Today, we’re talking about employee education and development. Is it something you should invest in? Why? 

We’re here to tell you that, yes, if your organization can afford to invest in the further education and development of your staff, it’s a great idea to do so. It’s important to clarify that we’re referring to more than just training; we’re talking about extended, continued employee development and education, which is often received from third parties outside your organization. 

There are some clear reasons for investing in employee education, but there are also some reasons that might not seem so obvious. 

Build an agile, highly-competent team.

This is one of the most obvious reasons! The more your team knows about its industry, the more effective your company will likely be — that’s a given. But what you might not think about is agility. If your team is empowered to stay educated on the evolving trends and topics within your industry, your company as a whole will be better-equipped to pivot when a shift occurs.

Staff members who are confident enough in their industry knowledge are far more likely to be able to handle unexpected setbacks and obstacles that crop up periodically. This will help you keep moving forward while many other organizations will need to stop and regroup. 

Employees who are equipped with the information they need to be successful are often more engaged, more confident, and more satisfied with their jobs. 

Reduce employee turnover and improve culture.

In today’s workforce, company culture and management intention hold a high amount of influence. A company culture that encourages employee development is one that shows interest in and compassion for its staff. Employees who feel valued by their employers are more likely to stay in their positions for an extended period of time. 

When your employees feel this level of value, their productivity, engagement, and morale tend to trend in a more positive direction, which are qualities that have a tendency to spread throughout a workplace.

Attract new, high-quality talent.

The current batch of job-seekers — comprised highly of Millennials and Gen Z — feels very strongly about company culture, and whether or not a company’s values are in-line with their own. Companies that offer continuing education and professional development are often prioritized in job searches, causing the quality of applicants to increase dramatically. When you’re able to choose from a pool of highly-motivated individuals who feel strongly about the environment in which they work, you are more likely to make hires that fit your company, and that stay for a long time. 

Invest in your team, your culture, and your company’s future. 

We know that not every organization can afford to invest in continued education for their employees, but for those that can, we highly recommend it. From encouraging personal job satisfaction to attracting and retaining high-quality talent, the benefits of providing professional development and continued education are hard to deny.

If your company can’t afford to provide access to this education, it’s time to get creative. How can you provide enrichments that show you value your team, and that you’re invested in their futures at your company?