Anyone have to retrain an employee who asked to leave, then asked to stay and the boss said ok?

Question

Anyone work miracles?
She's been here 10 months and most training hasn't clicked for her (basic office /computer /phones) She is mostly reliable on phones and some filing but the rest is a crap shoot. The boss said she can stay so I have to find the silver lining or miracle. Anyone got any tips? Ideas? Has anyone been able to turn a similar situation around? I have tried several different angles, types of training, styles, reference material, etc. but it's barely penetrated. At 10 months here she's somewhere around where I thought she'd be at 3 months. I'm hoping you people can help me out. Thank you!!!

Answer 1

Every position should have specifics that the employee is required to do. When you hire someone, you hire with the hopes that 1) they have some experience in the field you represent or are at least trainable 2) they are willing to train and stay if necessary to learn the job 3) some positions require testing or some evaluation after a certain period of time to continue in the position.
If you are her immediate supervisor, be frank and let her know that you expected her to be farther along. Ask her to write or tell you specifically what she expected to gain and/or learn from the position and where she wants to be or what she wants to be doing within the next 3 months. Together, both of you should work out a plan of commitment to encourage her work load and possible increase. At each step, make sure you evaluate her ability and process. She should do the same. If at the end of the time period she has still not progressed - she is not an asset to your company if you are looking for her work and performance to be more long-ranged. If you were only looking for a phone-and-file person, then she's fit for the job - but people usually want more. Your boss has to see these procedures you are putting in place with her - and hopefully, can see that you are doing all you can to keep her and if she is just not able to make the grade - you have to let her go.

Some companies have the ability to move an employee around in order to see what they are most qualified to handle, but if there is no where to go and you are spinning your wheels - you have to consider the company and the employee's best interest.

Do you have training available after hours? Off site? Others who will work with her?

Answer 2

What areas is it that is not clicking? Find out and try focusing on those areas. Ask her what you can do to help her understand. It may even be that it is not for her. Everything is not for everybody.

GOOD LUCK!