Investing in Self-Development Yields Superior Performance Dividends
Today’s talent pool demands personal satisfaction as well as financial rewards. Gone are the days when thankless tasks were the domain of the intern and trainee. Today’s graduates find themselves problem-solving on rotations in Europe, team-building on whitewater rafts and brainstorming during catered lunches. In addition to competitive salaries, perks like these are driving superior performance in today’s corporations. Such compensation represents a new outlook on the importance of self-development and work/life balance.
A manager can promote optimal outputs by enabling employees to do the following:
Develop Job Skills
Skilled employees are your most valuable assets. Keeping them abreast of innovations in your industry, and in technology, will grow their skill-sets and contribute to quality performance.
Set Career Goals
Helping your staff evaluate where they want to be in five and ten years clarifies their career paths, and your plan for investing in their training and experience. Having a plan for the future is satisfying and motivational.
Embrace Health and Fitness
On-campus walking tracks, gyms, nap areas, healthy snacks and eateries are welcome perks. Employees who have a lunch hour on site can bond with co-workers in a relaxed environment. Developing a social network enhances life enjoyment. Well-rested and nourished employees are healthier, happier and more productive.
Have a Flexible Work Schedule
Employees appreciate having a say in the scheduling of their work hours. Take care to accommodate employees who need to tend to family members or their own health issues. A measure of control helps maintain equilibrium in stressful situations.
Take Classes for Academic Advancement or Personal Enrichment
Tuition reimbursement is a great perk that gives employees a degree of autonomy. Their education belongs to them and is a life milestone. They could pursue degrees that may lead them away from your organization, but if you value their contributions, they may reward you with their loyalty.
Demonstrate Strengths with Leadership Opportunities
Offer your staff members rich training experiences, and they’ll be equipped to lead teams and interact confidently with clients. Acquiring real-life experience builds confidence, and a network of co-workers and clients, that will provide enriching interaction and satisfaction.
Volunteer in the Community
Volunteer work is the latest in a host of team-building activities that introduce new hires to an organization’s approach to good corporate citizenship. Giving back taps into a person’s spiritual side, and his place in an unpredictable universe.
Contribute Ideas as a Valued Member of the Organization
When the lines between management and staff blur, everyone is a respected peer with ideas that matter. There is no better way to build self-esteem, or to inspire creativity, than to take each employee’s contributions seriously.
Receive Positive Feedback for a Job Well Done
When managers respond promptly with praise for a good outcome, employees’ efforts are validated, teams are strengthened and trust builds. Trust leads to security and a sense of well-being.
Have More Fun
Millenials grew up playing video games. They enjoy a good time. Make the most of their playful nature and cultivate a dynamic workplace culture. When everyone is having fun, the quality of life soars.
It takes more than a paycheck to compensate today’s top performers. Create value for your organization by encouraging them to reach their full personal and professional potential.