The presentation navigates the challenges associated with measuring the Return on Investment (ROI) in employee training, offering an alternative metric known as Return on Expectations (ROE). Traditional ROI, although commonly utilized, often fails to provide a clear connection between training and direct financial gain. This lack of direct evidence can create uncertainty and tension in assessing a training program's success.
An alternative approach, ROE, aligns with specific organizational goals and expectations, making the evaluation of training effectiveness more targeted and meaningful. The presentation introduces the Kirkpatrick Model, a renowned method for evaluating learning programs, and illustrates the "chain of evidence" that supports the success of training. Various practical applications of ROE are explored, including the improvements in job performance, employee retention, career growth, customer experience, and course completion. These aspects are juxtaposed with ROI's limitations, emphasizing the immediate and measurable impacts of training that often indirectly translate into financial benefits. Ultimately, this session highlights the significance of training beyond the bottom line, advocating for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to measuring training's success. The focus on ROE as a vital tool offers an innovative perspective on training as an essential investment in workforce development, capable of delivering tangible results in alignment with specific organizational goals and values.