Professional Development

Professional development is not exclusively for attorneys, physicians, engineers or others who must satisfy the requirements for renewing a professional license. It helps businesses be more competitive by fostering a positive environment in which employees are more productive, loyal and content.

Professional development, also referred to as continuing education, was once only for those who were required to show proof when renewing a professional license that they had kept their skills current. Today, however, employers need to support professional development for all of their employees.

Some employers claim that there is no time for such efforts, or that it’s too expensive. Many worry that all they would be doing is enhancing employees’ skills for a future employer. They ask themselves what would happen if they encourage professional development and some of their employees leave.

The better question would be to ask what would happen if they ignore professional development and their employees stay.

Think of your business as an ancient ship to carry passengers and goods that is propelled by oarsmen. In your business, you probably have “rowers and riders.” The rowers are the ones who are innovative and care about doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. The riders probably perform their tasks adequately, but they seldom exceed your expectations.

Now imagine a scenario in which all of your “rowers” simply disappear. How many “riders” will be equipped to step up and become “rowers”?

A professional development program can help turn some of your “riders” into “rowers.”

Besides the possibility that you might discover the next corporate superstar, there are sound business reasons that justify your support of professional development for your employees.

The Top 3 Reasons to Focus on Professional Development

1.    Happy employees are loyal, and loyal employees are more productive. Virtually all employees will be happier if their employers express a genuine interest in helping them develop the skills they will need to advance their careers.

2.    Your organization’s needs are going to change, and it will be easier to meet these changes if you have personnel with the skillsets needed. Your business must continuously adapt to economic conditions, competition and changes in regulations.

Technological advances offer new ways to do more in less time and with even fewer resources. New methodologies allow you to streamline once cumbersome practices. Having people already in place who have the knowledge to meet the challenges make the process less disruptive.

3.    People like to feel that they have a great deal of control over their careers. Supporting professional development for your employees helps them feel that they have more control over their own destinies. The reduced stress often translates into increased creativity, higher levels of productivity and enhanced teamwork.

Each one of your employees represent an investment of both time and money. When your employees achieve more, everyone benefits. Therefore, it makes sense to take the steps to ensure that you have the happiest and most loyal employees you can find or develop.