders start training their team, thinking that this is how they will develop, a common mistake that most managers/leaders make. We must understand these fundamental differences between training and development. Read about the importance of training and development programs at organizational levels and the difference between training and development.

Difference Between Training and Development

What is Training?

Training refers to a program conducted by organizations to enable their employees to develop new skills and competencies. It aims to improve the knowledge required for the job they are hired for and helps them improve their professional functioning. Training programs help the employees understand the job requirements and improve efficiency.

Employee training can make employees feel welcome and valued. It enhances their skills and knowledge, helps them understand and fit into the company culture, measures their performance, and prepares them for more responsibilities.

How Does Employee Training Improve Performance?

Employee training helps professionals gain new skills or improve existing ones. Research shows that employee training:

Improves skills and knowledge: Employee training can help fill the skills gaps. It also helps the employees gain technical and soft skills necessary for the job or to develop in a new role. 

Measure Performance: Performance reviews can be demoralizing, especially if employees receive the same empty feedback yearly. Such training programs assist in measuring the performance of an individual more accurately. Progress interviews and discussions become more valuable and meaningful.

Helps them understand and adapt to the company culture: An induction or training program helps the newly hired staff understand how the departments function and adapt to the company culture in less time.

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What is Development?

The development emphasizes building a successful career path for candidates. It aims much higher than ensuring someone can do a job and is a long-term challenge. There is no clear end goal. It is a permanent process that facilitates building a sustainable career path. Employee development strives to equip employees with the essential attitudes and skills to overcome future challenges. It improves both the hard and soft skills of professionals. 

How Does Employee Development Improve Performance?

Training of Future Leaders: Targeting skills and employees for future leadership helps set a business up for growth and change. Leadership talent acquisition can start from the initial acquisition, or HR professionals can select current employees as management candidates. Leadership development programs ensure that your organization always considers future organizational goals when grooming promotable talent.

Prepares Employees For More Responsibilities: Employee Development programs help professionals acquire new skills, instil confidence, and prepare them to grow in their careers. It helps them know exactly where to improve to deliver better work and be ready for more responsibilities faster. They can quickly advance to a higher or managerial position.

Makes Employees Feel Valued: Employees with ongoing access to training programs are more likely to feel valued, engaged, and loyal to your company. In short: they stay longer and are willing to go the extra mile.

Increase Participation in the Office: Boredom in the workplace can create dissatisfaction and hostile work habits. Fortunately, a development and succession plan can prevent inactivity in the workplace. Regular training programs can also help establish a regular evaluation of employees, skills, and processes. Training and development can also boost company culture and break down potential skills gaps.

Parting Thoughts

Employee training is an element of employee development. Regardless of whether or not your company has functional training and development programs, the development of the employees will not be effective if the work environment does not accommodate learning. Your human resources department must support a culture of constant development, and internal business systems should also reflect this.