Training Employees for Success in Facility Management

In the Data Center world, preparation is essential, whether we are talking about daily routines, out-of-the-ordinary occurrences or disaster scenarios, knowing how to handle these situations comes down to quality training, as well as experience. Continuous training in different categories of data center facility management makes for a well-prepared employee who has confidence in his or her self to get the job at hand completed.

At this point in my career as a Data Center Facility Manager, interviewing potential candidates and listening to my existing team, I have really had my eyes opened to the fact that techs have a real thirst for training. That motivation coupled with a great training plan makes for unparalleled success. Developing an effective employee training program provides multiple benefits for employees and the company, but only if they are carefully documented and properly implemented. Clear understanding of policies, job functions, goals and company philosophy lead to increased motivation, morale and productivity for employees. Training is a means to an end; keeping goals in mind during the development of the program will assist in a clear, defined and effective program. Plan a regular training schedule that will satisfy the team’s needs within a specific time frame. We must recognize that training is an investment in our future as a team. All managers and supervisors must buy-in to the concepts presented; without the support and understanding of management, training programs run the risk of having little or no benefit. Don’t use training after problems arise; the goals of training are to prevent employees from not understanding how to react when critical reaction is needed, how to successfully carry out their duties and to thoroughly understand the equipment and its supporting role in the facility.

Here at T5, we developed a 12-month facilities management plan, each month focusing on one piece of equipment. A PowerPoint presentation is created to explain the unit’s parts, functions and the role it plays in the facility. Study Guides are provided before a quiz is administered. To build on preparedness, a Mock Drill is performed. Employees respond to “False Alarms” related to the piece of equipment utilizing EOPs, which teaches them how to respond to emergency situations as well as helps us to identify needed revisions to the procedures. Every fourth month a review of the past three months is given. Monthly reports are then generated to identify lessons learned, procedural revisions needed and employee development.

That well-trained, confident, and engaged employee we’ve been talking about? They are going to do better work for you in the long run. That’s going to help save you money, as employees become more efficient and proficient. Employee development also has the potential to increase sales and output. Either way, that’s good for your bottom line, and that’s exactly why T5 considers employee development not as an expense, but as an investment. If your business focus is the development of an innovative, high-quality product, employee performance plays an integral role in achieving your business goals. The design, engineering, quality assurance and marketing of your company’s product are essential components, and employee performance in these areas is critical to your business success. Customers who purchase your product expect a quality product that meets their needs and a quality training program is one source of providing just that.

Want to learn more? Click here to watch John Ducic break down what sets T5 apart when it comes to employee training.