Four Helpful Tips To Motivate Employees To Gain New Skills
As an employer, you understandably want your employees to gain new skills and to become more knowledgeable in relevant ways. Some employees may be very motivated to seek educational opportunities on their own, but others may need inspiration or assistance in various ways. In this article Kevin Faber gives you 4 ways you can motivate your employees to improve themselves.
As an employer, you understandably want your employees to gain new skills and to become more knowledgeable in relevant ways. Some employees may be very motivated to seek educational opportunities on their own, but others may need inspiration or assistance in various ways. To lead your employees along a path of continuous self-improvement, you generally need to find what may motivate them as individuals and what may be hindering their efforts. While self-improvement may be a different experience from person to person, there are some general ideas that may work well for many of your employees.
Set a Positive Example
Many of your employees may see themselves climbing the corporate ladder and may dream of eventually being in your shoes or in a similar position. Successful executives and business owners often understand that education and skills are not things that are achieved. Instead, these are areas that successful professionals constantly try to improve in. Education is a lifelong process, and you can set a positive example in this area by letting your team know about certifications that you are working toward, special seminars you are attending and more. Another idea is to mention professional books that you have recently read that they may find beneficial.
Offer Financial Reimbursement
Even when your employees are motivated to improve themselves, they may not have the financial means to do so. Some working adults worry about how long it may take to pay off student loans later in life. The cost of earning a higher-level degree can be cost-prohibitive, and the thought of spending the next few decades paying off student loans is undesirable for many people. When working adults pursue online degrees or attends evening classes, it may take a lengthy period of time before the degrees are obtained and the financial benefits can be enjoyed. However, when the cost of education is offset by tuition reimbursement from their employer, they may be more likely to take advantage of that opportunity.
Provide On-Site Training Programs
Improving skills and education through a higher-education degree program is one option for your team to consider, but there are other opportunities available. For example, your employees may earn a certification by attending a seminar or training course for a few days. You may even offer training on-site if many of your employees would benefit from the same program. While this could cost your company a substantial amount of money, keep in mind that the return on investment can be substantial. In addition, your employees may view this as a perk or benefit of their job, and this may improve your employee retention rate.
Discuss Advancement Opportunities
Another way to motivate your employees to improve is by openly discussing ways that they can take their career to the next level. For example, at an annual employee review, talk to each individual about their goals within the company. You may learn that some individuals are interested in a lateral move, and others are interested in taking on a managerial role. In some cases, employees will need to obtain additional education or training in order to pursue their goals. By informing your employees on an individual basis about the steps that they need to take in order to achieve their goals within the company, you may inspire them to take essential steps for self-improvement. You may even provide them with insight about how the company may assist them in achieving their goals, such as through tuition reimbursement.
Regardless of the position that employees hold in your company, it is beneficial to you and to them to focus on self-improvement and continued education. Some employees may lack an understanding about what it takes to advance in their career, and others may not have the financial means to pursue education. Take time to learn more about your employees’ goals, and use these and other effective ways to motivate them to take action soon.