Why So Much Business Training And Development Goes To Waste
Dr. Paul Lanthois
August 01, 2008
I was fortunate to be asked to sit it on the second day of a two-day leadership and business development program that was being presented to a group of key players from a well-known oil company. The company was looking at how they can most effectively manage a large nationwide expansion and in this program they were being given some truly cutting edge information that, if properly utilized could stimulate massive sustainable growth within the company.
But as I was observing from the back of the room, I couldn´t help but notice how flat the company representatives were. They bore closer resemblance to that of a bedraggled mob and 85% of the group looked completely out of shape. They were slouching, yawning and could barely open their eyes.
The program facilitator couldn´t continue.
"What´s going on here?" she questioned.
"We have come here 100% committed to help you through this next level of expansion but right now, who here is 100% attentive and prepared to go forward?"
The room was silent as the oil representatives squirmed in their seats like naughty schoolchildren being sent to the office.
"Before we continue, I need to know where you are all at presently. We are going around the room and I want you to honestly describe your current physical and mental state in one or two words."
As they went around the room some honesty came to the fore. "Flat…tired….sick…tired…sleepy….," went the independent assessments. And it was 9.30 am on a Thursday morning.
The facilitators did their best to motivate the group but when they finally continued with the workshop most of the participants were struggling to maintain their full concentration. It wasn´t that they weren´t interested for many of their careers depended on the next twelve months. Their physical energy levels were so low that there was no way that they were going to get the most out of this program. It got me thinking about how much the health of the representatives was really costing this company.
Most companies try to measure the impact of health conditions in their company through the cost of certain parameters. These include the cost of health insurance plans, the number of days absent through sickness or stress, workplace injuries or accidents. But health is a lot more than not being sick. Your true health lies in your capacity to function as best as you can. The true health of a company lies not in its balance sheet but in the physical and mental well-being of its employees.
For example, you could have a car that isn´t firing on all cylinders. It won´t break down as long as you only have to drive it to the local mall. But if you increase that car´s workload by taking it on a road trip, chances are that it will break down. Compare that to a car that is working well. A road trip would pose no problems for it.
Chances are that you or several of the members of your organization are not firing on all cylinders health wise. This lack of health conditioning can severely restrict their work capacity and increase your company´s health insurance premiums.
The current business climate demands continual growth and improvements in productivity. It is pointless seeking that growth and improvement in work productivity from your workers without first giving them tools to boost their health. All the motivational, time-management and sales training will have only a limited effect on results unless your team is energetic and in shape. Heightened health levels will help minimize health breakdowns from the increasing demands of work and home.
Many companies idea of improving the health of their employees is to offer health insurance to cover their expenses should they breakdown. That is not health insurance. That is sickness insurance. Some more progressive companies offer the odd yoga class or health screening to employees or they get some health expert in to say stress less exercise more and eat better. For most employees this has a minor impact because most health recommendations simply aren´t doable.
I would venture to say that most working people know that they need to relax more, eat better and exercise more. The real challenge is how to relax, eat better and exercise amidst the barrage of work, social and family commitments. It is in a company´s best interest to provide their employees with individualized practical plans to boost their own health and vitality. That is providing your employees with a real health plan.
But as I was observing from the back of the room, I couldn´t help but notice how flat the company representatives were. They bore closer resemblance to that of a bedraggled mob and 85% of the group looked completely out of shape. They were slouching, yawning and could barely open their eyes.
The program facilitator couldn´t continue.
"What´s going on here?" she questioned.
"We have come here 100% committed to help you through this next level of expansion but right now, who here is 100% attentive and prepared to go forward?"
The room was silent as the oil representatives squirmed in their seats like naughty schoolchildren being sent to the office.
"Before we continue, I need to know where you are all at presently. We are going around the room and I want you to honestly describe your current physical and mental state in one or two words."
As they went around the room some honesty came to the fore. "Flat…tired….sick…tired…sleepy….," went the independent assessments. And it was 9.30 am on a Thursday morning.
The facilitators did their best to motivate the group but when they finally continued with the workshop most of the participants were struggling to maintain their full concentration. It wasn´t that they weren´t interested for many of their careers depended on the next twelve months. Their physical energy levels were so low that there was no way that they were going to get the most out of this program. It got me thinking about how much the health of the representatives was really costing this company.
Most companies try to measure the impact of health conditions in their company through the cost of certain parameters. These include the cost of health insurance plans, the number of days absent through sickness or stress, workplace injuries or accidents. But health is a lot more than not being sick. Your true health lies in your capacity to function as best as you can. The true health of a company lies not in its balance sheet but in the physical and mental well-being of its employees.
For example, you could have a car that isn´t firing on all cylinders. It won´t break down as long as you only have to drive it to the local mall. But if you increase that car´s workload by taking it on a road trip, chances are that it will break down. Compare that to a car that is working well. A road trip would pose no problems for it.
Chances are that you or several of the members of your organization are not firing on all cylinders health wise. This lack of health conditioning can severely restrict their work capacity and increase your company´s health insurance premiums.
The current business climate demands continual growth and improvements in productivity. It is pointless seeking that growth and improvement in work productivity from your workers without first giving them tools to boost their health. All the motivational, time-management and sales training will have only a limited effect on results unless your team is energetic and in shape. Heightened health levels will help minimize health breakdowns from the increasing demands of work and home.
Many companies idea of improving the health of their employees is to offer health insurance to cover their expenses should they breakdown. That is not health insurance. That is sickness insurance. Some more progressive companies offer the odd yoga class or health screening to employees or they get some health expert in to say stress less exercise more and eat better. For most employees this has a minor impact because most health recommendations simply aren´t doable.
I would venture to say that most working people know that they need to relax more, eat better and exercise more. The real challenge is how to relax, eat better and exercise amidst the barrage of work, social and family commitments. It is in a company´s best interest to provide their employees with individualized practical plans to boost their own health and vitality. That is providing your employees with a real health plan.
Print
Email
