02/11/2021

Why should businesses invest in professional development?

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 amongst others 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.

What is professional development?

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.

Options for professional development:

  • Sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge internally within the team
  • Regular training and development discussions within the business. For example; ‘Weekly HR Tech Talk’
  • On the job training
  • Structured training sessions run internally
  • Mentorship
  • Attendance at webinars and briefings on specific topics
  • Subscribing to e-newsletters to be up to date with relevant industry knowledge and trends
  • Government grants or funding that support training opportunities for businesses

A workplace culture that encourages employees to further enhance their skills and knowledge is one that will keep employees motivated. 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.

Conclusion: why it is recommended that employers invest in Employee Professional Development?

  1. To continue to grow skills, knowledge and experiences within the workplace
  2. To create a positive culture of learning and development
  3. To keep employees motivated
  4. To show commitment towards continuous improvement
  5. To attract and retain highly skills employees
  6. To close skills gaps within the business

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.