Finding good staff is hard enough; keeping them can be even harder. For small businesses, regular training and development are often overlooked, yet they are some of the most powerful tools for improving staff retention.
Employees want to feel that their skills are growing and that they have a future within the company. When businesses invest in development opportunities – whether through workshops, mentorship programmes, short courses or on-the-job training – they send a strong message: you are valued here. It builds loyalty, increases motivation, and creates a sense of belonging.
Training also helps employees perform better. As their skills improve, so does their confidence and productivity. A confident team is a happier team, and happy employees are less likely to leave. Development opportunities also allow businesses to spot potential future leaders early and to prepare them for greater responsibilities, helping to create a stronger internal pipeline rather than needing to recruit externally.
Small businesses often worry that training will take too much time or cost too much. However, the cost of losing good staff—recruitment fees, lost productivity and the impact on morale – can be much higher in the long run.
Making training a regular part of your business culture doesn’t just benefit the employees; it’s an investment in the future strength and stability of the company itself.
If you need guidance on building a practical training and development plan for your business, contact Uphando for expert HR support tailored to your needs.