The benefits of cross training employees can be a valuable return on investment for your co-op.  A well-planned and intentional cross training program can lead to more flexibility in scheduling, contingency plans for vacations, busy holidays and absenteeism.

Cross training also leads to collaboration between departments and can stimulate continuous operational improvement and strengthen teams through those engagements. And lastly, an intentional cross training program improves overall job satisfaction and the customer experience.

Here are a few cross training best practices that can benefit your co-op:

• Programs should be carefully planned, timebound and incorporated into the hiring and onboarding process
• Revisit processes regularly during performance evaluations.
• Understand your training candidates’ interests and skill base to determine what department(s) in which to cross train them.
• We suggest each employee should be trained in a minimum of three skills (e.g., cashiering, stocking) and a department specific role, like receiving.

Initial cross training is best carried out during days and times the store is not so busy. Cross training should be carried out by shadowing the trainee with the most experienced staff member for the task at hand. This allows for the candidate to observe, demonstrate, and understand why a task is performed a certain way.

Once a skill becomes second nature, it can be hard to articulate skills to others. In every skill taught, the key is for the new employee to observe the skill, demonstrate the skill, and articulate why a task is performed a certain way.

As with any good training program, it is important to set aside time with the employee to assess how they are feeling and how they feel they are progressing. This is also a good time for the trainer to provide feedback on the candidate’s progress.