7 Reasons Human Resources Training for Non-HR Managers is Helpful

Companies that are aligned around a purpose (an HR skill) can be more successful than other companies.

Human resources training makes sense for those working in that department, but what about HR training for non-HR staff? Turns out, there are some good reasons to train all managers and other key personnel in HR principles and practices.

1. Managers and supervisors are responsible for a lot of the same things as HR staff, but without the knowledge. They need to know about regulations that should be followed and best practices for how to manage employees. There is a lot to know in the area of human resources, and formalized training through courses like those offered at CCSU is the best way for managers and other staff to be brought up to speed.

2. HR training can help companies limit liability. When employees don’t know what is required, they can make mistakes that can cost the company financially in lawsuit damages, settlements, or even just paying overtime properly. A few hours’ time spent learning can save the company many times over when all key employees know how to comply with laws and regulations.

3. HR training will help managers with recruiting and hiring. One drawback of using department managers as the hiring team is that they often don’t have specific training in the area of hiring and recruiting, so they don’t know how to approach these tasks effectively. Taking a course could help them in this important area.

4. Managers and support staff can learn conflict management and problem solving skills. These skills are key components of HR training that become important not only for managers, but other staff like receptionists or administrative assistants as well. In fact, there are few employees of any company that couldn’t benefit from training in conflict management and problem solving.

When companies get more HR training, they tend to work more cohesively.

5. In smaller companies, most employees wear many hats. Receptionists may be responsible for onboarding and training some new employees, and there may not even be an HR department to handle hiring and administration of staff. Having key employees get some formal HR training can ensure that everyone knows what to do in HR-related situations.

6. HR training can help employees articulate organizational purpose. According to author Raj Sisodia, companies that were organized around a clearly understood purpose had over 10 times the returns of S&P 500 firms overall, or 1646% between 1996 and 2011. Part of HR training is to align companies around a well-defined purpose so that each employee is able to understand and explain both the purpose and their part in it.

7. HR training helps managers focus on employees’ strengths. So many times, managers and supervisors focus on the weaknesses of their staff. They try to build up staff and help them overcome those weaknesses, but focusing on strengths can be even more effective in helping everyone contribute their best efforts to the company so that it can grow.

Are you interested in learning more about HR training and other available adult education programs? Join our mailing list for updates about CCSU continuing education courses or visit our website at http://www.ccsu.edu/ConEd.

Why So Many Baby Boomers are Heading Back to the Classroom

Taking continuing education classes can help Boomers remain active and sharp.

Those born in the Baby Boom generation are now 52 to 70 years old. Many of them are retiring from their careers or from jobs they have held for many years. But they aren’t just retiring to the golf course or the senior citizens center to play cards. More seniors than ever are spending at least some of their retirement or free time in the classroom.

While a few Baby Boomers go back to college in the traditional sense — to earn a degree — most are taking continuing education courses on a more informal basis. Turns out, Baby Boomers aren’t interested in letting their brains stagnate or resting on their intellectual laurels. They have always had a great deal of curiosity about the world and everything in it, and retirement hasn’t changed that at all.

Continuing education courses can be a way for spouses to connect.

Why Baby Boomers Value Life-long Learning

While going back to college to get a degree may not be common among the Baby Boom generation, there are many reasons why they would want to take classes, whether or not they plan to continue working.

–To update skills for a job. For some Baby Boomers, work continues to be an important part of their lives. One way to show their continued value to an employer is to be sure that their skills remain updated and that they have an understanding of the latest practices in their profession.

–To fulfill a lifelong dream. Many people hit retirement age and realize that they never did some things they always wanted to do. Continuing education classes can provide the opportunity to accomplish these dreams, which can be as incredibly diverse as Baby Boomers themselves.

–To share experiences with loved ones. Another reason to take continuing education courses is to gain a greater understanding of your spouse’s or partner’s interests or career. Some people even take a course together to give them something to talk about over the dinner table.

–Just because they’re curious. After retirement, Baby Boomers may finally have the time to pursue interests that they never could take the time for when they were working. It can be an exciting time of life where they have time to do the things they always wanted to do but couldn’t because of work or family obligations.

It might seem strange that so many Baby Boomers actually want to go back to school, but they have always craved intellectual stimulation. Continuing education classes make it possible to satisfy their needs for continued mental workouts while pursuing all their other interests in work or retirement. Central Connecticut State University offers a variety of continuing education classes and Life & Leisure events that are open to all ages. From computers to social media, it will be easy to keep up with kids and grandkids or that young Millennial at the office. View our open courses list to see what options you have for continuing your education.

Why Learning Social Media is Like Playing Ping Pong

There are many sports parallels that can be made with business, or even life in general. One of most accurate when it comes to learning social media is the sport of ping pong. Both are fast-moving, skill-based and time-sensitive activities that are all about optimizing your opportunities when they are presented.

