Human resource professionals help their organization make investments in talent by establishing a training program. Training consists of an organization’s planned efforts to help employees acquire job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors, with the goal of applying these on the job. A training program may range from formal classes to one-on-one mentoring, and it may take place on the job or at remote locations. Training can benefit the organization when it is linked to organizational needs and when it motivates employees.

The nature of the modern business environment makes training more important today than it ever has been. Rapid change, especially in the area of technology, requires that employees continually learn new skills. Growing reliance on teamwork creates a demand for the ability to solve problems in teams, an ability that often requires formal training. And, the diversity of the U.S. population, coupled with the globalization of business, requires that employees be able to work well with people who are different from them. Successful organizations often take the lead in developing this ability.

An effective training program teaches what it is designed to teach, and it teaches skills and behaviors that will help the organization achieve its goals. To achieve those goals, HR professionals approach training through instructional design—a process of systematically developing training to meet specified needs. A complete instructional design process begins with an assessment of the needs for training and then ensures that employees are ready for training in terms of their attitudes, motivation, basic skills, and work environment.

The organization then plans and implements the training program, including the program’s objectives, instructors, and methods. Finally, evaluating the results of the training provides feedback for planning future training programs. To carry out this process more efficiently and effectively, many organizations use a learning management system (LMS), a computer application that automates the administration, development, and delivery of a training program. Administrative tools let managers track course completion and manage training needs and rewards.