Perceptions of on-the-job training in the light of empirical research

Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study on workplace training, one of the tasks of human resource management, in which 80% of the survey sample works in law enforcement. Methodology: Completion of the questionnaire was voluntary and anonymous, and the questionnaire was 21-question survey to examine the confirmation or rejection of the hypotheses formulated in relation to the research objective. After the results were aggregated on a computer, the data were evaluated and analysed by statistical calculations. Findings: One of the key findings of the survey is that employees consider it very important to provide training in the workplace. In addition to vocational training, they consider it important to develop general competences, which they would like to see implemented several times a year, in an organised and planned way. For 43% of respondents, training is something that employees find out about by chance, when they find out what training the organisation organises in a given year. For only 20% of the sample, they are informed about the training and asked about the training they would like to attend, involving them in the choice. More than half of the respondents, 57%, would be happy to attend a non-professional training course given by a trainer from an external training organisation, and a further 26% would prefer to receive training from an external professional rather than from their own organisation. More than half of the respondents, 55%, believe that HR professionals could do more in this area in terms of training development in their workplace. 22% responded that HR staff could do much more in terms of training and training development. Value: The value of the study lies in the feedback from real employees, who provided insights into the practice of on-the-job training, obtained through empirical research. Finding, maintaining and retaining human resources is an increasingly challenging task for all human resources professionals, in both the public and business sectors. If employee feedback is taken into account by the organisation’s management, methods to promote retention, beyond financial recognition, can be identified through joint cooperation. On-the-job training helps individuals to develop and realise themselves, which, if it can meet the organisation’s strategy and objectives, can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation as a long-term workforce.