They say life is a constant learning journey, though graduation typically signifies the end of having to actually sit down in a classroom. While that may be true for most, as we enter our respective careers, it’s then that the learning truly begins. In any company, the act of learning is an overlooked necessity. Most employers believe that the true learning environment is hands-on in the trenches, though that may not be entirely true. Is it time to offer some continuing education courses for your employees? If it’s within your means to offer it to your team, then the answer is yes. Here’s why:
Your employees will grow as both workers and individuals.
Despite wanting to keep skilled employees for as long as possible, you mustn’t stifle their progress either. Offering courses to your employees will have them continue learning while on the job. Offer courses designed to better their positions within your company, but also provide options for their own self-betterment. These can include photography courses, yoga courses, or any other pastime. Incorporating these options within team-building and workplace betterment courses will allow your team to feel like you want them to grow within your company, as well as within themselves.
Courses will build camaraderie within your team.
Offering continuing education courses is different from tuition reimbursement for specialized studies outside of work hours. These courses can be workshops or even short seminars during work hours to help your team while on the job. Etching out a few hours a week won’t hurt. If anything, your team will enjoy having their coworkers in a class with them and build camaraderie with people they may have never interacted with before. It’s important to have your team socialize and if they’re learning while they’re doing it, then that’s even better!
Productivity will be at an all-time high.
Of the many reservations that some employers have for offering courses on the job, productivity is the main one. Many feel it will kill productivity, but if anything it will boost it. This is especially true when offering courses specialized in enhancing productivity. The best approach? Make a mock-curriculum, where short continuing ed courses can lead to a work-offered “graduation” certificate, and the “fun” courses can exist as electives. Your team will be trained beyond where they were when they were hired, and they can bring that knowledge back to the job. That knowledge equals more productivity and a better workflow. Give it a shot!