Keep Employees Motivated with Continuing Education

by Caryn Smith

More Management Articles

Published on this site: October 5th, 2009 - See more articles from this month

How often have you seen people experience burnout because they have been in the same job for too long? They may have good qualities and work habits, but need to develop other skills in order to be promoted. However, the employee has no idea how to go about acquiring the needed skills to move forward in his or her career. This leads to higher turnover rates and a decreased ability to promote from within.

With a little planning and some motivation, your work staff can become a never-ending source of supervisory and management candidates individually groomed just for your company.

Creating Program Criteria

The best way to develop a team of strong employees is to keep them educated. Create a program in your company that encourages employees to take classes or attend seminars that will enhance their performance. As each level is achieved, reward that person with a lapel pin. The pins should be specific to the various levels. When the employee completes the curriculum, give him an extra day of vacation or some other gift to thank him for his efforts. The process continues until all tracks needed to earn a promotion have been finished.

For those in administration, you might start with seminars or workshops on grammar and proofreading. The next curriculum could include basic and/or advanced Microsoft Word and Excel training. Employees would also benefit from seminars on managing priorities or dealing with deadlines.

Customer service representatives could begin with phone etiquette in addition to seminars about listening and determining customer needs. Another level might focus on how to say no without negative results.

The employees dealing with finance should be required to attend seminars on accounting principles followed by budget preparation and analyzing reports. They can then move to classes on buying versus leasing or expense reduction. Remember to award a new lapel pin with each accomplishment.

Management Candidates Thrive

If you have people that are good candidates for management, have them focus on a track that prepares them for that role. Classes in teambuilding and communication would make a good start. Other courses could deal with motivating staff members and the art of delegation. It gives an employee a sense of pride knowing he has been chosen to take on new roles.

Lapel Pins Are the Perfect Reward

Lapel pins are extremely versatile because they are custom-made to your specifications. As a reward for accomplishment, you might consider using logo lapel pins in a variety of colors: one color for each level of achievement. Extremely professional looking, employees will take pride in wearing these lapel pins.

When you offer employees a clearly defined path to success, they are more likely to take it. The longer they remain with your business, the more advantageous it is to you. Start planning your own continuing education programs today and you'll quickly see an increased level of motivation within your staff.

Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. Visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today for custom lapel pins in just 10 days, guaranteed!