Importance of Needs Assessment and Ongoing Training for Firms like Whirlpool
Most Americans are familiar with Whirlpool. Whirlpool, which is based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been in business for more than century and is perhaps best known for the washers and dryers it makes. In addition, the company makes refrigerators, freezers, and cooking appliances that it sells under various other brand names around the world (Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Roper are some of them).
During the last economic recession, appliance sales plummeted, and Whirlpool was forced to lay off thousands of workers. Although budgets were being slashed, Whirlpool needed to develop managers who could lead the company through the downturn as well as provide training that would have a measurable impact at a lower cost.
Previously Whirlpool University, the company’s 100-acre learning division located at its corporate headquarters, had used mainly classroom learning. The university now has a learning management system and conducts online training. A series of 30-minute modules are used to help familiarize and onboard new hires. In addition, Whirlpool now takes a “closed-loop” approach to training. Instead of just doing the popular types of training that other companies have adopted, it surveys managers to find out what types of training Whirlpool truly needs and what types it doesn’t, and then designs training programs based on those specific needs.
Because managers are central to the training and development of their employees and are in the best position to observe and coach rank-and-file employees, Whirlpool utilizes a 12-month-long intermittent training program for its managers called Leading People. The program consists of blended learning, including prework modules managers do online, followed by classroom training, business projects, and seminars with top managers. A manager’s direct reports provide an initial baseline assessment of the manager’s skills, and then the manager is assessed again following the training. James Crawford, in Whirlpool’s Chicago division, said the training helped him become a better leader: “It helped me pinpoint weak spots in my leadership practices and then gave me a strategy for turning those weaknesses into strengths.” The managers are later surveyed on how well the training is working and what can be done to improve it. In other words, there is a feedback system in place—hence the “closed-loop” moniker. With this approach, the design, delivery, and redesign of the training is a continuous circle and constantly being improved over time.
Its closed-loop feedback system has helped Whirlpool continue to assess and alter its training to adapt to new conditions. For example, today Whirlpool isn’t laying off employees; it’s trying to hire more of them as its older workers retire. To attract Millennials, the company has partnered with high school and colleges to offer an on-site apprenticeship program called “Work, Earn, and Learn.” In 2017, Whirlpool’s CEO, Jeff Fettig, was one of a number of corporate executives who met with President Donald Trump to talk about saving American jobs and encourage government support for the vocational training that today’s high-tech skills manufacturers today. “The jobs are there, but the skills are not,” said one executive at the meeting.
Questions
Why are a needs assessment and ongoing training important for firms like Whirlpool to conduct?
How do you think Whirlpool’s training strategy will need to change in the future?
The Importance of Needs Assessment and Ongoing Training for Firms like Whirlpool
Firms like Whirlpool understand the significance of conducting a needs assessment and implementing ongoing training programs. These two aspects are crucial for the success and growth of the company. Here are some reasons why they are important:
Adaptation to Changing Conditions: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and firms must adapt to stay competitive. Conducting a needs assessment allows Whirlpool to identify the specific areas where training is required. This assessment helps the company understand the changing needs of its workforce and ensures that the training programs are aligned with the current demands of the industry.
Improved Performance and Productivity: Ongoing training programs enable employees to acquire new skills and knowledge that are essential for their roles. By providing continuous learning opportunities, Whirlpool ensures that its workforce remains up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This leads to improved employee performance, enhanced productivity, and better overall outcomes for the company.
Employee Engagement and Retention: Training programs demonstrate a company’s commitment to the growth and development of its employees. When employees feel valued and invested in, they are more engaged and motivated in their work. Ongoing training opportunities can also contribute to employee retention, as employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their professional growth.
Effective Succession Planning: As older workers retire, firms like Whirlpool need to ensure a smooth transition by developing a pipeline of skilled talent. Ongoing training programs allow the company to identify and nurture potential leaders within the organization. By providing leadership development opportunities, Whirlpool can ensure a strong succession plan, which is crucial for long-term success.
Adoption of New Technologies: In an industry where technology is constantly advancing, firms need to keep pace with new tools and equipment. Ongoing training programs enable Whirlpool to train its employees on the latest technologies and processes, ensuring that they can leverage these advancements to improve efficiency and stay competitive in the market.
The Future of Whirlpool’s Training Strategy
As Whirlpool continues to grow and evolve, its training strategy will need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Here are some areas where the company’s training strategy may need to change:
Digital Transformation: As technology continues to shape industries, Whirlpool will need to embrace digital transformation in its training programs. This may involve incorporating more online learning modules, virtual reality simulations, or other innovative methods that leverage technology for effective training delivery.
Continuous Learning: In a rapidly changing world, learning should be a continuous process. Whirlpool’s training strategy may need to focus on creating a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to seek new knowledge and skills throughout their careers. This could involve implementing personalized learning paths, microlearning modules, or other flexible learning approaches.
Focus on Soft Skills: While technical skills remain crucial, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability are becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Whirlpool’s training strategy may need to incorporate more emphasis on developing these essential soft skills to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
Diversity and Inclusion Training: With an increasing focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Whirlpool may need to enhance its training programs in this area. This could involve providing diversity awareness training, unconscious bias training, and fostering an inclusive culture within the organization.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions: As Whirlpool seeks to attract younger talent, partnerships with educational institutions will become crucial. The company’s training strategy may need to incorporate more collaboration with high schools, colleges, and vocational institutions to develop tailored apprenticeship programs that align with the needs of emerging professionals.
In conclusion, conducting a needs assessment and implementing ongoing training programs are essential for firms like Whirlpool. As the company looks towards the future, it must adapt its training strategy to meet changing demands, embrace digital transformation, foster continuous learning, develop soft skills, promote diversity and inclusion, and establish partnerships with educational institutions. By doing so, Whirlpool will position itself for continued success in a rapidly evolving industry.