Four golden rules to help talent flourish sustainably
Almost ¾ of Belgian employees are keeping their door ajar for a new challenge. This is according to our annual survey with HR expert Acerta Consult of over 4,000 Belgians. One of the main reasons? A lack of development opportunities and learning possibilities at their current workplace. Companies that do not pay attention to this risk losing talent to competitors who do invest in personal growth and development. Here are four tips to keep strong profiles on board.
Offer targeted training
Employees want more than just a good salary. They want to feel valued and to keep evolving so they can reach their full potential. For a whopping 34.6% of employees, a lack of development opportunities is the main reason for looking out for another challenge. By offering them the chance to further develop their professional skills, you show them that you believe in them and that you take their future seriously. Research shows that learning and development programmes have a direct effect on employee retention. Keeping talent on board starts with investing in their skills. Offering targeted training is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity.
Make internal career opportunities visible
Employees who have visibility of a clear career path are more motivated to stay aboard longer. A US study shows that more than half of employees would be motivated not to leave if internal career opportunities were clear. Almost three quarters of employees want to know what steps they can take within the organisation. Those without visibility of internal job opportunities lose interest much faster. Here lies a great opportunity for companies. Open and transparent communication about vacancies takes little effort, but has a huge effect on your team’s motivation and loyalty.
Don’t forget horizontal growth opportunities
When we think of career development, we often think of vertical growth, while horizontal opportunities are at least as important. Not every employee wants to climb higher up the ladder. Horizontal growth allows employees to broaden their expertise to other departments or functions, without having to take a step up. Employees thus develop a wider range of skills, making them more valuable and flexible to the organisation. It creates new energy and motivation and avoids employees feeling stuck in one role. In a world that is constantly changing, offering horizontal growth opportunities is a key asset for retaining employees in your organization.
An eye for individual expectations and potential
Satisfied employees are your organization’s strength. In a corporate culture where leaders actively listen and respond to needs, employees feel heard and valued. By paying attention to the unique talents, ambitions and goals of each team member, you increase their commitment and motivation. This strengthens their loyalty and job satisfaction and also boosts your organisation’s productivity and success.
Written by: Lynn Guillaume
