Employee development and learning is not always a top priority for busy pet care service businesses, but it should be.
Staff training is a great investment of time and money for any business. Benefits include lower staff turnover, better employee job satisfaction and morale, and greater efficiency in the day-to-day running of the business.
Read on for 5 tips to help you formalize your new staff training curriculum – and reap the benefits of a well-trained workforce.
1) Company Orientation
Orientation lays the foundation for your new employee’s entire career with your company. It’s the perfect opportunity to give them the big picture view of the values of the company, how you operate, and the products or services you offer. Provide new employees with concise and accurate information to make them feel comfortable in their new position and increase their productivity from the start.
2) Technical Job Knowledge
Technical job knowledge is fundamental to your new staff training. Here’s an overview of some of the basic training areas for a pet care service business:
- Pet care basics by species
- First aid
- Dog/cat body language & safe handling
- Service specific training – for example, safe dog playgroup management, bathing, and dog walking
Some types of training – such as first aid training – are vital for any type of pet care service business. Provide more in-depth training that fits the specific type of business you operate.
3) On-The-Job Training of Policies & Procedures
Every company should have a list of policies and procedures that define, regulate, and inform the ways in which they operate. Ensuring new employees are made aware of these during their initial training will set a framework for dealing with any problems that arise during their employment.
4) Soft Skills
To run a successful pet business, you need to have great communication skills and be dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Your reputation for providing exceptional pet care may win you new customers, but the outstanding service you provide will keep them loyal to your business.
Developing soft skills is an area that’s often overlooked in small business, so it’s worth developing a culture of communication and high standards of customer service as a way of standing out from the competition.
5) Safety Training
Safety training in the workplace provides many benefits for both employer and employee. Make sure to emphasize its importance with every new employee to keep sickness and injury to a minimum. The basics of safety training can be part of a new member of staff’s orientation, but efforts should be made to keep training ongoing and up-to-date.
Pet Industry Training Resources
IBPSA – International Boarding Pet Services Association – Species-specific pet care basics, safety training
The Dog Gurus – Canine Body Language, Dog Behavior, Safe Handling, Group Play and Dog Evaluations
Dogsafe, Pet Tech, American Red Cross – First aid
Great concept Susan!
Josh, glad you liked them and follow my blog. Have a great day!