Benefits of Cross Training

Cross training is to train an employee to be proficient at different, usually related, skills, tasks, or jobs. By cross-training your teams, they will have the ability to work better collaboratively and have a better understanding of each other’s roles.

Key benefits:

Employee Engagement

Cross training an employee gives them the opportunity to learn a new skill and expand their resume. Learning a new job can keep them engaged and motivated and shows them opportunity for growth. They feel more valued within the organization, which in turn creates stronger teams.

Flexibility for scheduling

Employees can work across different roles which increases flexibility in case of staff shortages, sick employees or increased work load.

Career development

Cross training allows you to hire for different roles internally without an entire onboarding process. If an employee is already cross-trained in a variety of different roles within the organization, they could transition into a new role much more easily. This will help reduce the costs of interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees. You also already have a sense that this employee is a good fit culturally for the organization.

Succession planning

Managers can use cross training to see which employees have a knack for certain roles in the company and grow their skills to hire internally when someone leaves. Even if the training doesn’t lead to an immediate promotion, you can see which employees take the initiative to learn and take on added responsibility. This helps identify those best-suited for a higher position when one comes up.