In support of its ongoing mission to help build a better Afghanistan, Afghan Wireless Communication Company is proud to provide a broad range of educational and professional development programs to its employees. Like many other business leaders in the country, Afghan Wireless founder Ehsan Bayat understands the critical role that successful small and medium-sized companies will play in Afghanistan’s future economic development and knows that one of the keys to building a strong company is ensuring that employees have plenty of opportunities to develop new skills, improve their existing skills, and take personal development to the next level.
Here are six major reasons why all companies, of any size, should strongly consider investing in employee education and development.
1. Helps with employee retention
It’s a simple fact: employee turnover can cost businesses, particularly small businesses, a lot of money. Every time an employee leaves, companies have to restart the process of finding, hiring, and training a replacement. The recruitment and on-boarding process often takes time and money that emerging businesses can ill afford.
However, if companies invest in their existing employees rather than in mechanisms to replace departing ones, everyone can benefit. Offering development and education programs is a good way for companies to show that they are committed to their employees and that they are genuinely invested in their future. Employees who feel that their employers care about them are more likely to stay with that employer for a longer period of time.
2. Attracts great employees
A commitment to employee education and development not only helps to ensure that good employees will stick around, but it can also be a valuable tool to help companies attract new talent. The opportunity for professional development is a benefit that today’s employees value, and potential employees will be much more likely to decide to join a company that offers its employees an opportunity for growth rather than to join one that does not. Furthermore, companies that have a reputation within industry circles for prioritizing employee development and education will find that not only will potential new hires be impressed, but customers and clients will be, as well.
3. Helps create promotable employees
Numerous studies have shown that promoting employees to managerial positions from within a company yields much more positive results than recruiting external managers. New managers hired from outside of a company often do not perform as well as existing employees who have been promoted, while at the same time typically receiving higher wages. In other words, hiring an external candidate for a management position tends to result in a company overpaying someone to underperform.
However, implementing a strong employee development program can help companies to avoid this problem. By having a hand in the education and professional development of their own employees, companies can equip them with the skills they will need to eventually assume greater responsibility and can closely assess which employees show the greatest promise as future managers.
4. Contributes to company longevity
A company that invests in the future of its employees is investing in its own future. The demands and pressures of business often force companies, particularly small and growing ones, to focus on the present without having much time to strategize or plan for the longer-term future. By prioritizing employee development, a company can ensure that there will always be people within the company who will have the skills necessary to grow the business, inspire change, promote innovation, and serve as future leaders.
5. Strengthens relationships among employees
When employees learn new skills and develop alongside one another, their working relationship will become that much stronger. Employees who have participated in forums, training, and open house sessions together are more likely to support each other on difficult projects, to share knowledge and relevant information, and to ask for help when it’s needed.
6. Increases employee engagement and productivity
Disengaged employees can spell disaster for a growing company. Employees who are not engaged are more likely to develop careless work habits, bring a negative attitude to company operations, and damage relationships with their colleagues and customers.
However, education and development programs can significantly boost employee engagement. The challenge of learning new skills in the work environment, combined with the knowledge that employers care enough to invest in their future, will help employees to feel more engaged with their work and their company. This, in turn, will lead to greater productivity and better work habits.
7. Boosts employees’ personal growth
Development programs can prepare employees to deal with unexpected situations and adverse conditions. Employees generally enjoy learning new skills on the job. They will develop a sense of pride in working for an organization that is willing to commit resources and time for training. Through training sessions, employees will be motivated to perform at a high level, which ultimately benefits the company.