Missing Skills: Five Places Your Company Could Improve In

Successful companies are always looking for ways to improve. Sometimes they perform internal audits or assessments in search of things that could be done better or more inexpensively. When evaluating operations, here are five common areas where improvements may be needed.
Employee Training
Most employees are hired for the job skills they already have. However, additional skills may be needed as the job grows or changes, or if the employee seeks a promotion or transfer. With the advent of new equipment and improved techniques, employees may need to attend workshops or seminars or take Interactive College of Technology classes to update their skills or broaden credentials. Failure to do this often inhibits productivity or progress. See if your company can improve in what you offer employees by way of training.

Policy Updates
A busy company may unintentionally neglect to update important policies and procedures. For example, it is important to keep the sexual-harassment policy up-to-date to include significant changes in recent policymaking at the state and federal levels. Non-smoking policies must also be strictly adhered to and implemented or else the company may face fines or penalties. Don’t slip up on your paperwork or it could come back to haunt you. Make it a yearly audit that gets attention in your updates.

Current Technology
Technology facilitates just about every aspect of company operations, from manufacturing to marketing. A company that is slow to utilize current industry technology may be left behind in the competition for market success. Current applications and programs can streamline a host of company functions that include payroll, shipping, and human resources, just to name a few. Not taking advantage of these resources can be a serious detriment in the long run.

Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are just a few types of social media that can usher in a whole new way of marketing to your target niche. Without social media, your company is basically operating in the dark. Staying in touch with customers and recruiting new customers on the Web is the surefire way to save time and money while building a strong client base.

Employee Incentives
Missing opportunities to recognize, encourage, and reward employee initiatives and exceptional performance is a mistake. Employees are the hub of an organization and have creative suggestions for improving a process or avoiding pitfalls. In addition, rewarding outstanding performance ensures the continuation of model behavior and serves as an incentive to motivate other employees.

While there are many different ways a company can miss opportunities or neglect important responsibilities, the five areas described above can have a ripple effect throughout the organization. Addressing these issues can help to ensure that a company continues to operate effectively and progressively.