As organizations seek to address recruitment and retention challenges, at Oakton College we continue to monitor new trends and innovative ideas by partnering with local businesses seeking to remain competitive in local and global job markets.
Here are three tips to help your business differentiate itself from the competition by offering cost-effective, high-quality training solutions.
Provide value
Professional development is one of the best ways to attract and retain talent. Today’s employees, especially Millennials and Generation Z, are looking for more than a paycheck. A recent survey by research firm Workplace Intelligence, conducted in partnership with Amazon, found that 74% of millennials and Gen Z employees are likely to quit within 12 months due to a lack of development opportunities. skills.
Consider offering custom industry-specific training that not only introduces your employees to new skills and technologies, but will help your organization in the long run. Oakton’s Workforce Solutions team has partnered with healthcare, IT, manufacturing, transportation and logistics organizations to provide customized training and continuing education opportunities.
Promote from within
Promoting from within can help you save money on recruiting and improve retention and job satisfaction. To ensure your employees are ready to transition from peer to manager or supervisor, consider offering workshops like “Transitioning into a Leadership Role,” allowing participants to learn about the qualities and behaviors that make effective leaders.
Other workshops to consider include the following topics: effectively delegating work, conflict management, business writing, and project management. Effective supervision is linked to the success of the organization. Visit www.oakton.edu/ws for a complete list of workshops available to employers. Workshop participants reported improved communication, project management and leadership skills and increased job satisfaction.
Promote inclusion
Among a company’s best competitive advantages is investing in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent CNBC/SurveyMonkey workforce survey say they want to work for a company that values DEI. Oakton values diversity and promotes equity and is committed to building just and prosperous communities.
For DEI efforts to succeed, they must be planted, nurtured, and exposed to the right conditions throughout the organization. Your employees should feel supported in the workplace, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and socioeconomic status.
At Oakton, we understand your needs. The College offers a full range of cost-effective, high-quality training solutions that can be delivered in a wide variety of locations as well as online. An experienced team of consultants, trainers and program managers develop training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge to drive business results.
Contact the Oakton College Workforce Solutions team (847-635-1447, [email protected]) to start a conversation about how our team can help you achieve your business goals. For more information, visit www.oakton.edu/ws.
• Jesse Ivory, Ed.D. Dean of Adult and Continuing Education / Dean of Skokie Campus Oakton College.
