It has been said many times – the employees are the most important assets of any business. They are highly influential for success, so it makes sense that organizations invest in employee development. The latter is a continuous process of working with the employees to improve their skills. It includes training, but it is more than such. Keep on reading and we’ll share some of the most important tips for successful employee development.
- Create a Mentorship Culture
To get employee development right, it will help to create formal mentorship programs. This is a more informal approach to employee training. By having mentors, employees will not only have a senior to guide them on their success, but this also means having a friend in the workplace. It is key to the development of healthy relationships.
- Introduce Microlearning
Employee development includes a comprehensive training program. Rather than relying on traditional approaches, consider microlearning as an alternative. It breaks down learning materials into easier to digest nuggets, such as three to five-minute videos. It significantly improves engagement. This is more effective compared to having tens of pages in a training module.
If you want to successfully implement microlearning as a part of your company’s employee development program, True Office Learning can extend a helping hand.
- Involve the Employees
Ask the employees about where they see themselves in the future. Learn about their needs and goals, not just as an employee but as a person. The more you know about their motivations, the easier it is to create a development program that they will find relevant. If they feel that the program will not benefit them, they will be more hesitant to participate.
- Offer Variety
One of the main reasons why employee development programs fail is because the participants are unengaged. Prevent this from happening by offering variety. Look for effective ways to break the monotony, such as by incorporating gamification. Experiment with different platforms and approaches instead of relying on a single strategy.
- Develop a Welcoming Environment
A warm environment is a must for successful employee development. If the workplace is hostile and intimidating, employees will be scared. This will limit their performance, resulting in the inability to unleash their potential. It is crucial to have a supportive and collaborative environment where employees feel that they belong.
- Measure and Improve
Employee development is useless without assessment. It is equally important to invest in measuring the results, and more importantly, improve accordingly. From the start, metrics must be identified to gauge the success or failure of the employee development initiatives. When things are not working, the management should identify ways to improve.
In sum, employee development is important in every organization. The management must be proactive in making sure of its effectiveness. This is possible by creating a mentorship culture, introducing microlearning, offering variety, and measuring and improving, among other things.
