Giving your people the support they need to reach their career potential
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Career Growth
Employees are looking for opportunities to train and develop their skills every day. Most employees in today’s corporate setting don’t feel they’re able to learn or improve on their existing skills. Lots of employees feel stuck in their current roles. It’s important to have people be rockstars at what they do within the organization, but what if they could be even more effective after a promotion?
There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than you are capable of living.
This is one of our favorite career growth quotes from Nelson Mandela.
So building a culture of opportunity means helping employees think big — and creating opportunities for them to reach their individual human potential. Career growth happens when an employee’s identity and personal goals intersect with a supportive culture and tangible opportunities for growth.
What is career growth?
The best companies for career growth are paying attention to what the millennial generation values in employers. Research by PwC shows that two of the top three demands of millennials are about career growth opportunities for employees. The No. 1 thing they look for in a potential employer is the opportunity for career progression. And the most important factor for millennials is a top-notch training and development program. Not surprising, competitive pay and incentives clocks in at No. 2 Failing to support employees’ desire to grow in their careers may be driving away your most talented people. Career growth can mean different things to different people, including:
Building specific new skills and the job satisfaction that comes with a sense of growing competence
Receiving formal educational advancements or certifications
Feeling valued through the opportunity to coach and support others
Earning a promotion and the accompanying financial rewards
Why does career growth matter?
So it's clear what potential recruits are looking for. But despite the many opportunities that may exist in your organization, attracting and retaining talented employees requires that they actually perceive and experience a culture of opportunity. Thoughtful and inspirational communication in support of a culture of personal and professional growth will pay big dividends.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) cites several trends that point to the need for a culture of opportunity. It’s essential for human resources to provide paths and resources that can support personal career goals. But more importantly, employees will be more engaged when they see the organization cares about their success.
The reason career growth matters is the mindset that employees hold as they enter your workforce. With the breakdown of traditional labor arrangements and flatter organizations, employees often feel they are left to seek out their own career growth plan. With career development left to the individual, it becomes even more critical that employees perceive a range of options to get them to the next level.
According to Gallup, organizations that want to be among the best companies for career growth must embrace a “high-development culture.” The vast majority of millennials, for example, say that professional development is key. And the top reason they leave is a perceived lack of career growth opportunities.
Be Prepared
How to Communicate
a Culture of Opportunity
At PartnerComm, we see four interlinked ways to create a passionate culture of opportunity that plays it big. Specifically, that vibrant culture of possibilities will value career goals and career growth plans as much as employees do. It’s critical to leverage all four channels to help employees perceive opportunities and feel supported in acting on them. This belief is formed based on the experiences employees have in the organization, starting from onboarding onward.
Smart Tip!
A Career Growth Communication Example
PartnerComm recently worked with a leading infrastructure solutions firm to create an employee website focusing on building a culture of opportunity. Key topics include:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Recruiting and hiring
- Onboarding and transitioning
- Celebrating and engaging
- Leading and building trust