Training needs assessment is a systematic process used in Human Resources to identify gaps in employees' skills, knowledge, or abilities that hinder their performance or organizational goals. It involves the evaluation of current competencies and the determination of specific training requirements to bridge those gaps effectively.

Example
Suppose a company aims to improve its customer service quality. To conduct a Training Needs Assessment, HR conducts surveys, interviews, and performance evaluations to identify areas where employees may lack crucial skills or knowledge. After analysis, it's found that many employees struggle with handling customer complaints effectively. As a result, the company decided to implement a customer service training program to address this specific skill gap, thereby enhancing overall service quality.

This process ensures that training efforts are targeted and aligned with the organization's strategic objectives while maximizing the return on investment in employee development.