The Impact of On-the-Job Training and Stretch Assignments on Employee Performance

May 06, 2024

Workplace performance is a critical component that directly affects the success of a firm. Many companies now use on-the-job training and challenging tasks to help employees improve their abilities, increase productivity, and advance in their careers.

Each of these strategies has its own advantages and significant effects on productivity in the workplace. The need to provide employees with stretch tasks and conduct training in the workplace is discussed in this article.

Instruction While Working

OJT, or on-the-job training, is a method of professional growth and education that takes place directly in the workplace. Learning on the job improves a worker's existing abilities while acquiring new ones. Some of the most important ways in which OJT affects worker productivity are as follows:

1. Workers gain real-world experience and knowledge through on-the-job training. This method boosts productivity by assisting workers in mastering their jobs.

2. Employees' self-assurance grows with their skill levels throughout on-the-job training. It encourages people to take on more responsibilities and handle difficulties effectively.

3. On-the-job training is more effective than classroom instruction since it is designed to meet the demands of a certain position. Employees only spend time learning information that is useful to them in their jobs, saving the company time and money.

4. As on-the-job training facilitates education in real time, knowledge and abilities obtained may be put to use right away, resulting in noticeable gains in productivity.

Attempting New Things

Employees who are given stretch assignments are given the chance to take on difficult jobs or projects outside of their normal responsibilities. Employees are pushed beyond their comfort zones and given opportunities to expand their skill sets via these types of tasks. Here's how employees' performance improves thanks to stretch assignments:

1. Employees get a larger set of skills and experiences as they take on new challenges to grow professionally and personally.

2. A high degree of flexibility and a willingness to take on unexpected jobs are shown by employees who execute stretch projects effectively. Both the company and the worker may gain from an employee who is flexible.

3. Growing in one's leadership abilities is a common benefit of stretch assignments. Employees who perform exceptionally well in these roles may be groomed for leadership roles in the future, aiding in succession planning and expanding the organization's pool of potential leaders.

4. Employees' motivation, engagement, and contentment in the workplace may all benefit from stretch assignments. Engaged workers are more inclined to give their all on the job.

The Complementarity of Experiential Learning and Stretch Tasks in the Workplace

When combined with other elements of a complete people development plan, the effect of on-the-job training and stretch assignments on employee performance may be even greater. A culture of continual learning is fostered when on-the-job training is combined with challenging responsibilities. Workers develop as a result of both formal instruction and exposure to novel tasks. This is because skills learned through OJT may be immediately transferred to stretch assignments, helping the individual perform better in high-stakes roles.

Also, on-the-job training and challenging work may help employees rise through the ranks. Staff members get the skills necessary to advance to more responsible positions.

Conclusion

Training employees on the job and giving them challenging tasks may have a major influence on their productivity. OJT improves competence and self-assurance by offering timely, practical experience. Employees' flexibility and capacity for leadership are bolstered by the challenges posed by stretch assignments. When these methods are part of a larger talent development plan, they produce an enthusiastic and productive staff.

A company's long-term success in today's competitive business world may be attributed, in part, to its willingness to invest in its employees through on-the-job training and stretch assignments.

Want to know how to maximize these learning opportunities for your own employees? Onward Worldwide, an HR consultancy firm, can show you how.