By Mark Dolinski, VP of Professional Development and Training
If you want to be the employer of choice, now is the time to invest in the development of your employees. A staggering 87% of millennials say that professional development and career growth are very important, and millennials will make up 75% of the workforce by 2030, according to Mara Calvello, a content marketing manager at G2. Employers who refuse to invest in their employees, risk increased turnover and suboptimal financial performance.
So, what is the optimal way to develop your employees? There are many approaches including creating a development plan, pairing employees with mentors and encouraging self-development. The factor often missing is the realization that employee retention and maximizing operational performance often lies with the effectiveness of the supervisor and manager. According to a 2015 Forbes article, “Effective managers can improve employee engagement. Organizations with talented and inspiring managers have the ability to keep employees engaged.” Unfortunately, many organizations promote employees to leadership positions without supporting them with professional development. This often leads to an unengaged workforce and a frustrated manager.
GRCA programming
Seeing this shortfall, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) has integrated Herzberg’s two-factor theory into our supervisor development program. Herzberg continued to build upon Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, bringing the concept into the work environment. Herzberg provides managers and supervisors insight into the levers at their disposal that cause employees to be dissatisfied, satisfied or fully engaged.
Take advantage of the economic reopening and focus on employee retention by investing in developing your supervisors and managers with essential interpersonal skills to drive future growth. GRCA is starting a new series of Supervisor Training Modules on Sept. 8, 2021. Use this opportunity to recharge your supervisors and managers.
In a recent McKinsey Global Survey, 69 percent of respondents said that building the skills of existing staff is more important than any other method of talent building, including hiring. It’s time for companies to strategize talent development and identify the most effective options, including digital learning and in-person workshops.
WEDnetPA
In 1999, the Commonwealth committed itself to giving Pennsylvania businesses a significant competitive edge. Created by the Department of Community & Economic Development, the WEDnetPA program provides qualified employers training for new and existing employees. The training allows companies to stay competitive while keeping employee skills current and relevant.
Many of the professional development programs offered by GRCA are eligible for WedNet funding. Employers may apply for funding for any number of eligible employees up to $600 per employee and up to $75,000 total per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). To learn more about the eligibility requirements of WedNet, click on Eligible. Your company can apply online and select any WEDnetPA partner — including GRCA. When your application is approved, you will receive an award letter, and then you can begin registering your employees for training. For additional information on registering your employees or bringing a customized program to your business, contact Mark Dolinski at mdolinski@greaterreading.org or call 610-898-8386.
Are you still unsure of what WEDnet is and how your company can take advantage? Join us virtually on Thursday, May 27 at 1 p.m. for an introduction to WEDnet. Register now.