Professional development: how can businesses cultivate it?

According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, 60% of employees feel more motivated at work if the company takes issues related to physical and mental well-being seriously. (Generali Vitality, 4 figures that prove that well-being at work is a factor of productivity, site consulted in February 2024) However, professional development is one of the elements that will contribute to this happiness at work. The question then is how create the conditions for this development employees. To help you, we invite you to discover the 10 key factors for allow each of your employees to be fully fulfilled within your organization.

What is professional development?

Before studying each factor of development in detail, we must first take the time to precisely define what the term “professional development” means.

If we use the definition of the term “development” provided by the CNRTL (National Center for Textual and Lexical Resources), Fulfilment refers to a” full and harmonious development ”. (CNRTL, Blossoming, site consulted in February 2024) In other words, we can deduce that professional development is a situation in which the employee is in a position to develop and achieve your goals in order to reach your full potential. We can also add that this requires a state of satisfaction that is both personal and professional.

Why is employee development essential?

The personal and professional development of employees is important, because has a positive impact on the personal life of employees, but also, as a result, the company that employs them.

Indeed, a few figures allow us to realize the numerous and unavoidable benefits that you can reap of a strategy improving the well-being of employees and their development in the context of their professional life:

• 81% of employees consider well-being at work to be a priority issue; (unmi, Well-being at work: an (even) stronger challenge since the health crisis, 2022)
• A QWL approach can reduce employee absenteeism and their health problems by 25%; (Generali Vitality, 4 figures that prove that well-being at work is a factor of productivity, site consulted in February 2024)
• A satisfied employee is on average 10 to 12% more productive; (Capital, Thriving at work is a win for everyone, 2018)
• For 85% of employees, improving mental well-being would have a positive influence on their loyalty to the company. (My Happy Job, It is not so much their job as the conditions in which they work that affect employee morale., 2022)

In summary, creating the conditions for the professional development of your employees is Act on absenteeism, employee health, productivity and talent retention ! It is therefore high time to take stock of the personal development of your employees.

The 10 factors for the professional development of employees

We now know that the professional environment and the quality of life at work are essential to increase the performance of your business. Indeed, the professional development of employees has a global impact on the organization. It is now necessary to prepare an effective action plan.

To do this, let's discover without delay the 10 sources of professional development which we strongly advise you to cultivate within your business.

1. Recognition and valorization

Did you know that for 84% of employees say recognition at work is an essential condition for their well-being. (Digital Recruiters, Well-being at work: 11 figures that prove its importance, site consulted in February 2024) For this reason, it is important to motivate and encourage teams. Demonstrate that their work has a positive impact on the business and do not hesitate to encourage positive feedback in order to create a pleasant working environment where everyone feels valued and recognized.

2. Professional Development Opportunities

The personal development of employees also involves professional development. So, being happy in the workplace is also and above all Realize your professional desires. While for some this means daring to change professional branches or sectors of activity, for others it simply means having the ability to evolve professionally.

In all cases, it is a question of responding to a search for personal meaning. You can Help each employee reach their goals by helping them refine their professional project. Once this has been identified, offer the employee to follow professional learning in order to fully deploy their personal potential.

3. Work-life balance

Succeeding in maintaining work-life balance is one of the priorities for many employees. Moreover, 36% of employees take this point into consideration before joining a company. Let's add that for 93% of working people, flexibility is an important element of their professional life and 34% consider that it could prevent burn-out. In addition, 69% would like to switch to the 4-day week. (Manpower, What employees want or the 5 keys to development at work, 2022) So you need to take these expectations into consideration and offer teleworking, flexible hours, but also generous holidays.

4. Positive work environment

In a professional setting, a caring and friendly atmosphere is one of the conditions Sine qua non daily well-being for 92% of respondents. (Hubone, 92% of French employees believe that well-being at work depends above all on a caring and friendly atmosphere, site consulted in February 2024) Therefore, you must do everything you can to promote a pleasant working environment. The organization of team building sessions Or ofmindfulness workshops or the promotion of a open communication are among the actions to be put in place.

5. Autonomy of employees

According to Dominique Méda, Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Social Sciences at Paris Dauphine University (IRISSO):” What characterizes France is the lack of autonomy of employees and the fact that they have no voice in the matter. French employees are the least consulted in Europe, both on the objectives set for them and on participation in decisions concerning their work. ” (Essential Health Magazine, In search of well-being at work, 2023)

Take an innovative approach to increase team work satisfaction. Promote the Taking initiatives, let the teams choose find ideas to solve problems and encourage employees to take responsibility projects.

6. Securing career paths

The specter of job loss can create real anxiety for employees. Thus, a study shows that 54% of employees are more afraid of dismissal than of death... (Zety, Quitting a job: from dismissal to resignation, 2023). Learning a new job, changing your life, considering a professional retraining in an increasingly competitive job market, all these situations are stressful for employees.

It is therefore essential tosupporting the career path of employees by helping them keep their skills up to date and grow in their careers. By regularly organizing professional learning sessions, you secure career paths and Give everyone the opportunity to thrive, without stress.

7. Attractive job compensation

If you want attract and retain talent, you have no choice: offer attractive remuneration! While employees are primarily looking for a fulfilling job where they can harmoniously combine the professional and personal aspects, they also want to obtain an acceptable salary. The The base salary must therefore be up to the mark. of the level of education and experience of each employee, but should also ideally integrate retirement plans, a health insurance interesting or premiums.

8. Rewarding interpersonal relationships

To be committed on a daily basis and enjoy their work, every employee must be able to benefit from healthy and rewarding interpersonal relationships. 25% of employees said in a study that they wanted to change jobs in the next 12 months, in particular for work in a more pleasant work environment. (Digital Recruiters, Well-being at work: 11 figures that prove its importance, site consulted in February 2024) They are also looking to work with trustworthy colleagues and have a manager who encourages them on a daily basis. (Manpower, What employees want or the 5 keys to development at work, 2022)

9. Clarity of work objectives

In the context of professional activity, the clarity of objectives is also one of the factors influencing the development of each person. Leadership must therefore Establish a framework that integrates goals and milestones so that everyone can focus on their work effectively. Of course these targets must be achievable. The best thing you can do is offer a stimulating but realistic challenge for the employee. The commitment of the teams and their satisfaction will then be maximized.

10. Active participation in the company

Show your employees that they matter and that they are the foundation of business success. Offer the opportunity for employees to participate actively to the success of the organization is important for self-esteem and professional development. The approach of participatory management is a good choice. By involving employees in decision making and problem solving, you can gain in productivity, improve communication and reduce turnover. (Les Echos Solutions, Participatory management: the 5 advantages for your business, 2023) So you have everything to gain!

Successful employees are the most successful employees

As we have seen throughout this article, making work a place to thrive is a good way toincrease employee satisfaction, increase productivity or attracting top talent. To achieve this objective, however, you will have to act on several levels by giving everyone the feeling of being useful, developing new skills or even ensuring a balance between professional and personal life. All these efforts will allow In fine the emergence of a pleasant working environment where each individual can reach its potential and by actively participating in the success of your business.