2 November 2021
Why is it that it’s up to a business to train their employees? How does this responsibility fall back onto the Employer? Surely the Employee is doing what is asked of them. This, among other things, often form part of the recruitment discussion.
In today’s modern society, attracting and retaining employees doesn’t always equate to the monetary consideration they will be receiving by working for you. Employees are looking at workplace culture, work-life balance, career progression, flexibility and professional development opportunities that might exist.
When we say Professional Development, what we mean is the opportunity to enhance current skills and knowledge, learn new information and apply it to their position and the future. This development can be for their existing position or a future opportunities within the business. It also might be for a role in another business too which is something to be mindful of.
When both employers and employees think of Professional Development, the automatic reaction is that the PD needs to be an external course that the business pays for on behalf of the Employee. In some circumstances this is true and it’s the best way to facilitate the learning needed. But in reality this doesn’t need to be the case– Professional Development does not have to be a direct cost to the business.
Promotion of Professional Development is not just up to the Employer. Employees need to take the lead on their own development and be proactive and show initiative to their Manager in identifying areas they’d like to develop.
Employers need to consider including training and development as part of their annual budget. Depending on the size and nature of a business this will also inform whether or not they have physical funds to support a structured external Professional Development regime. Although, as mentioned above if the fund aren’t available there are other ways this can be achieved.
Determining your Professional Development strategy for your business requires thought. It’s simple not a one-size-fits-all approach, in fact within a business their may be different strategies depending on the departments. Seeking out professional advice on the best way to implement Professional Development in your business is the best way to start.
Reach out to Now Actually if you wish to have a complimentary discussion on how to tackle setting up professional development programs in your business.