As organizations seek to solve recruitment and retention challenges, at Oakton College we continue to keep an eye out for new trends and innovative ideas by partnering with local businesses looking to remain competitive in the local and global job market.
Here are three tips to help your company differentiate itself from the competition by providing 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 Gen Z, are looking for more than just a paycheck. A recent study by research firm Workplace Intelligence, conducted in partnership with Amazon, found that 74% of Millennial and Gen Z employees are likely to leave within 12 months due to a lack of skills development opportunities.
Consider providing industry-specific, customized 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 partners with healthcare, IT, manufacturing, transportation and logistics organizations to provide customized training and continuing education opportunities.
Encourage from within
Promoting from within can help you save money on recruiting and improve retention and job satisfaction. To ensure your employees are prepared to transition from partner to manager or supervisor, consider offering workshops such as “Transitioning to a Leadership Role,” allowing participants to learn about the qualities and behaviors that make effective leaders.
Additional workshops you may consider offering include the following topics: Effective Delegation of 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.
Nurture inclusion
Among the company’s top competitive advantages is its investment in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent CNBC/SurveyMonkey workforce survey said they want to work for a company that values DEI. Oakton values embracing diversity and promoting equity and is committed to building just and thriving communities.
For DEI efforts to be successful, 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 learning 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 improve employee skills and knowledge to drive business results.
Contact Oakton College’s Workforce Solutions team (847-635-1447, [email protected]) to start a conversation about how our team can help you achieve your business goals. To learn more, please visit www.oakton.edu/ws.
• Jesse Ivory, Ed.D. Dean of Adult Education and Continuing Education/Dean of Skokie Campus Oakton College.