Rotational training is a training strategy that moves employees (often new hires) through all departments or functions of the organization before placing them in their permanent role.

The main purpose of rotational training is to diversify an employee’s understanding, skills and experience of other functions and departments of the organization; this type of training helps in breaking down internal barriers by connecting employees from different teams, to establish relationships that could yield opportunities in the near future.

This helps gain a holistic perspective of operations with the organization and may identify other roles in which the employee may perform well; it also helps the employee to develop new transferable skills.

Advantages of rotational training

Rotational training brings many benefits to both the employer and the employee. The following are the advantages of rotational training:

• It enables the employee’s understanding and knowledge
• It clarifies the organization’s goals
• It helps employees to overcome 
• It offers employees the opportunity to explore other departments within the organization
• It increases motivation

Disadvantages of rotational training

As much as rotational training has many advantages, it also has its disadvantages. Below are the disadvantages of rotational training:

• It reduces productivity
• It could increase costs

Nevertheless, rotational training still remains one of the best ways to solidify an employee's skills, knowledge and understanding of their role and the organization’s culture.