8 things every people leader should be doing to support their employees.
In today's competitive job market, employee retention has become a top priority for organizations seeking to maintain a skilled and dedicated workforce. Encouraging career growth within your company not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to long-term retention. By providing opportunities for professional advancement and personal development, you can create a culture that fosters loyalty and commitment.
Here's 8 ways you can strategically drive employee retention through the promotion of career growth:
1. Providing Clear Pathways for Advancement
Establishing transparent career paths within your organization is crucial. When employees understand the various stages and roles available, they can set clear goals and work towards them with a sense of purpose. Outline the skills, competencies, and milestones required to move up the ladder, enabling employees to proactively plan their growth journey. Discussing pathways does not guarantee growth, but it is a great way to help motivate your individual employees with options.
Take this a step further: Understand where your team members want to grow in terms of development and additional job titles. Some might enjoy exactly where they are at while others want to break glass ceilings. When you understand where your team members are at, you'll know how to motivate them more specifically.
2. Implementing Tailored Development Plans
Recognize that each employee has unique strengths and aspirations. Collaborate with your team members to design individualized development plans that align with their career goals. Offering training, mentorship, and cross-functional experiences can help employees acquire new skills and broaden their expertise, making them more valuable assets to your company.
Take this a step further: Add this as something you discuss during your 1:1s and help make introductions to people inside and outside of the organization that can help them grow. This can also include referring specific podcasts to tune into or professional development books that might be helpful to their specific goals and desires.
3. Sharing Regular Performance Feedback
Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Implement a continuous feedback method that emphasizes strengths and identifies areas for improvement. Regular check-ins and performance reviews provide opportunities for meaningful discussions about progress, aligning expectations, and addressing concerns.
Take this a step further: Building a foundation of psychological safety is key. When your team members know and trust that the information and feedback you're providing is coming from a genuine place, they will be more open to it and willing to implement and understand how to course correct as needed.
4. Giving Challenging Assignments
Empower employees by assigning projects that stretch their capabilities and require them to step out of their comfort zones. Challenging assignments not only enhance skills but also boost confidence and job satisfaction. These opportunities demonstrate your commitment to their development and make them more likely to remain engaged and motivated.
Take this a step further: Be mindful of the individuals on your team, going back to the individualized strengths. Not all people on your team will jump at the opportunity for a challenging assignment, so this is a great place for you as a leader to see how you can offer a challenging assignment to an individual based on their strengths and be clear that this is to help them to grow and any struggle or failure along the way will not affect their employment status or value within the team as they are learning and growing.
5. Sharing Recognition and Rewards
Celebrate milestones and accomplishments to acknowledge the hard work employees put into their growth journey. Recognize achievements and offer appropriate rewards, whether through promotions, salary increases, or other incentives. Feeling valued and appreciated for their efforts reinforces their commitment to your organization.
Take this a step further: Get specific with the feedback and share it often. Even when teams aren't performing where you want them to be, continue to celebrate what is going well. When I say specific, I mean for you to include the details as to why it's something you are recognizing them for. No more "great job" and leaving it at that. Also recognize how your team wants to be celebrated. Not all personalities want their name to be displayed on a big screen at a team meeting.
6. Facilitating Mentorship and Networking
Encourage a culture of mentorship where experienced employees guide and support those who are seeking career advancement. Additionally, facilitate networking opportunities within and outside the organization. Building professional relationships broadens perspectives and opens doors to new possibilities.
Take this a step further: This is a space I see many companies dropping the ball. Some things like mentorship or networking seem so simple that it's difficult for employers to prioritize. This can easily be added as a topic in your 1:1 to discuss what team members are doing to network with other employees in the company but outside of their department. Mentorship can be something driven better by leaders to help outline what a successful internal mentorship can look like between two individuals.
7. Encouraging Flexibility and Work-Life Harmony
Recognize the importance of work-life harmony (it's never in equal balance, let's be honest). Offer flexible work arrangements, remote options, or wellness programs that promote a healthy balance between personal and professional responsibilities. When employees feel their well-being is a priority, they are more likely to stay committed to your company.
Take this a step further: Don't be like the companies who have a list of perks where, at the surface, it looks like a dream, but in reality is hard to put into action or take advantage of. Leaders within your organization need to consistently encourage these perks to be taken advantage of and help individuals to implement or utilize.
8. Investment in Personal Growth
Support employees in their pursuit of continuous learning beyond the workplace. Offer tuition reimbursement, access to online courses, or resources to develop skills and knowledge that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Take this a step further: Many individuals might have a side hustle or outside passions. If your leadership team learns more about the individual and their passions outside of work, team members will appreciate your acknowledgement of their desires and that alone can fuel their desire to continue to be a phenomenal employee while they also pursue other dreams.
By prioritizing employee career growth and taking a strategic approach, you create an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered. As employees see a clear path forward and experience ongoing development, they are more likely to remain loyal to your organization. Investing in their professional journey not only benefits them but also strengthens your company's foundation, driving long-term success and stability.
If your organization is looking for ways to help your team members prepare for future leadership roles, you'll want to check out the Future Leaders Program where your team members can learn the soft skills needed to stand out as leaders before they get promoted, helping them to be more prepared to step into and grow into their first leadership role.
Individuals can join the free community for ongoing career support and help here.
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