Experts say it all the time: A business’ greatest asset is its people. A cliché, we know, but clichés are often true, which is why we believe in staff training.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
Recently, we secured funding from the TEC, which allows us to access training from an approved provider. For this round, we chose Te Ao Marama Consulting.
What are the topics?
So, what are our people learning? Is it the science of recycling, the art of sales, or the logistics of getting a truck from A to B more efficiently?
Well, none of the above. Let us explain…
Here are some of the topics covered:
- personal budgeting
- workplace communication
- Health & Safety
- driver licensing.
“Driver licencing!” we hear you say. Don’t be alarmed. We don’t mean our truck drivers — that would be silly, and we assure you they are highly qualified.
What we’re referring to is general motor vehicle licensing for some of our younger floor staff. So, you see, the topics are not so much academic, but rather, more about general life skills.
It’s working out very well, and most of our 23 staff and contractors are taking part.
Working together
It’s common in organisations for misunderstanding and conflict to exist between departments. So, our people choose the topics that are relevant to them and then work in groups of four or more as well as a tutor. We believe group learning is important because it enables participants to get a better understanding of each other.
What are the benefits?
There are several reasons for taking on this training. Here are some of them:
- build self-confidence and self-awareness
- improve communication skills
- build better understanding of each other.
Investing in people
We are a team. And sorry to use another cliché, but we’re ‘only as strong as our weakest link.’
So, point #2, improve communication skills, is vital. When you think about it, like most businesses, our success depends on good communication. It enables us to work better as a team and, ultimately, provide a better service to our customers.
And what about point #3, build better understanding of each other? To be happy in our work and, again, serve our customers well, we must understand and support each other. We must recognise the value each of us contributes — from our drivers on the road, our staff in recycling, to our people in the office.
As an organisation, being the best we can be is an ongoing process. That is why we will continue to invest in our people.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, please share.