The road to success in today’s professional environment is paved with ongoing learning and development. Professional development is what allows employees to reach their full potential and make an impact, not just a task to cross off a checklist. Today we’re examining the importance of training in the workplace and the learning and development opportunities workers actually value.

Lifelong Learning in a Fast-Paced World

Adaptability is essential in a world that is changing at an unprecedented rate. Individuals are kept flexible and prepared to accept new challenges, technologies, and approaches thanks to professional development. Lifelong learning becomes a fundamental strategy for staying on top of changes and trends in your industry.

Meeting Industry Challenges Head-On

Industries are subject to constant change, driven by technological advancements, market shifts, and global trends. People can successfully manage these issues with the tools they receive through professional development. It’s a proactive strategy for keeping up in a highly competitive professional environment.

Boosting Confidence and Job Satisfaction

As individuals acquire new skills and competencies, their confidence naturally grows. Confidence contributes to job satisfaction, creating a positive feedback loop. Satisfied employees are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles. This then enhances their professional development. 

Embracing Leadership Opportunities

Leadership is not reserved for those in executive roles. Professional development often includes leadership training, empowering individuals to take on leadership responsibilities in various capacities. This not only benefits personal growth but contributes to the development of a robust and effective organisational culture.

So, what forms of learning and development do employees actually want and see value in? 

We conducted a survey and here are the results. 

42% believed 1-1 mentorship is most beneficial. So, why might employees see the most value in 1-1 learning? The focus is entirely on the individual employee. This allows for tailored instruction, addressing specific needs, challenges, and goals. 1-1 mentoring also allows for better feedback and coaching. Regular feedback is crucial for skill development and performance improvement. In a 1-1 setting, employees receive immediate and specific feedback, which helps them to track their progress and make necessary adjustments.

20% believed conferences and workshops are most valuable. Participating in conferences and workshops allows employees to get more exposure to the wider workforce. Conferences bring together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. This diversity can lead to richer discussions and a broader understanding of the learning topic. Conferences and workshops also provide opportunities for employees to network with colleagues from different departments or teams, which can lead to new collaborations and insights.

18% of people believed group training programmes are most valuable. Group training at work offers a range of benefits for both employees and the organisation. It provides a platform for employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues. This can lead to a more informed, engaged and skilled workforce. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members. When colleagues learn together, they bond over shared experiences, which can improve teamwork, culture and collaboration.

20% believed online courses are most valuable. Online training can be accessed from anywhere, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and convenience. This is especially beneficial for remote or geographically dispersed teams. They offer flexibility in terms of scheduling. Employees can choose when and where to engage with the material, which accommodates various work schedules and commitments. Online training courses offer a versatile and effective way to enhance the skills, knowledge, and performance of employees. They can be a valuable component of a much larger and comprehensive learning and development strategy.

Professional growth is a strategic necessity for success in the modern professional landscape. As the world continues to change, those who embrace learning as a lifelong journey are the ones who will thrive, evolve, and shape the future of their industries

Looking for an employer who invests in your learning and development? Get in touch with us!