Driving to the airport extremely early one morning last week, I felt the need for a caffeine fix to wake me up and start my day. Of course nowadays with 24 hour everything, there was no problem feeding my need and I stopped at the next petrol station. I always feel a bit sorry for the people working in 24 hour outlets, what do they do to while away the time when let’s face it, have you ever had to queue at 4am to pay for your coffee or petrol?

I asked him “Are you watching a movie or something, it must get quite boring here?”, and the reply was “No I’m actually studying, doing a degree online!” Wow…. and why not. The world is open 24/7, not only shops, petrol stations and hospitals, and therefore the world of learning never sleeps either.

So as I always do, I arrived at the till with a pitiful look on my face but thinking well at least I’m giving them something to do. I was however greeted with a smile and look of pity back, and then I realised that not only was this assistant quite happy to be at work he was engrossed in something on a computer and most probably enjoying the peace and quiet to get on with it. Until I arrived to disturb him!

Employers who are clever are catching on to this too, and are getting their staff to use their time more efficiently and effectively. No matter where you work or what industry there is always a need for learning and training. So why not do this training in the dead of night when not much else is happening.

With legislation and compliance a high priority for a lot of businesses, specifically the aforementioned petrol station, employers struggle to overcome the training challenges this brings. The answer can often be on the job learning, using the internet or accessing training programmes via a computer enables staff to really utilise their time.

It’s a win win situation, the employer gets his staff fully trained up and compliant, reducing many risks and potential legal action. The employee is motivated by being engaged at all times and made feel valued by his employer. The customer, me for example, is greeted 24/7 by a happy assistant, who is not resentful or bitter but rather pities the poor punter who is on the road at 4am to catch a flight to reach a destination in time to start their working day.

So to all you employers out there, help your staff to burn the midnight oil, and in return they will help you run a better more efficient business!