If you run a Central Florida Small Business, you probably have at least a handful of employees. As your business grows and current employees move on for one reason or another, you’ll need to hire new employees. Do not underestimate the importance of training your employees. Properly training your staff not only helps your team do a better job, it also may prevent you from an expensive lawsuit. Avoid these common mistakes when training your employees.
Don’t Gloss Over Safety Concerns
Unless your business involves dangerous equipment or is deemed high-risk, you may not think you need to train your employees about workplace safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip-and-falls account for most workplace injuries. As obvious as it may seem, you need to train your team to identify and avoid trip hazards, how to respond to spills, and how to keep the entrance of your business free from snow or puddles. This safety training will prevent costly worker’s compensation claims and the risk that a customer will become injured in your place of business and sue you for damages.
Don’t Forget to Train Employees on Tolerance
It may be uncomfortable to discuss, but you must inform all employees that their is a zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment. Even if you conduct a thorough interview and background check on new hires, you have no way of knowing what biases they may bring with them to work. Their biases, if verbalized at work, can become your problem if you allow them to continue. You can be sued for allowing a hostile workplace to exist.
Don’t Make Training Disorganized or Boring
If you’re going to take the time to train your employees, take the time to do it right. If you want them to actually learn something, use a formal approach. Create an agenda so they’ll know what to expect; give them handouts they can keep and refer to later. Use examples, anecdotes, and visuals to keep them interested. Make it fun by incorporating games and prizes. If you’re training one person, why not take him to lunch on training day. This way you can get to know him and discuss the material in a low-key, relaxed environment.
It’s smart to train all employees. It’s also smart to have great insurance. Accidents happen even in businesses with well-trained staffs. Contact us at Newman Crane & Associates Insurance, (407) 859-3691 to make sure you are protected.