Workplace Culture | Employee Learning: Develop In-House or Hire a Vendor?

When it comes to fostering a positive workplace culture, investing in employee learning and development is essential. One decision you may face is whether to develop learning programs in-house or hire external vendors. Each approach comes with advantages and considerations. Let’s explore both options.

Developing In-House Learning Programs

Developing in-house learning programs allows you to tailor the content to your organization’s needs and culture. It will enable you to align the learning initiatives with the company’s strategic goals, fostering a sense of ownership among employees, and avoids sharing of confidential data. In-house programs can also be cost-effective if you have the necessary expertise and resources.

In-house programs are ideal for training on company-specific programs or policies but may not be appropriate for employee-specific training for degree or certificate programs for career development. Employers should also consider the time commitment for planning, delivering, and staffing in-house programs.

Hiring External Vendors for Learning Initiatives

Engaging external vendors brings a fresh perspective and expertise to the table. Vendors often have specialized knowledge and experience in developing comprehensive training programs. They can provide a broader range of resources, tools, and learning methodologies. However, it is crucial to thoroughly vet vendors, ensure their offerings align with your organization’s values, and consider the associated costs. External vendors may offer a more comprehensive selection of training programs, but the content may be too generic for employees to apply the training to specific work situations.

When planning an employee learning program, consider a balanced approach that involves a combination of in-house programs and external vendors, depending on the organization’s needs, available resources, and desired outcomes. The focus should be on creating a learning culture that empowers employees, fosters professional growth, and aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Originally featured in UBA’s August 2023 HR Elements Newsletter.