As with any sport, education and preparation are key to living up to expectations. Considering there are over 2 billion active social media users in the world, it’s safe to say you want to train hard and smart for a long and successful social media experience. Learning social media skills has many of the same phases as acquiring a sport, with continuing education as a keystone of your social media success. Let’s take a look at the phases and how you can learn to stay ahead of the curve.

Time to start the social media match! Let’s play!

The Mental Phase: Learning Your Game and Opponent

To thrive at a sport such as ping pong, you have to have an intimate understanding of the game fundamentals. The same rules apply for social media. Despite the simple sounding nature of this phase, there are some inherent challenges here.

The first to consider is that we have to change our natural method for interaction. Before social media became integrated into our lives, we were limited to the number of interactions we could hold at any given time. Social media allows you to reach countless people on the internet at a moment’s notice.

Also, take into consideration the method by which you communicate to these masses. There is almost a “virtual vernacular” for successful social media communication. Less formal, more direct and, most certainly, less censored.

Interaction has become more face-to-device instead of face-to-face.

Your opponent will be going for the same goal as you: to win customers (or points in ping pong). By learning your game well, you not only know what you need to do to succeed, but also can begin to predict how your competitors will be upping their social media game. This allows you to be mentally prepared before the real game begins.

The Physical Phase: Rapid Reactions to Win Points

Now that you are in the mental state to conquer your game, you need to be able to physically execute what you know needs to be done. Ping pong is all about quick reflexes to stay ahead of your opponent, be on the defense, and position yourself to win points.

With social media, the rapid reflexes come down to the speed at which you share information and respond to questions and comments from your followers. One of the best ways to become a leader on social media is by consistently posting timely topics and being responsive. This does require quick fingers and a clear mind; much like ping pong. Time is of the essence in our modern world!

With endless social media available to potential customers at the touch of a finger, you need to be faster than the rest of your competition to keep at the forefront.

The Improvement Phase: Continuing to Educate and Build on Established Skills

With the mental and physical aspects mastered, you need to continue to grow and excel at your social media game to stay on top. This is crucial, considering the fast-pace at which social media trends continue to evolve. You trained hard to win at social media, so keep your knowledge and skills on point!

Continuing education is a must for this phase. Adult education classes can be the backbone of your training program. A well-structured class allows you to keep current on social media trends and new platforms. Not only are you receiving instruction from qualified “coaches”, but you also do not have to waste precious time looking for these answers on your own when you could be winning on social media.

We bet you never realized that adult education classes could be applicable to so many different areas of everyday life. Want to see how many different options you have to deepen your skills and knowledge? Attend our social media boot camp or learn more about our Certificate in Online Management & Digital Strategy. View open courses today!

Should I Bother with Social Media?

Understanding social media is important to your business.

If your business doesn’t currently have a social media presence, you may be wondering if it’s worth the trouble. After all, the digital landscape evolves at lightning speed. Will you be able to keep up?

The truth is that social media has become an important element for connecting businesses to potential and existing customers. Businesses without a social media presence are missing opportunities daily, sometimes hourly, to find new customers, connect with existing customers, and shape the perception of their brand.

How Consumers Use Social Media

Social media has become the go-to standard when curious consumers want to find out more about a business. This includes special promotions, product information, and knowing which of their friends is following the business. Also, social media landing pages rank high in search listings, making them a likely first stop when consumers Google your business name.

According to a study by Expert Market cited in Social Times, consumers turn to social media most for discounts and deals, updates on products, and user reviews. An active social media page gives credibility to the business and shows that customers are engaged in the business’s doings.

Social media opens doors for marketing and customer engagement.

Social Media Builds Community

What business doesn’t want to be in touch with its customers in every way possible? Social media is all about interacting with customers through an everyday, real life channel that keeps your business in their minds and encourages them to share your happenings with their friends. The great thing about social media is that once you build a strong presence, it is an effective and inexpensive tool for marketing as well as feedback and tracking.

Unlike more traditional marketing methods, social media engages customers down the street and across the world at the same time, using the same information and posts. It also accomplishes several goals at once (marketing, customer service, and feedback). No other single venue can do what social media currently does, or do it as easily and naturally.

Social Media is Fun

Sometimes a business can take itself too seriously, which doesn’t tend to attract much attention or generate positive publicity. Social media is a place to have fun, to be lighthearted, and to create an atmosphere people will want to be a part of. Posting funny memes, hosting giveaways, and sharing compliments freely are all ways to have fun and keep things positive on your social media page.

Even negative comments or reviews can be an opportunity to handle problems head-on with grace and a positive attitude, which will go over well with all your other customers and earn you good will. Shaping your brand should be a fun endeavor, and social media can be a big part of that process.

Understanding social media takes time and effort. CCSU Continuing Education can give you the expertise and confidence to establish a social media presence that will benefit your business for years to come. Join our ‘Social Media Boot Camp’ to get started! If you are interested in learning more about our social media course and other available continuing education programs, view our open courses today!