Staff turnover in print production can be high. We all know it’s expensive and time consuming to on-board and train new production employees, especially in peak times when there’s little bandwidth available to do so. Thus, the more effectively you can manage and reduce your turnover rate, the fewer errors you'll encounter, ultimately bolstering profitability.

Investing in learning and training opportunities for your staff will work in your favor by  not only minimizing staff turnover, but also bringing other various benefits to a print company. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:

1. Improved Employee Skills: Training programs enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. This not only helps them perform their current roles more effectively but also prepares them for future responsibilities. Skilled and knowledgeable employees are often more satisfied with their jobs.
2. Increased Job Satisfaction: Employees who feel that their organization is invested in their learning and development are likely to experience higher job satisfaction. Satisfied employees are generally more committed to their roles and less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
3. Enhanced Employee Engagement: Engaged employees are more committed, productive, and less likely to leave. Training and on-going learning can be significant contributors to employee engagement, showing that a company is interested in their growth and development; all this leading to a more positive workplace culture.
4. Positive Company Culture: A commitment to employee learning and development contributes to a positive company culture. This, in turn, can create a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees, making them more likely to stay with the organization.
5. Adaptation to Industry Changes: Regular learning opportunities keep employees updated on industry trends, best practices, and new technologies. This adaptability is crucial in industries like print production that undergo rapid changes, and it can help employees feel more confident in their roles.
6. Cost Savings: While both training and learning programs require an initial investment, they can lead to cost savings in the long run. Retaining skilled and experienced employees reduces recruitment and onboarding costs associated with high turnover rates.
7. Reduced Turnover Costs: High turnover comes with substantial costs, including recruitment, training, and productivity losses during the transition period. Investing in learning and training helps to reduce turnover, and can ultimately save an organization money.
8. Increased Productivity: Well-trained employees are often more productive, as they have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their tasks efficiently. Increased productivity can positively impact the bottom line and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

It can be tricky figuring out an effective strategy for learning and knowing how to incorporate effective and on-going learning and/or training opportunities for your staff. The investment and effort to make practical learning opportunities part of the day-to-day culture of your organization will pay off for your entire team. Here are some ideas:

• Specialized online courses tailored to the Print MIS software you use, like the ones Print Innovation has for Pace, offer an ideal learning experience. Participants can progress at their own pace and revisit content as needed. 
• Hosting “Lunch and Learns”, where subject matter experts from your organization deliver information over a lunch break for 20 - 30 minute sessions once a month, are very beneficial.
• Also ideal are "Did you know" learning boards that can be posted throughout your plant, offering up various tips and tricks on a rotating basis.
• You can also set up a “buddy system” to cross-train employees from one department to the next. You can make it fun and develop a “passport” of sorts to show where employees have spent some time learning across your organization. Giving employees a 4 hour window every two months to shadow in another department is a great way to share knowledge. On top of it, it builds working partnerships and awareness across the organization.

​

High stress in print is an oft-cited reason many production people will choose to leave a company. You can help to lower their stress by improving their learning, training and skill sets.
Allocating resources to the training of your print production staff is a strategic move on your part that will no doubt minimize staff turnover, while at the same time addressing immediate skill gaps, and contributing to long-term employee satisfaction, engagement, and organizational success.