In 2022, 2 out of 3 employees want to achieve professional development. Retraining, training, takeover or starting a business: professional development is increasingly valued. It is therefore not to be taken lightly by businesses!
In this article, we help you understand what professional development is, and how to support your teams throughout this journey.
What is professional development?
Professional development: definition and challenges
It is difficult to define career development as such, as it integrates many factors. All in all, it's about develop new skills, knowledge or qualities to evolve in your job. Moreover, there are two types of professional development:
- The evolution of status: to evolve within its hierarchy, and reach a position with more responsibilities (often managerial positions).
- The evolution of the profession: to acquire new skills, stay up to date in your field of expertise and maintain your employability.
Professional development very generally leads to professional mobility (horizontal, vertical, international, retraining, etc.) or salary increases.
It is also very simple to establish a link between professional development and the personal development of an individual. The need for evolution often has its origin in more personal causes: a search for meaning, work/life balance...
Is career development similar to career development?
La Difference between professional development and career development is fine, but exists! In reality, when we talk about professional development, we are not necessarily talking about career development. Career development is a medium or long term project, which must be defined by a clear action plan and on the basis of a skills assessment.
Professional development, on the other hand, can only refer to training to acquire new skills in one's branch of profession. A chartered accountant who is trained in the latest tax news will develop professionally in his profession, but will not experience career growth (unless he wants to become a tax specialist in the long term!). Do you understand the nuance?
What is forced professional development?
New technologies or the economic context sometimes cause employees to develop professionally against their will. The transformation of jobs, the change of skills so that the company remains competitive or the state of the job market: So many factors to understand in order to train your teams beforehand and avoid forced professional development.
How can I support my employees in their professional development?
Professional interviews to identify the prospects for the development of your teams
Take advantage of the mandatory professional interview for identify the desires and prospects for professional development of your employees. The conditions are perfect: face-to-face interview lasting an hour or more to discuss specific topics. Let the employee ask questions and Try to establish together the transversal skills he has and those he must develop to achieve his goals.
Predictive management of jobs and skills (GPEC)
GPEC is a key HR management tool! It is essential for:
- diagnose the skill level of your teams,
- take stock of working conditions,
- assess the medium-term movements of your employees,
- plan the development of skills,
- adapt to external developments.
Professional Development Council
Employees can also choose to receive external support in their professional development thanks to the Professional Development Council (CEP). The CEP is a free support system that allows you to establish a professional development project. (business creation, retraining, training) and to support the employee in his career.
3 tips to promote the professional development of your teams
Professional development does not happen overnight. It must be thought out according to the needs of the employee, follow a clear action plan, and be supported over time through real follow-up.
Set clear career development goals
The goals of your employee's professional development can be set during an individual interview or after carrying out a skills assessment. Very often, professional development goals are divided into 2 stages:
- A short-term vision: ”Train myself on microlearning over the next month.”
- A long term vision: ”Be promoted to training manager in the coming year.”
Setting career development goals is essential to avoid staying in your comfort zone and feeling frustrated. Having a longer-term vision helps to plan and break down the final objective into sub-goals that are easier to achieve. Above all, do not hesitate to refer your employees to outsourced support if necessary: the CEP is there for that!
Develop new skills to broaden your opportunities
To achieve their goals, it is essential for your employee to develop their professional and interpersonal skills. For this, there are several solutions:
- train internally (continuing education), microlearning, mobile learning, blended learning...)
- Take evening classes
- Volunteering (ideal for developing your Soft Skills)
- ...
Professional development rarely takes place without the development of associated skills. Choosing the right training path and supporting your employees in developing their skills is essential to the achievement of their objective.
Track your progress and keep track of your achievements
It is essential to keep track of your skills development and training ! For your teams, it's a guarantee of skills and evolution. For you, manager and HR, it is a good way to assess the potential of your teams and their progress. Certificates, diplomas, actions: encourage your teams to note and keep all their proof of training to facilitate their professional development.
Professional development often requires training adapted to the goals and abilities of your employee. It can be an increase in skills on technical skills, but also on transversal skills : stress management, communication, team spirit, etc. Some jobs will even require strong interpersonal and relational skills : this is particularly the case for commercial or human resources positions.
Keep in mind that each professional development plan must be adapted to the employee and his desires. Accompanying him throughout this journey will reassure him and build his loyalty in the long term..
