Blog / Leadership
Personal Development in the Workplace, Dean Carpenter Rockend
by Dean Carpenter - HR Manager - Rockend
Last month I wrote about techniques your business could employ to achieve high levels of staff attachment, engagement and ultimately, retention. Following on from this, I have focused this month’s article on the employee’s desire for ongoing development and how your business can assist them to meet those goals, which results in happier, harder working employees.
Ongoing professional and personal development is a key factor in staff retention. If a person feels their personal development goals align with those of the business, they are more likely to productively engage with the business. In our business, we seek individuals who are willing to grow and continue their learning. The reason we place such importance in these two areas when hiring is based on the fact that all businesses evolve - and in time so do the roles in which people work. The role you are employed in today, simply isn’t going to be the same role in 1, 3 or 5 years’ time.
Whether your business is full of experienced staff or young graduates, it is important the business continually challenges and stimulates staff. Establishing a personal development program or learning path for all staff can help ensure you meet these needs. Start by identifying the key personal and professional learning areas and determine how these align with the wider goals of the business. From here you can determine the best ways to fulfil these goals. Establishing a set of core learning modules for all employees helps ensure the entire business is on the same page. In addition to the core modules, provide optional modules which people can elect to attend based on their goals and interests. If you were a property manager who has goals to break into business development, you may require additional training – which could be achieved within your business, or by providing training either externally or online. Working in the Real Estate industry provides access to a huge number of conferences and networking events. Employees should be encouraged to partake in valuable learning exercises such as these.
When offering learning and development opportunities for your team, it’s important to meet them at their level and provide training in a flexible way. One way to do this is by implementing an e-learning solution, which is a low cost and effective learning tool for all staff. Platforms such a lynda.com provide you with over 3000 online courses in technology, creative and business skills. As it is an online platform it is accessible to all staff 24/7, providing them with resources to learn both personally and professionally.
Take the time to pinpoint your learning goals, help your team to do the same and investigate the potential learning opportunities offered in your business.
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