Investing in employee development during key moments — such as when an employee advances or during layoffs — can build the employer-employee relationship and lead to a more engaged, loyal, healthy and resilient workforce, according to a Dec. 12 report from organizational consulting firm Keystone Partners.
According to survey data, 87% of employees who received both career development and career transition services from their employer felt their relationships with their employers were reciprocal.
“Employers today are dealing with more transient workforces than ever, and we’ve found companies are judged by employees less by the length of tenure than by the quality of the employee-employer relationship during that tenure,” Tim Baldwin, CEO of Keystone Partners, said in a statement.
“Employees now expect companies to invest in their growth,” he said. “When employees feel invested in, our research shows they’re more likely to view the relationship as positive.”
In addition, when employers invest in employees during major career milestones — even moments that are usually seen as negative, such as layoffs — they can still lead to positive business outcomes.
For instance, the survey found that 77% of employees who received career transition assistance from their employer felt losing their job was ultimately a positive experience. In addition, 65% of employees who survived a layoff but knew others received career transition services viewed their employer in a positive light.
The current business environment requires employee development, according to a separate report from The Josh Bersin Co., a human capital advisory firm. To keep up, companies need to adopt cross-functional career pathways, create a dynamic organization and focus on reskilling and retention, Bersin said.
In fact, most working professionals say continuing education and upskilling would benefit their careers, according to a report from Emeritus, a professional education company. About 80% said upskilling would help them stand out, and 74% said they would choose a job at a company that invests in their education over one that doesn’t.
Middle managers could also be key for talent development, according to a survey from Beamery, a talent management platform. Managers can support employee growth, progression and productivity, Beamery found, and investing in managers can help companies overcome talent challenges across the organizations.
