It’s common thinking: Employee development programs can improve retention and productivity. But that’s not necessarily the case, according to a new study.
Some talent development programs could actually increase turnover rates, according to a recent study conducted at a Fortune 500 company by researchers at the University of Iowa.
Reason: Workers who receive training don’t feel obligated to stay with their employer if they don’t see career advancement opportunities for themselves.
The researchers found that workers who receive training but have no positions to advance to are actually more likely to leave their company after the training.
Worst of all, you’ve basically paid to qualify them for a better position at another company.
How to keep them
Is there a way to keep highly-trained employees from walking out your door? Yes. But for training to positively impact retention workers need to know where their training’s going to take them — and what their next step is at your company.
On the plus side, the study found not all employees interpreted career advancement opportunities as receiving promotions or raises, or being able to climb up the management ladder.
It found mentoring and job rotations programs, as well as good relationships with a supervisor can create a sense that advancement opportunities are available.
