Career Development for Your Team - What You Need to Know

In 2023, there will be more of a focus on developing employees in line with their unique needs versus a one-size-fits all approach. Top talent at every level is expecting more to help them reach their personal and professional goals. Now is a good time to understand the business need to have a better approach to employee development and the impact that can have on the bottom line.

• How technology-based are resources to help them grow? Remember, younger employees are digital natives used to a gamification approach to learning. A more traditional approach may not be as meaningful to them.
  
  
• Mental health and wellbeing is a particular challenge for this age group. How can you highlight your EAP to show it can support their unique needs?

• Younger employees want to clearly understand the next steps to advance their careers. How clear is your program about the training, education, and experience they will need? How clear is the timeframe it may take to advance? What about the benefits of a lateral move for their long-term goals?

• Does the employee have the option to move up without being a people manager? Not everyone is suited to manage well but could excel on more complex projects as an individual or on a smaller team. 

• If this is their first time managing a team, are there opportunities to connect with a mentor? Most first-time managers need training to be more effective and get the best out of their team.  

• Is your organization clear about the specific skill sets that make your middle managers effective? At this stage in a career, it is more likely they will not have the skills to avoid burnout. Specific training that includes how they should protect their own health and wellbeing can make them more successful.

• How does your company support older employees? 
  
  
• What benefits and policies are in place to help the organization make sure ageism is not a bias? Most bias training does not include ageism, yet it is a growing issue.  
  
  
• Older workers may be in the sandwich caregiver challenge, taking care of children and aging adults. How is your company supporting them so they can be successful?