Mentors and Trainers are Teachers, Too!

Posted on April 19th, 2023 by Alicia Alexander

Mentors and trainers are teachers, too.

With Teacher Appreciation Week coming up May 8 – May 12, it is important to recognize All of the teachers in your life. Mentors and trainers are key figures that often get overlooked as teachers. Teachers are commonplace within the workplace, not only at your kids’ schools. It can be argued that teachers are the most hardworking group of people on the planet. We think they deserve to be celebrated all year long. Thank you, teachers! Be sure to send your kids to school with handwritten thank you notes. (Teachers love them!)

Mentors and Trainers are Teachers, Too!

As we honor the teachers who educate our children, we should also show gratitude for those who teach in the workplace. Mentors and trainers should be celebrated for their critical roles, too. They are the unsung heroes who not only impart knowledge but also guide, shape, and influence the careers and development of employees across industries.

According to the Association for Talent Development (ATD), “Training is one specific and common form of employee development; other forms include coaching, mentoring, informal learning, self-directed learning, or experiential learning.” This highlights the importance of structured learning within organizations and the necessity for skilled mentors and trainers to facilitate the growth of employees.

Everyone deserves a well-respected trainer or mentor to help them onboard, gain knowledge, and pave a path to success. Without these guides, navigating the complexities of a new job, unfamiliar systems, or industry-specific knowledge becomes much more challenging. Mentors and trainers not only teach technical skills but also share the unwritten rules of the workplace, helping new hires feel confident and competent.

An HBR piece, “What Great Mentorship Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace”, states that “Mentorship and sponsorship are critical to employee retention and satisfaction — especially for people of color and women, both of whom are more likely than others to report mentoring as very important to their career development.” This underscores the significant role that mentors play in fostering diversity and inclusion within the workforce, ensuring that all employees feel supported and have access to opportunities for advancement.

Moreover, the role of mentors and trainers is evolving. As workplaces embrace remote and hybrid models, the demand for flexible, creative, and empathetic mentorship is growing. Today’s mentors need to be adaptable, tech-savvy, and capable of fostering connections even across virtual platforms. They must bridge the gap between traditional in-person training and the digital age, ensuring that employees remain engaged, well-supported, and motivated to grow.

The right training, and development of mentors and trainers, can drastically impact an employee’s experience. That said, let’s embrace the ambassadors who train, lead, and teach – we need them at every age and stage of life and business. Their contributions are invaluable, shaping the future of organizations and the individuals within them.

Let us Help!

Need ideas for showing appreciation in the workplace? We’ve got you covered! At gThankYou, we offer a variety of gift certificates that are sure to make anyone smile, from groceries to ice cream to sweet treats. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or recognizing everyday excellence, our certificates provide a thoughtful way to express your gratitude. Let us help you show appreciation to those who make a difference and foster a positive workplace culture. With gThankYou, saying “thank you” has never been easier or more meaningful.