The Importance of Cross Training

In our rough economic times today, companies are either downsizing, have downsized or are planning on reducing their resources. Why? Because budgets are not being met, employees are either abusing overtime, or using it liberally, or perhaps there are not enough resources so overtime occurs as a result. Whatever the case may be, companies are forced to reduce their labor in hopes of saving money. So how do corporations try to downsize? Communication is the key. If a company will most definitely downsize, then they should assist individuals in transforming themselves. Now how can this be done? Companies should begin by cross training individuals. They do not have to state that they are planning on downsizing as it may cause a roller coaster ride with employees, but rather, begin to enforce cross training in the event that someone is out of the office, another team member can pick up the work.





For personal reasons: Cross training should always occur from the beginning. In each team, besides the manager, there should be one other person who is cross trained to do your job. Why is this important? Well if you leave for vacation tomorrow you don't want to be bothered by phone calls correct? Nor do you want anyone trying to throw you under the bus because they cannot figure out what you do. Therefore, the best option is to cross train all team members.

For Corporate reasons: cross training from the very beginning will provide each company to adopt to changes (i.e. downsizing) from the very beginning. So should a company be forced to conduct lay offs, individuals are already cross trained. This way, adopting to additional work for employees who are "saved" will not be so difficult. In addition, cross training creates a sense of self empowerment, self respect, and self dignity. You want your employees to feel as though they are important. By engaging in cross training, it provides a sense of self empowerment as additional knowledge is gained and an employee can conduct additional tasks. Employees will also respect each other as they will understand the complexity of a job. In addition, employees will feel motivated to help out. This will further result in an increase in productivity.