Here are three tips we learned from the latest HR Lunchtime Debate in partnership with CultureAmp (catch up on demand here).
1. Use employee voice to shape decision-making
The most effective development tools are the ones which consider both what employees want and what the wider business aims are.
Katie Winstanley, HR director at Morson Group, said development tools always must link back to engagement.
“We went out and asked employees what it was that would make them engaged. When you take that feedback on board and factor in that into decision-making you see positive results.
“Seen some really positive results as we started to amend tools we’re using to engage their development. Last year, 79% of our employees felt our learning development and the tools we were using was effective. That was up from 56% the year before, seeing some huge moves in our employee engagement stats because we’re using the voice of our employees to shape what we are doing.”
2. Diversity is really important to capture
How to flex an employee development tool to suit a broad range of employees is one of the greatest challenges for HR, but it’s a vital one.
Daniel Gualdino, senior people scientist EMEA at CultureAmp, said: “Ask the employee what different types of learning they have, what are their learning styles? Show what growth could look like and where employees could be in five years and what kind of skills they’d need.
“Speak to different generations and different people within the company to figure out the best approach.”
3. Job shadowing is critical to development
Employees have been working in a virtual world for a long time, which could mean they’ve missed out on vital skills sharing.
David Pacifico, executive director at Lace Partners, said: “Whether through virtual means or personal means, or doing a ride-along with a sales person to a customer meeting, it’s really invaluable to understanding how people operate or how clients think or whether or not there are certain roles for you.
“That can be at any stage of your career, from school leaver through to someone towards retirement age so it’s a brilliant concept.”
Find out more about all topics in employee development by visiting our webinar page here.
