There’s a Better Way to Provide Writing Training

     

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The human resources (HR) department is an integral part of most corporate organizations. Managing tasks from hiring (and firing) to analyzing organizational gaps and developing and administering corporate training, today’s HR experts often focus on driving competitive advantages for the company. But in certain situations, bringing in outside support to supplement your HR team is a good idea.¹

Business, scientific, and technical writing training is one example. Although HR personnel have a definite role to play in this type of training, you’ll see the best results and return on investment if you outsource the development and training to outside experts.²   In most cases, HR team members can and should help drive the beginning phases of a writing training endeavor.³ Depending on the size of your HR department and how much time its members have to assist with this type of training initiative, HR might complete several initial tasks at the programming level.

• Assess skill needs;
• Recommend potential participants;
• Research available training programs;
• Determine appropriate delivery (in-person, online) and timing;
• Allocate training funds;
• Analyze and measure training success; and
• Craft follow-up communications and support trainees.

These tasks can also be outsourced, of course. But many HR department members have valuable insight into the company culture and organization, so they can complete these steps more efficiently than outsiders. At the very least, your HR department team can provide vital information and insight to the chosen trainers and work with them to confirm the desired focus of the training.

However, when it comes to developing and delivering the writing training, it’s time for HR employees to step aside. Regardless of your HR staff’s talent, efficient, effective technical, business, and scientific writing demands a specific skill set that professionals in the writing field have.

Good writing trainers have the necessary expertise to:

• Evaluate your team members’ skill gaps and the reasons for them.
• Customize training to focus on the types of documents your team writes and to your corporate culture.
• Offer suggestions and options for continuing learning and corporate support.
• Provide or suggest a variety of additional resources.
• Answer additional questions that emerge during training.

To achieve such benefits, choosing a reliable, experienced outsourcing partner who can work with your HR team to put the right training in place is crucial.

How can you choose the right partner for your writing training courses? Look for a company with employees who have experience and reputable references. And search for trainers who offer a choice of delivery methods and who can customize content for your field and specific needs. A trainer who understands the need for success metrics and feedback and who communicates effectively is also key.

By acknowledging HR personnel limitations in certain types of training, such as in developing and presenting writing courses, you provide the opportunity for HR employees to focus on their true strengths and drive your company’s success.

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¹ Arshavskiy, Marina. 2015. “Why Companies Choose to Outsource Training Design and Development.” Your eLearning World, March 31. http://www.yourelearningworld.com/why-companies-choose-to-outsource-training-design-and-development/

² Thales, Dale Kirk. 2011. “What are the benefits of oursourcing learning and development?” TrainingZone, October 3. http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/community/blogs/dale-kirk-thales-training/what-are-the-benefits-of-outsourcing-learning-and

³ Mann, Nick. “7 Steps to Develop an Effective Employee Training Program.”  BusinessBee. Accessed August 30, 2016. http://www.businessbee.com/resources/operations/7-steps-to-develop-an-effective-employee-training-program/