Investing in employee development is crucial for both the well-being of employees and organizational success. In today’s competitive business world, enhancing employees’ skills, capabilities, and knowledge is essential for improving their performance, productivity, and job satisfaction. It also boosts employee retention rates, which are essential for maximizing individual and financial resources.

Following the pandemic, about 13 percent of employees ‌are either working in an office for the first time, or navigating how to connect with colleagues in a remote setting. It’s especially important to engage this population in development opportunities to leverage their enthusiasm and unlock their ambition. This article discusses why employee development is important for their well-being.

The Vital Link Between Employee Development & Well-Being

In this post:

1. Fosters Intellectual Growth

2. Creates Career Advancement Opportunities

3. Improves Social Well-Being

4. Reduces Stress & Burnout

5. Increases Job Satisfaction

6. Bolster Employee Development & Well-Being with Strive

Fosters Intellectual Growth

Employee development is multifaceted. It includes a range of activities, such as mentorship, trainings, and opportunities to gain insights into the company’s operations. Through mentorship programs, employees are matched with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and valuable feedback. This not only helps employees develop new skills and knowledge, but also fosters intellectual growth by exposing them to different perspectives and approaches.

Trainings are another effective way to foster intellectual well-being, as they offer employees the opportunity to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Inviting employees to attend meetings also provides valuable insights into company operations and decision-making processes, which helps employees gain a better understanding of how the organization functions.

Veteran employees can help foster intellectual growth in entry-level employees by sharing personal experiences such as what their calendar looks like weekly, and obstacles they’ve encountered and overcome. This provides a glimpse into what their future could look like and demonstrates creative problem-solving.

Employee development opportunities inspire team members to be confident in their contributions, ambitious in their role, and engaged in their work.

Creates Career Advancement Opportunities

Feeling stuck in a position is a significant detriment to an employee’s well-being, as it leads to feelings of boredom, frustration, and dissatisfaction. Employee development is an effective way to combat these negative feelings by creating opportunities for career growth and advancement. Organizations can help employees expand their capabilities and take on new challenges to increase their fulfillment.

Employee development encourages proactivity by inspiring employees to take ownership of their career growth and seek out new opportunities. By developing clear career paths and providing employees with the necessary tools and resources to advance, organizations show their commitment to their employees’ professional development and create a culture of growth and excellence. Learn more about How Organizations Can Help Employees Balance Career Growth & Well-Being.

Improves Social Well-Being

Not only does employee development benefit the individual employee by improving their skills and abilities, but it also has a positive impact on social well-being in the workplace. When companies demonstrate a commitment to the growth of their people, it fosters a sense of loyalty and engagement among employees.

In addition to colleagues naturally forming connections in mentorships or trainings, they’re motivated to collaborate and contribute to a positive workplace culture when they feel valued and supported. Organizations that prioritize employee development cultivate a population where individuals feel connected to their colleagues, comfortable sharing ideas, and invested in the success of the business.

Reduces Stress & Burnout

Employee development identifies areas for improvement while reinforcing strengths, leading to a greater sense of purpose and meaning, and less stress and pressure.

Clear expectations, instructions, and thoughtful critiques are essential for employees to contribute effectively and maintain confidence in their positions. When employees understand their roles, they can focus on their talents and work towards achieving their goals without feeling overwhelmed. They can also make more fulfilling contributions to the company.

Find out more about Stress Management Programs for Employees.

Increases Job Satisfaction

Empowering employees with the resources and support they need to excel helps them to feel proactive, engaged, and capable of making an impact. Employee development not only opens doors for career development, it allows employees to be included in the collective meaning and purpose of the business. This fosters a sense of connection and community that leads to a positive work environment with employees that are motivated and invested in their roles.

Learn about How the Workplace Directly Shapes Employee Well-Being.

Bolster Employee Development & Well-Being with Strive

Strive wellness programs are a great way to introduce the concept of well-being to employees, demonstrate the company’s commitment to them, and provide consistent opportunities for employees to develop the best version of themselves. We lay the foundation with education, add interactive classes, and punctuate with fun events to promote a culture that values personal development and wellness.

Our programs are designed to engage employees and be easy on internal administration. Strive’s delivery model includes:

• Dedicated program manager
• Marketing communications
• Registration platform for easy liability waiver process and sign-ups
• Monthly reporting & programmatic recommendations

Book a discovery call to explore how Strive can support your efforts to develop employees and cultivate a culture that values well-being.