The Role of Supervisors in Employee Training: Deconstructing Common Myths

Introduction

Employee onboarding and training are crucial components of an organization's human resources (HR) strategy. Ensuring that new employees receive the necessary training to be successful in their roles is a shared responsibility among HR and supervisors. However, many misconceptions and myths pervade the understanding of what exactly supervisors are expected to do in this regard. This article aims to clarify these misunderstandings and provide a more accurate picture of the role supervisors play in the training process.

Facts vs. Myths: Clarifying Expectations

Myth 1: Supervisors are primarily responsible for providing basic training to new employees.

Contrary to popular belief, supervisors are not usually tasked with delivering the foundational training that new employees need to perform their jobs. In most industries, the expectation is that new employees will receive this initial training from dedicated HR teams, onboarding specialists, or specialized trainers.

Example: An assistant manager at a fast-food franchise might be involved in some training activities, but the core foundational training would typically be conducted by HR. Similarly, a supervising nurse at a healthcare provider would not be expected to train highly qualified and certified caregivers who report directly to them.

Real-world Practice

Supervisors typically focus on organizing and controlling work distribution schedules and flow priorities. This ensures that the work gets completed efficiently and effectively, while also fostering a positive work environment. Supervisors might provide a brief introduction to the company's unique practices and norms, but detailed training is usually left to other specialists.

Supervisors' Key Responsibilities

1. Organizing and Controlling Work

One of the primary roles of a supervisor is to organize and control the flow of work. This involves scheduling tasks and ensuring that team members are effectively managing their time and resources. Supervisors also play a key role in setting priorities and ensuring that work is completed on schedule.

2. Providing Growth and Development Opportunities

Supervisors often have the opportunity to mentor and guide new employees. They can provide feedback, set performance goals, and offer career development advice. By fostering a supportive environment, supervisors help new employees grow both personally and professionally.

3. Monitoring Performance and Offering Support

Another critical responsibility is monitoring the performance of new employees and offering support as needed. Supervisors need to ensure that new hires are meeting the necessary standards and that any issues or challenges are addressed promptly.

Conclusion

The onboarding and training process for new employees is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including HR, specialized trainers, and supervisors. Supervisors play a vital role in ensuring that new hires are integrated into the team effectively and that they have the tools and support they need to succeed. While they are not expected to deliver comprehensive training, they can significantly contribute to a new employee's professional growth and development.

For anyone looking to join a great company, there is indeed something to look forward to. A company that values its employees will ensure that they receive proper onboarding and ongoing training, which can help you thrive in your role and achieve your career goals.

Note: The specifics of training responsibilities can vary depending on the industry, organization size, and role. Providing a clear description of the employer and examples can help to better contextualize these expectations.