HFTP Blog
February 2, 2025

Hitting the Right Notes: Creating a Playlist for Onboarding and Training

HFTP Academy
Written by Waneta Hebert, Ed.D. — Contributor

Creating the perfect training program is like curating the ultimate playlist — it sets the tone and keeps the momentum going. Just as a well-chosen song can elevate an experience, effective onboarding and continuous professional development can transform your workforce.

Harmonizing Success: Effective Employee Training

The best thing any organization can do is invest in its employees. Think of effective employee training as the key to creating a harmonious and productive work environment, much like a well-curated playlist sets the perfect mood. 

Gallup found that organizations that invest in employee development are twice as likely to retain their employees and have reported an 11 percent increase in profitability. According to SHRM's Workplace Learning & Development Trends, 48 percent of employees agreed that training opportunities were a factor in choosing their current company and 76 percent of employees said they are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training. When employees know that their organization cares about them and wants them to succeed, they are simply less likely to look elsewhere. This not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and fosters loyalty, reducing turnover rates and saving on recruitment costs.

Onboarding

Just as the first song on any playlist sets the stage for what’s to come, onboarding is an opportunity to set a new employee up to succeed. While many onboarding programs include the typical paperwork and compliance training (first aid, AED, ServSafe, etc.), this can also be an opportunity to provide important foundational knowledge. Effective onboarding can help new hires understand not only the company culture, their role, and how they can contribute to the organization’s success, but also their overall place within the industry.

Continuous Training

Any good playlist evolves with new hits to keep learners engaged. Similarly, continuous training ensures that employees stay updated with new industry trends and skills, making them more competent and confident in their roles.

At the same time, the best playlists keep the timeless classics in rotation. Professional development courses can maintain and sharpen employees' existing skills, ensuring they remain effective and relevant in their positions.

Crafting the Playlist

Whether you’re looking to set up a new employee for success or build up existing employees, it’s necessary to craft a purposeful plan. Simply throwing a course at someone and hoping the information sticks isn’t enough. Just like a well-curated playlist, your training plan should be thoughtfully composed to ensure it resonates and engages.

Identifying the Resources

The best place to start is with what you already have — the internal resources and programs that have already been working. There’s no need to reinvent the whole program! Conduct an audit of your current training materials and identify the strengths and gaps.

Once you know what you have, it will be clear what you still need. Are there topics missing from your onboarding? Are there skills your existing workforce is lacking? This is where you can look to outside resources to fill the gaps in your training, such as those the HFTP Academy has to offer. HFTP Academy's tailored courses can help you hit all the right notes in employee training and development.

By blending internal and external resources, you can create a comprehensive training playlist that covers all the necessary bases.

Integrating the Resources

The key to making sure your training plan works is integration. Just as a playlist flows seamlessly from one song to the next, your training program should integrate various resources smoothly.

Instead of simply signing a new junior accountant up for the Certificate in Hospitality Applied Finance (CHAF), build it into the onboarding process with a schedule to complete modules and lunch-and-learns to discuss the content. This structured approach ensures that new hires not only complete the training but also understand and apply the knowledge.

Similarly, instead of just setting up a technology professional to obtain the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP®) designation, create a mentorship program to support their learning journey. Pairing them with experienced mentors can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer real-world insights that enhance the training experience. And if you don’t have someone available, take advantage of HFTP’s Certification Advisory Program (CAP).

Monitoring and Adjusting the Playlist

Just like any good playlist, your training program should be dynamic and adaptable.

Regularly review and update the training materials to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Gather feedback from employees to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Keep an eye out for updates and new courses from the HFTP Academy. This continuous improvement loop will help you maintain a high-quality training program that evolves with your organization’s needs. It will also send the message to your teams that their development is a priority.

Waneta Hebert, Ed.D. is the director of learning for HFTP. She is an accomplished instructional designer with over 10 years of experience in the field of education. In her role at HFTP, she designs and creates online courses on relevant topics in the field of hospitality finance and technology.

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