ASTD Trainer's Toolkit: Job Aids (Information, Processes or Perspectives to Improve Individual Work Performance)

The instruments presented here can serve as a springboard for any professional new to the process and can provide seasoned veterans with innovative approaches. A JOB AID is an independent prompter or guide placed at the job site that provides information, describes processes, or presents perspectives to the user when needed to improve individual work performance. The purpose of this Toolkit is to provide examples of various types of job aids that other companies have designed and used successfully to correct performance problems. Job aids can be effective cross-job training tools that help employee confidence when performing tasks done infrequently. Job aids also enhance the value of training by emphasizing on the job results and make it easier to measure training results. In addition to improving performance, job aids have the potential to save organizations time and money because they can significantly reduce the amount of expensive training needed by employees. And they are easier to revise than a full training course. And finally, job aids help ensure more consistent performance across divisions within an organization.