There’s no doubt that the workplace has changed dramatically in the last few years. 

We’ve seen new and exciting advancements in technology, flexible working has given employees more choice over where and how they work, and the cost of living crisis has made budgets even tighter. So it’s no surprise that creating a positive work culture has become a huge priority for employers. 

One way to do so is by implementing professional development. 

What is professional development?

Linkedin’s Global Talent Trends 2022 report showed ‘providing professional development opportunities’ at the top of the list of ways to improve company culture. 

But what is it?

Professional development is an activity that helps you gain and improve skills and knowledge in a chosen field. It can include attending professional networking events or conferences, taking university or online courses, earning a certification or joining professional memberships like the Girls in Marketing Membership. 

Professional development is important throughout everyone’s career journey, but as an employer how can it benefit your business? 

How can professional development benefit your business?

As an employer, encouraging professional development allows you to build a stronger team with higher productivity levels and better job satisfaction. 

There are a number of ways professional development can benefit your employees and your business. 

Boost employee performance

Confidence is key when it comes to performance, it helps us feel prepared and ready to face the challenges ahead. 

Developing existing skills, learning new ones, and continuing education can often help an employee’s confidence grow as they feel more secure in their role and knowledge. With increased confidence comes improved performance, productivity, and engagement. 

Have a knowledgeable workforce

With the rise of social media and advancements in technology, businesses are forced to face and adapt to constant change. 

That being said, it’s important to ensure your team is up to date with industry trends, developments, and best practices. Implementing professional development will allow you to keep your business current and strategies effective. 

Attract new staff

Professional development is valuable throughout everyone’s career and has become something employees seek in a role. 

According to a report by the Tandym Group 86% of professionals would change jobs if there were more opportunities for professional development. It’s clear that as well as creating a positive working and attractive learning environment, professional development is attractive to new employees.

Save money

An array of benefits comes with professional development, but one that can’t be ignored is the potential to save money. 

With the financial crisis making budgets tighter than ever, many businesses can’t afford to hire new staff so have instead prioritised investing in training for existing employees. 

Educating your employees can future proof your business and keep it relevant.Additionally, employee professional development improves productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.

What does professional development look like? 

Try to remember that professional development isn’t always linear. We all learn in different ways, so something that works for one may not work for another. 

Have an open conversation with your employees about professional development so you can understand what would work best for them – communication is key when it comes to being a good leader.

From here you can figure out how professional development fits into your business (here at Girls in Marketing we have optional team training hours once a week). 

If you want to learn more about how you can progress your employees’ professional development in marketing, check out the Girls in Marketing membership and our options for Team Packages and Employer Funding.