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One of the key motivators for employees to want to stay in their jobs is the opportunity to learn and grow. Millions of Americans left their jobs in 2021 in what has been termed the Great Resignation, and it has led to a reckoning for businesses across the country who suffer significant losses when they have to hire and train new employees. Increasingly, employees are looking to find and stay with companies that have compassionate leadership, flexibility and understanding around a work-life balance thrown off course by the pandemic. They also want workplaces that offer opportunities for learning and career advancement.

Companies who want to give employees added reasons to stay can support them in their efforts to develop their skill sets through education assistance programs. Online programs such as those offered by University of Phoenix can benefit employees who are looking to learn new knowledge.

Discover Where the Needs Lie

Sometimes companies know exactly where their shortcomings lie. They need to overhaul their branding, grow their social media or improve their efficiency. But other issues that may be impacting a company’s bottom line are less easy to spot. Especially post-pandemic, many employees are struggling in ways that are not easy to see, particularly if people are working remotely. They can have difficulty juggling work and home needs, feel a lack of support, or want to explore new opportunities and roles.

An employee survey can be a good starting place for establishing where employees may feel unfulfilled and to identify opportunities for improvement. Wherever possible, companies can look to make professional development opportunities a part of their efforts to improve company culture and morale while also ultimately having a positive impact on the company’s bottom line.

Professional Development Opportunities at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is focused on helping adult learners gain the skills and degrees they need in the workplace and grow in their careers. This includes professional development tracks in marketing, healthcare, information technology and education. Online courses in key skills like web and search engine marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimization, medical billing, electronic medical records, foundations in virtual teaching and Scrum align with some of the most sought-after skills in today’s job market.

Each non-credit course takes about 30 hours to complete and is entirely self-directed. Participants have a full year to finish their chosen course. Once they’ve scored 85 percent or higher in each module’s assessment, participants receive a certificate of completion.

Providing career-focused education opportunities for employees helps them meet personal and professional goals, building confidence and promoting innovation. All of these elements can help to improve overall company culture, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting and encouraging one another and achieving goals.

Giving Employees More Options

A recent article in Inc. described the mass exodus from American workplaces as having two primary drivers: a desire for better pay and for more growth opportunities. Key to the latter issues, the article noted, was that employees were interested in not only moving up the career ladder but in also having the opportunity to try out different responsibilities and roles. The article advised companies to make sure they have removed barriers to employees moving between positions within the organization. They also stress the importance of communicating the organization’s purpose and mission in a way that resonates with employees so that they feel connected and of striving for leadership that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

“Employers have a choice,” said Ben Reuveni, co-founder and CEO of Gloat, “implement opportunities inside their organization that enable employees to take advantage of their potential, skills, interests and aspirations or risk their employees starting to look outside the organization for those opportunities.”

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and to helping students navigate career options and degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with numerous in-demand career paths including in computer software, nursing, and business, and they provide flexible start dates, online classes, and numerous scholarship opportunities to make it possible for anyone to get the degree they need to get ahead.

In addition, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life^® commitment to active students and graduates provides the resources needed to be competitive in the workforce for no additional charge. These services include resume and interview support, career guidance, education and networking opportunities. Numerous Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) provide University of Phoenix students and alumni with lifelong connections that can help them network and enhance in their careers. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.