Linking Measurement

Consider linking WEP measurement to performance management and organizational processes so that basic skills training becomes part of the overall corporate strategy. 

Management's commitment to improving the skills of the entire workforce will strengthen and support individual employees' own personal commitment to learning. Connecting employee training and the resulting improvement in performance shows that the company takes a comprehensive approach to improving performance and productivity.

By building skills into jobs, employers can work with employees, adult educators, and others to identify and enhance the skills component of jobs. When these learned or improved skills are incorporated into employees' jobs, there is justification for and value in assessing the impact of the WEP on corporate performance and productivity.

Consider using internships, apprenticeships and/or certification programs in your employees' professional development programs.  Contact trade and professional organizations for valuable information about occupations and these training methods.
    URL: http://www.acinet.org/acinet/resource/trade.htm

Jobs for the Future strengthens the transitions and linkages between work and learning. Its workforce development system includes post-secondary vocational education, adult basic education, short-term job training programs, and on-the-job training.
     URL: http://www.jff.org/

This article on how Chief Learning Officers shows how CLOs are delivering--greater retention, more career guidance, and training that is more closely coordinated with business needs.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/section/11/feature/23/35/98/index.html

This report helps instructors to support adult learners through performance-based assessment. The key characteristics of this type of assessment, which gives a comprehensive, valid picture of student / worker achievement, are discussed.
    URL: http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/collections/eff/ananda_eff.pdf

Regular measurement of key pieces of HR information over time and the correlation between various measurements can be extremely valuable. Cost per employee helps employers examine the value of every aspect of human resources management, including training.
    URL: http://www.workforce.com/section/10/article/23/40/07.html

Using an HR Audit, such as this one used by the Commonwealth of Virginia, allows organizations to examine their recruiting, training, benefits, and labor relations policies.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/section/09/article/23/39/64.html#Explanation%20of%20Department%20Organization%20Questionnaire

This article discusses why it is important to connect e-learning initiatives with defined business needs. E-learning can be a flexible and cost-effective alternative to classroom training, but it can also be a colossal waste of time and money if not implemented correctly.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/section/11/feature/23/41/49/index.html

Here is a sample Performance Review template for workers (non-exempt) that measures productivity, initiative and other areas. Training and application of learning can also form part of the review.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/28/68/223997.php

Employers can use this sample Training Needs Analysis Report to pinpoint the training needs of staff. The report covers the level of importance of the training, the urgency of the training, and the necessary results.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/article/23/41/57.php

Basic Skills Training 101 - This article offers employers ideas on what makes a successful workplace literacy program. Examples include tying the curriculum to workers’ skills and their work, encouraging employees to transfer their new skills to their work, and tips on keeping training costs low.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/17/40/223394.php

Workplace literacy is an individual’s ability to read, write and speak in English, and to compute and solve problems at the necessary levels. According to the National Workforce Assistance Collaborative, the most effective workplace literacy programs share many common traits.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/17/40/224259.php

Developing systems that track employee skills is an absolute necessity in an increasingly specialized business world. Regular and ongoing analysis of clients' needs and surveys of employee skills and competencies can help to fill gaps through hiring and training.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/29/92/index.php

Calculating the ROI of training is sometimes simple, sometimes subjective and sometimes not worth the effort. Start by looking at the productivity effect, but in more complicated scenarios, the best approach may be to focus on value and results, rather than numbers.
    URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/17/10/index.php

This article shares guidelines for using employee education and training as a means to business results. Start by letting the business strategy, culture and outcomes determine learning needs, and then create learning opportunities that make sense for employees.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/23/06/223892.php

This article discusses seven essential questions for employers to ask before beginning an employee training program. Answering the questions of who really needs training, what are the costs and expected outcomes beforehand will help to ensure effective and relevant training.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/17/10/223931.php

As an employer, you can create your own in-house certificate program by partnering with an educational institution. It offers a flexible but results-oriented system for directing employees toward the long-term growth and development  needed for a dynamic workplace.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/16/52/index.php

The relationship between training and organizational performance is a key factor affecting investment in training. This chart shows how training expenditures can affect revenues and profitability.
     URL: http://www.workforce.com/section/11/article/23/60/95.html

This article presents Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Adult Learning Programs. These are the results of a study that investigated factors in adult learning environments that best facilitate adult growth and development.
     URL: http://www.newhorizons.org/lifelong/workplace/billington.htm

All Signs Point to Yes is a new Canadian report that explores the connections between workplace literacy skills and occupational health and safety results.
    Free download: report

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Last updated: Oct. 24, 2008.