Upskill and Retain: How RSA Software Helps Print Providers Invest in Their Teams

For in-plant and commercial print providers, the most valuable asset isn't just the equipment on the shop floor or the software driving automation, but the skilled professionals who make everything run smoothly. And when it comes to upskilling and retaining those professionals, software from Rochester Software Associates (RSA) offers more than just workflow efficiencies—it offers an opportunity to build expertise, confidence, and long-term loyalty.

That may seem like a stretch at first. After all, software automates tasks, not careers. But the real differentiator is how that software is introduced, supported, and mastered by the team. With the proper training and implementation strategy, RSA software can help transform print shop employees into workflow experts—and that transformation pays off in loyalty, morale, and long-term performance.

Training and Retention: A Proven Link

Studies across industries support the idea that professional development directly impacts employee retention. According to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees said they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. Another report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that companies with strong learning cultures had 30–50% higher retention rates than those without.

This data makes a compelling case: people want to grow. When they’re given the chance to gain new skills, particularly those tied to in-demand technologies, they feel more capable, valued, and connected to their workplace. That’s especially important in print environments, where evolving technology can easily outpace internal training unless leadership prioritizes it.

Turning Software Training into a Retention Strategy

RSA’s solutions, such as WebCRD, ReadyPrint, and QDirect, are known for streamlining workflow, improving turnaround times, and enhancing job submission and output management. But beyond those operational benefits lies another critical advantage: empowering employees through training and mastery of advanced tools.

That’s where upskilling comes in. Learning how to optimize prepress workflows with ReadyPrint, route jobs intelligently with QDirect, or manage job submission through WebCRD transforms an employee’s day-to-day role. What once may have been a purely tactical position becomes more analytical, strategic, and ultimately more satisfying.

For print providers, encouraging that transition through formal training, peer mentoring, and continuous learning maximizes the ROI of their RSA investment and gives employees a path to personal advancement.

When print shop staff are given the time and support to learn how to leverage RSA software to its full potential, they become more than just machine operators; they become problem solvers, automation experts, and workflow strategists. These are the kinds of skills that build careers, not just jobs.

Employees who feel they’re growing in their role are more likely to stay. Research across industries consistently shows that access to training and professional development opportunities is a key retention driver. Print providers who build a learning culture around their software investments create a workplace where staff feel valued, capable, and invested. An additional benefit is that a well-trained team can be more efficient, enabling the print provider to do more with fewer personnel.

Creating Internal Experts and Workflow Champions

One helpful strategy that could help a print center raise its retention levels is by designating a "workflow champion," an employee who receives more in-depth training on RSA’s suite of tools and then shares that knowledge with the rest of the team. These individuals deepen their technical expertise and play a vital role in fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

RSA supports this model with various educational resources, including virtual training sessions, user conferences, customer success webinars, and responsive support teams. These offerings make it easier to ensure that knowledge keeps pace with technology. When employees see opportunities to grow into leadership or specialist roles, it helps solidify their future at the organization.

When employees become internal experts, their roles shift from reactive to proactive. They no longer simply execute tasks but improve processes, solve problems, and coach others. That professional evolution fosters long-term engagement and opens doors for leadership within the print center.

Employees trained to think critically about print production, not just run machines, bring more value to their teams. And when they see their employers investing in their professional development, they’re more likely to feel a sense of purpose and commitment to the organization.

That’s especially true for younger or mid-career workers looking for more than a paycheck. They want meaningful work, modern tools, and the chance to evolve. When paired with intentional learning pathways, RSA software helps deliver all three.

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Talent

Investing in new software solutions and technology without a training plan can leave teams feeling overwhelmed or underutilized. However, RSA solutions’ intuitive interfaces and user-focused design help bridge the gap. With the proper onboarding and ongoing learning, even staff new to print automation can gain confidence quickly.

By integrating RSA tools into the employee development journey, print providers can reduce errors, increase efficiency, and foster a team that takes pride in its mastery of the tools and processes that drive results. Upskilling isn’t just about knowing which button to click, it’s about understanding how to solve challenges, streamline workflows, and contribute to the bigger picture. That professional growth is deeply satisfying and a powerful reason for employees to stay.

In a market where talent and time are in short supply, print providers who invest in training and skill development for RSA software aren’t just future proofing their operations; they’re building a stronger, more committed team.