10 Reasons Why Employee Development Is the Key
Table of Contents
Introduction
Employee development, also known as professional development or staff development, encompasses various forms of training and education provided by employers to support the advancement of their workforce. It includes a range of learning experiences such as workshops, certifications, university courses, and mentorship programs.
By placing importance on staff development, organizations ensure that employees’ skills align with current industry trends and best practices. Employers who invest in additional education that complements an employee’s career trajectory tend to experience higher employee retention rates, increased engagement, and improved revenue.
Professional development aims to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, enabling them to progress in their overall career rather than simply acquiring skills for a specific role. While individuals bear the responsibility of their own professional development, employers benefit from fostering a culture of continuous learning by providing access to both internal and external learning opportunities for their staff.
10 Reasons Why Employee Development Is the Key
1. Employees desire career advancement
No individual aspires to be stuck in a dead-end job within an organization that doesn’t value its workforce. The phenomenon known as the Great Resignation has seen a significant increase in employees leaving their current positions in search of better work-life balance, compensation, and benefits. Another key factor driving employees to quit is the absence of opportunities for professional growth. A report by Monster in the fall of 2021 revealed that 45 percent of surveyed employees expressed being more inclined to stay in their current roles if offered additional training. By nurturing your employees’ career development, you can expect improved performance and increased retention.
2. Professional development contributes to retention.
Investing in employee development is a strategic long-term commitment that can help retain and cultivate talented individuals. With over 4 million workers in the United States have resigned from their jobs in June 2022 and 40 percent of respondents from six countries indicating their intention to leave their current positions, allocating resources to employee retention has become more crucial than ever.
3. Professional development unlocks employees’ full potential.
ClearCompany reports that 74 percent of employees believe the lack of professional development opportunities hinders them from reaching their maximum potential. This leads to employees feeling undervalued and underdeveloped, resulting in disengagement and high turnover rates. Investing in employee development allows your workforce to feel empowered by their skill growth, and these learning opportunities can lead to pivotal promotions, enabling you to retain top talent.
4. Investing in staff development enhances employee retention.
According to ClearCompany, if companies prioritize employee development, a remarkable 94 percent of employees would be inclined to stay longer. People development serves as an appealing employee benefit. If an organization fails to invest in their team and support employee growth, they risk losing talent to competitors who do.
5. Trained employees demonstrate higher productivity.
The availability of learning and development opportunities directly impacts productivity. It’s a straightforward equation when employees can expand their skills and knowledge, their confidence increases, resulting in more efficient and effective work performance, as observed by Indeed.
6. Profitability increases for companies investing in employee development.
Employees who engage in professional development exhibit higher productivity, and employee development initiatives also contribute to enhanced profitability. Research conducted by the MIT Sloan School of Management indicated that a year-long soft skills training program implemented by employers resulted in an approximately 250 percent return on investment within eight months. Additionally, upskilling efforts have the potential to boost global GDP by as much as $6.5 trillion by 2030, according to a 2021 report by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
7. Professional development enhances employee engagement.
Investing in professional development initiatives fosters a sense of value and engagement among employees. When organizations demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ growth and offer opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills, it creates a positive work environment. Engaged employees are more motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated to their work, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
8. Professional development supports succession planning.
Implementing professional development programs allows organizations to identify and nurture potential future leaders. Companies can develop a pipeline of qualified internal candidates for key positions by offering targeted training and growth opportunities. This strategic approach to succession planning ensures continuity, reduces the need for external recruitment, and promotes loyalty among employees who see a clear path for advancement within the organization.
9. Professional development boosts innovation and adaptability.
Continuous learning and skill development enable employees to stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. This knowledge equips them to contribute innovative ideas, adapt to changing circumstances, and drive organizational growth. By investing in professional development, companies foster a culture of innovation, where employees are encouraged to think creatively, explore new approaches, and contribute to the organization’s success.
10. Professional development supports diversity and inclusion.
Offering comprehensive professional development opportunities plays a vital role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Organizations create a more inclusive environment by providing training and development programs that address unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Employees from diverse backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, resulting in a more diverse talent pool, improved teamwork, and better decision-making.
The final word
In conclusion, employee development is crucial for organizations as it brings numerous benefits and plays a significant role in their success. By investing in the growth and progress of their employees, companies can foster a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that aligns with industry trends and best practices. This commitment to professional development leads to higher employee retention rates, increased engagement, and improved financial performance. Moreover, employee development goes beyond building skills for a specific role; it supports individuals in advancing their overall career trajectory. By prioritizing employee development, organizations create a culture of continuous learning and provide opportunities for their employees to enhance their capabilities and reach their full potential. Ultimately, a commitment to employee development is a strategic investment that strengthens both the individual and the organization.