By Michael W. Hill, Mobius Vendor Partners Executive Consultant, Birkman Professional

In a 2020 Retention Report survey, employees rated “lack of carer development programs” as the number one reason they would look for work elsewhere. Good employees (the ones you want to keep) are looking for opportunities to grow, expand their knowledge and skills, and to be given advancement opportunities. Give them these opportunities, and they’ll stay. Don’t, and they leave. It’s really that simple.

Let’s look at some other reasons – in addition to keeping your workers – why career development is important.

1. Increased Motivation

When employees identify career goals and their employer works with them to achieve growth through actionable means, they perform better. According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees surveyed said they would stay at a job longer if they were offered pathways for career development.

2. Increased Productivity

With my own company I found that when employees were given clear goals and access to resources that aid them in achieving those goals, they can build new skills and, in turn, improve their productivity. 

3. Retention

One of the biggest challenges companies face today is employee retention. Offering career development to employees shows those employees that the company sees the value of retaining them. 

4. Attracting Top Candidates

Nowadays it’s not hard for job candidates to do a little research and find out about an organization’s culture. A culture that encourages development is extremely desirable. A career development program might be just the benefit job seekers are looking for. A development  program might just separate you from the other organizations that do not offer a program. 

The above are just four of the benefits of a career development program. Your good employees need to get out of their comfort zone occasionally. Showing your employees that you are interested in their growth and development can be extremely beneficial. Talent is valuable. It is an asset that can grow for you and improve your bottom line. Why not put a program in place that is a win for the employees and your business?

So, how do you determine the level of career development you might need in your organization? Don’t just ask management what they “think”? We recommend surveying your employees. Go right to the source. No second guessing on an issue this important.

You may want our help. 

At Mobius’ Employee Experience – EX Consulting Employee Experience – Mobius Vendor Partners (mobiusvp.com) – we have the software to measure/analyze what your employees want in a career development program. After surveying, we can help you get started on a program to develop your employees and grow your organization.

Books by the author: 

Measuring to Manage
Available at: https://lnkd.inI/eZx3Rj5s

Life is Predictable
Available at: https://lnkd.in/eujpmaQD

The 9 Keys to Leadership
Available at: https://lnkd.in/ep9EpeFC