Career development support crucial to retaining younger employees

A new survey of younger employees has found the majority of them would be more likely to remain with their companies if offered high-quality support to progress their careers.

This survey was produced by LHH, a recruitment consultancy. It spoke to 1,400 younger employees and 82% of them indicated they would stay where they are if this support was provided. This amounts to eight out of every ten. Meanwhile, close to seven out of every ten – 69% of respondents – said that line managers had provided them with assistance in developing their careers.

However, just 46% stated the support on offer had been useful to them, while 28% indicated they cannot see a way to advance their careers with their existing employers. This is a major issue in terms of retention and something that HR and those in senior positions will need to address.

Speaking to HR Magazine, Tsvetelina Hinova of the Thankbox employee recognition site said HR needs to train managers so they can highlight signs of progress for employees as well as final outcomes. A specialist employee relations consultant in Hertfordshire will have the skills necessary to set up this kind of training.

Hinova then went on to add:

“Make growth visible by celebrating learning, not just promotions. Create regular moments where people hear ‘this is where you’re heading’.”

Fred Funck works at the Centre for Creative Leadership as its training programmes executive director. He said employees look for clear and visible indicators that they are making progress with their careers.