Employee engagement and retention must be top of mind for employers. While specific skill development can be tied directly to current job functions, allowing employees to explore new skills outside of their direct position allows employees to trust that their company is invested in their future development. Training and development of employees is essential to keep them engaged and create an optimal environment across organisations.
Why is learning and development important?
Learning and development that is personalised to the individual is so important in the workplace. Not only can it enhance employee motivation and overall business performance, but it can also empower employees on a personal level.
Learning and development should be as important to employers as it is to employees themselves. Staff value the chance to improve their skills and develop further, and potentially will be more loyal to their companies if they are given this opportunity to develop as individuals. They may even stay at a company longer if their development is given investment!
In today’s workplace culture where productivity and progression are particularly focused on, self-worth is often tied to levels of performance and achievements at work. Lack of development can therefore impact employee confidence and wellbeing. Learning and development allows people to grow and develop both personally and professionally, and so can lead to greater levels of wellbeing and satisfaction.
Why are learning and development key drivers of employee engagement?
Employee engagement is characterised by an emotional connection to the work taking place, and the company the employees are working for. Often confused with employee satisfaction, which can often be determined by benefits, salary, flexible working, and other perks.
Employees will work best in an environment that prioritises increasing their skill sets and improving their personal and professional development. This in turn will increase employee motivation to work towards company objectives and goals.
Overall, learning and development can improve:
- Employee retention
- Levels of motivation amongst staff
- Employee wellbeing and confidence
- Engagement and performance
Companies that foster a culture of learning and development give their employees motivation and desire to remain engaged, but also strengthen their internal pool of skilled candidates who can continue to grow the company. A great way to increase employee engagement is by implementing quality training solutions that inspire professionalism, competency, and flexibility – check out the qualifications we offer here.
What’s your strategy for improving employee engagement for the rest of 2023?
