TRAINING AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between training and employee engagement among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Niger State, Nigeria. To dtermine the relationship between on-the-job, off-the-job training and employee engagement among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Niger State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design survey was adopted, and data were collected from 390 SMEs owners/ managers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and multiple regression analyses were employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that on-the-job training has a strong and statistically significant positive relationship with employee engagement, while off-the-job training shows no significant relationship with employee engagement. The study concludes that workplace-based training (hand-on) remains a key driver of employee engagement in SMEs in Niger State, Nigeria. It recommends that SME managers prioritize on-the-job training initiatives to enhance employee engagement and organizational performance.