Talent Management Best Practice 1 – Ensure Employability

Decades ago, an individual typically had the opportunity to work for their entire career within one company. Times have changed. Process automation and streamlining as a form of cost reduction has driven corporate rightsizing; eliminating the lifelong job security of times past and heightening employment risk. Combined with evolving employee tastes and a need to increase productivity, talent development takes on new importance.[wcm_restrict plans=”75978, 25542, 25653″]

But personnel development for training sake can be a poor expenditure of resources. So what should such developmental activities focus on to reduce employment risk, increase productivity, and satisfy worker demands? Focus on employability.

Professional development focused on worker employability:

• Helps the employee become more effective in his/her current role
• Ensures the worker possesses the transferable skills necessary to acquire a competitive position should downsizing occur
• Provides fulfillment and a sense of growth for the employee

Subsequently, an employability focused personnel development program creates a win-win situation between employees and the company.

Some leaders fear an employability training focus arguing that such a program helps prepare employees to leave the organization, possibly going to a competing company. What is important to remember is that this training focus necessarily reduces employee stress and satisfies their developmental needs; both of which incentivize employees to remain with the company.

Final thought…

Many managers feel a sense of responsibility for taking care of their employees. While we do not take exception to this commitment, downsizing is a reality of today’s business world. We suggest to these managers that by ensuring their direct reports’ employability, they are fulfilling their responsibility to help ensure the financial well-being of their employees.

As a matter of personal development, all employees, including executives, managers, and staff, need to recognize the reality of today’s employment risk and should take it upon themselves – upon ourselves – to ensure their own long-term employability.[/wcm_restrict][wcm_nonmember plans=”75978, 25542, 25653″]

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Additional Information

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• Practices for Professionals: tried and true actions that enhance personal performance effectiveness and efficiency
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• Recommended Resources: print, audio, video, webcast, and seminar resources that have significantly contributed to the successful business planning and execution activities of StrategyDriven Contributors and for which we believe the benefits outweigh the required time and financial investment