Workforce Development – What Is It and Why Is It Essential?
There are many strategies that a community can follow to boost its economic growth. The Town of Bluffton, the Lowcountry Council of Governments, and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation have partnered to develop programs that will practically contribute to this mission.
Workforce development is yet another strategy that can actively boost businesses in the area. However, the term can include a great range of practices, and for this reason, it might sound a bit abstract. In this piece, you are going to learn what workforce development is and why it is essential for the economic development of the community.
What Is Workforce Development?
Workforce development is a strategy that focuses on the individual. This means that the employee is placed at the center of the program, providing him with the tools to hone his skills and gain new ones. This strategy can benefit each employee on an individual level, but also contribute to the growth of the business and the economic boom of the community.
The Benefits of Workforce Development
#1 The Employees Gain New Skills
The main benefit of workforce development is the upskilling of the employees in a business. Through various training and education programs, the workforce can develop new skills that will help them produce better services or products. This, in turn, will boost morale and confidence, which will also show in the company’s performance.
#2 Productivity Is Increased
There is no denying that well-trained staff has the confidence to perform the required tasks quicker. On top of that, they have the technical knowledge needed to minimize errors, thus boosting the overall productivity of the business.
#3 Creation of Better Working Environments
Another part of workforce development is to create a working environment that employees will want to be in. One of the main focuses is to give the workforce the incentives to do their work not just for the paycheck, but also because they are passionate about it.
#4 Development of Problem-Solving Thinking
One more benefit of workforce development is that it helps the staff get a new perspective on their problem-solving. This part is important not just for lower-level staff, but also for the business managers.
Examples of Workforce Development
#1 Skills Training
One of the first examples of workforce development is various training programs that every employee can attend. These programs aim to give the tools to help the company succeed to contribute to the local economy.
#2 Management Training
Both managers and employees can go through a management training program. This will help them develop the skills to deal with an unexpected crisis and become better at collaborating.
#3 Relationship Building
The relationship between the employees contributes significantly to a good or bad work environment. Therefore, relationship building is an important part that allows employees to get to know each other and learn how to cooperate to achieve the desired results.
In Conclusion
Workforce development is a strategy that can lead to economic growth, even in these challenging times. The partnership between the Town of Bluffton, the Lowcountry Council of Governments, and the Don Ryan Center for Innovation aims to help businesses grow to create a booming community.