Who isn't familiar with McDonald's? Its golden arches are among the most recognizable brand icons in the U.S. What many are less familiar with is the methodical and distinguished learning and development that supports that brand. Training that begins by preparing employees to serve customers at the counter, and extends to programs that help…

Technology has promised trainers so much--from the ability to train distant learners to new ways of keeping young employees engaged. But has it delivered? In this article, several trainers consider whether their investment in training technology has been worth it.

The best learning and development organizations support business initiatives tactically "and" help drive strategic change. Verizon did just that, earning it the No. 1 spot for the first time on the Training Top 125. Verizon and the other 2012 Top 125 winners continued to invest in training, collectively dedicating a mean of 4.52 percent of their…

For flooring manufacturer Mohawk Industries, it is not enough to teach employees how to be great. The long-time Training Top 125 contender focused last year on helping employees to blaze their own learning paths while meeting organization imperatives. That meant improving the technology that supports employee performance, as well as creating new…

Sometimes it's a relief when a leader leaves. What large organization, after all, doesn't have its "seasoned" corner office dragon who predates everyone, and who no one can figure out how to get rid of? But more often, companies are proud of their leaders, especially the ones they took pains to develop over a decade or two. After years of…

Points out the value of mentoring programs as a way to recruit and retain employees and increase their value to the company. Discusses why some mentoring programs fail: employees do not understand why they are participating or there is little time and support for the program. (JOW)

Although there are important human resource basics, such as competitive pay and benefits and career growth opportunities, retention of information technology (IT) workers is less about money than it is about respectful treatment. Retention involves designing interesting jobs, giving recognition, providing regular feedback, and being flexible about…

Empirical evidence of training's effect on turnover is limited. Often training is combined with other organizational changes, making it difficult to measure. Training is part of the whole organizational environment that must be considered when attempting to combat turnover. (SK)

Many top-level managers are retiring early. Programs to prepare their replacements have been scaled back. Many companies are offering phased retirement plans, redesigning jobs, and paying for spouses to go along on business trips to keep their managers a little longer. (JOW)

Dissatisfaction with managers is a major cause of employee turnover The Charles Schwab Corporation surveys employees annually and holds employee focus groups and online town meetings. The information is used for the coaching and training of department heads. (JOW)

Employers in the hospitality industry are attempting to retain workers with such methods as using personality typing when selecting employees, offering a variety of fringe benefits, and selecting employees who want a career instead of a job. (JOW)

Since there are not enough Generation Xers to replace retiring Baby Boomers and job hopping is rampant, there is concern about the inevitable labor shortage. Recruitment and retention strategies that motivate workers regardless of age as well as an array of flexible benefits are needed. (JOW)

In today's ever-expanding U.S. economy, unemployment levels are at 30-year lows and the job market continues to swell. Every industry is fighting a labor shortage and bemoaning the costs of employee turnover. Companies with extensive training and career development are most likely to retain employees. (JOW)

Computers may have some value for screening potential employees before a face-to-face interview. Experience has shown that people respond more candidly to computers and employers have a better chance of selecting applicants who will be better employees. (JOW)