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How employees’ personal development contributes to business success?

By: Diana Kawarsky (Continuous Learning Instructor)

 

Human beings are progressive creatures that don’t like to remain stagnant. We’re constantly looking for new growth opportunities in our personal and professional lives. In fact, many companies tend to overlook the importance of employee personal development skills in the workplace. But this is an egregious mistake. Companies that don’t support personal development skills in their employees could inadvertently hinder their professional growth and satisfaction.

Keep reading to learn about the importance of personal development skills and training in the workforce.

 

What are personal development skills? 

Personal development skills are individual traits that help employees understand, realize, and maximize their full potential in their private and professional lives. These are a type of soft skills that empower employees to focus on self-actualization and self-improvement as a means to further their professional careers through self-fulfillment and satisfaction.

Employers can help employees identify and harness their development skills by providing them with the proper learning resources through corporate soft skills training programs. Personal development workshops teach individuals how to recognize certain social cues, sharpen their listening skills, and communicate more effectively in their daily lives, both at home and in the workplace.

 

Why employers should enhance their employees’ personal development skills?

Providing your employees with personal development training is an investment in their future and success at your company. Satisfied employees have a sense of fulfillment at work, and this shows in their daily performance, efficiency, productivity, and positive attitude. By encouraging personal skill development in your employees, your business can reap the following benefits.

 

  • Improve employee workplace interactions

    Better written and verbal communication skills translate to more effective employee interactions. Effective communication skills foster a positive professional environment and make employees feel more comfortable working together and collaborating on projects.

  • Help prevent employee conflicts and arguments

    Personal skills development training teaches employees effective conflict diffusion and resolution tactics to create a more cohesive and inclusive work environment. Disagreements are bound to happen, but developing personal skills allows employees to handle these types of situations with poise and proper workplace etiquette to come to a mutual understanding with their coworkers.

  • Inspire employee confidence and positive attitude in the workplace

    Personal development in the workplace reduces stress levels on the job. Employees can feel good about the work they’re doing, which motivates them to work more efficiently to meet their professional goals. Maintaining a positive attitude, even when faced with workplace challenges or adversity, is a by-product of fostering personal and professional growth that’s supported by direct and upper management.

  • Support the personal growth of managers and leaders

    Employee satisfaction and productivity is a sign of excellent leadership skills at work. When people in leadership positions see their employees thriving in the workplace, this creates a ripple effect of positive reinforcement. This satisfaction fosters an environment where employees feel empowered and comfortable providing positive or negative feedback, which management can then use to improve their operations.

    Managers need to harness the following personal and professional skills:

    • Communication skills

    • Problem-solving skills

    • Conflict resolution skills

    • Emotional intelligence

    • Leadership skills

  • Promote special skills and talents in employees

    Each employee has a unique set of skills and abilities that they bring to the table. Some employees may have hidden talents that you didn’t know about that could benefit your business. Creating space for personal development skills in the workplace allows employees to showcase their special talents and even put them to good use. Encourage employees to share their passions, take pride in their work, and feel a true sense of accomplishment while contributing to the team.

  • Encourage employees to be the best versions of themselves

    Fostering personal development skills improves your professional outlook. These skills can be carried over into every facet of life, from social to personal and professional interactions or situations. Employees who feel good about their work and the people they work for also perform better in the workplace. They feel as if they’re a part of something bigger and more important than just themselves. That feeling motivates employees to be the absolute best versions of themselves every single day in the workplace.

 

Exploring the benefits of Continuous Learning

The People Management - Staff and Volunteers course focuses on developing the essential skills needed to manage and support both staff and volunteers effectively. By learning how to foster an environment that promotes individual growth, managers can enhance communication, conflict resolution, and leadership within their teams. This, in turn, leads to improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall business success. Investing in people management training ensures that employees and volunteers alike are empowered to realize their full potential, creating a more dynamic and successful organization.

 

Kawarsky, Diana. “How Employees’ Personal Development Contributes to Business Success?”, The Soft Skills Group, 12 April, 2022, https://www.tssg.ca/employees-personal-development-skills-workshop/