Published on
19.8.2024

Personnel Development Measures: Definition, Actions, Goals

The future of your company begins with the development of your employees

The course of your company is set and the sails are hoisted - like a ship on the high seas. However, it is the crew that makes the difference to other ships on the same route.

Your employees are the soul of the ship. How well they are trained, motivated and supported, i.e. how well your personnel development is developed in the company, determines whether you navigate the calm waters of success or the stormy seas of problems.

What exactly are personnel development measures?

Personnel development measures are strategic initiatives that aim to systematically improve the skills, knowledge and skills of employees. 

At its core, personnel development measures are about not only qualifying employees for their current tasks, but also preparing them for future challenges. This includes the development of skills and competencies that are becoming increasingly important in a highly dynamic working world. 

Through continuous training and development, employees remain motivated and committed, which ultimately contributes to the long-term success of the company.

Shortage of skilled workers and technological advances are changing the world of work. Here, personnel development measures are an excellent opportunity to remain competitive. Companies that invest in the development of their employees benefit from a qualified and motivated team that is ready to tighten their sails, take on new challenges in foreign waters and actively shape the future of the company.

They are an essential part of a sustainable human resources strategy in companies and include a wide range of instruments that are intended to promote both the professional and personal development of employees:

Classic training and education

1. Seminars and workshops

These events offer an intensive and focused opportunity to acquire new knowledge or deepen existing knowledge. They can be conducted internally or externally and cover a variety of topics, from technical skills to soft skills such as communication and leadership.

2. Conferences and trade fairs

By attending industry events, employees can learn about the latest developments and trends in their field, build networks, and benefit from the experiences of other professionals.

3. Part-time study courses

Companies support their employees in participating in further study programmes in order to acquire specialised qualifications that may be useful for their current or future position in the company.

Modern, digital learning platforms

1. E-learning and online courses

These flexible learning methods allow employees to learn at their own pace and on their own time. Topics can range from specific technical skills to general business skills.

2. Webinars and virtual classrooms

Interactive online sessions allow you to learn live from experts and ask questions in real time. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional face-to-face events.

3. Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Companies can use these platforms to centrally manage and distribute learning content. Employees can track their learning progress and have access to a wide range of resources.

Mentoring und Coaching

1. Mentoring-Programme

Experienced employees or managers support new or less experienced colleagues through regular meetings and consultations. This promotes knowledge transfer and personal and professional development.

2. Coaching

Professional coaches work with employees to achieve specific development goals. This may include improving leadership skills, increasing productivity, or preparing for new responsibilities.

On-the-Job Training und Job-Rotation

1. On-the-Job Training

Employees learn directly on the job through practical experience. This can be done through the support of an experienced colleague or by gradually taking on tasks.

2. Job-Rotation

Employees change positions within the company for a certain period of time in order to get to know different tasks and areas. This promotes a more comprehensive understanding of company processes and increases employee flexibility.

Strategic planning and goal setting

1. Development plans

Individual development plans are created collaboratively between employees and their managers to set specific goals and measures for personal and professional development.

2. Performance reviews

Regular assessments of employee performance help to identify development needs and plan appropriate measures.

What advantages do personnel development measures offer?

Personnel development measures offer a variety of benefits that affect both the company and the employees:

1. Increase employee motivation and retention

When employees see that investment is being made in their development, they feel recognised and valued. This increases their satisfaction and engagement. If they can develop and their careers are supported, fewer of them will be inclined to leave the company. This saves costs and effort for recruiting and training new employees.

#appreciation  #Motivation  #LowTurnover

2. Improve performance

Trained employees can complete their tasks with greater precision and speed, increasing the company's overall productivity. Further training measures also ensure that your employees are always up to date with the latest technology, which leads to higher overall performance.

#Efficiency  #Productivity  #Performance

3. Promoting innovative strength

Through exchange and collaboration with other specialists and experts, new approaches and innovative solutions to existing problems arise. Companies that continually invest in the development of their employees are better able to adapt to new market requirements and stand out from the competition.

#Innovation  #Perspectives  #MarketAdjustment  #Ideas

4. Adapt to change

Well-trained employees are able to quickly adapt to new requirements and market conditions. This is particularly important in a rapidly changing business world. Through ongoing training, employees remain familiar with the latest technological developments, making it easier to implement new systems and processes.

#Agility  #Adjustment  #UpToDate  #LatestTechnology

5. Increasing employer attractiveness

A strong commitment to workforce development signals to potential employees that the company is investing in their careers and growth. This makes the company particularly attractive for highly qualified applicants. A reputation as a supportive and supportive employer helps to improve the company's overall reputation and differentiate itself positively from competitors.

#Attractiveness  #Competition  #TOPemployer  #Image

What are the goals of good personnel development?

The goals of good personnel development are as diverse as the measures themselves and are aimed at meeting both the individual needs of the employees and the strategic goals of the company. Key objectives include:

1. Competence building

Competency building aims to systematically expand employees' skills and knowledge to promote their professional development and improve their performance. 

Through targeted training and further education, employees improve their technical and professional skills, which helps them to perform their current tasks more convincingly. Developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership are equally important. These skills contribute to a positive corporate culture and improve team collaboration. 

#ProfessionalQualifications  #SoftSkills  #ContinuousLearning

2. Career development

Career development includes showing clear perspectives and development opportunities within the company in order to ensure long-term loyalty of employees. 

Employees and supervisors work together to develop individual development plans that are tailored to personal career goals and the requirements of the company. Clear advancement opportunities and career paths are communicated to show employees what positions they can aspire to in the future. 

Experienced employees or external coaches support professional development through regular advice and feedback.

#IndividualDevelopmentPlans  #PromotionOpportunities  #Mentoring #Coaching

3. Succession planning

Good succession planning aims to identify managers and key positions at an early stage and prepare them specifically for future tasks. Potential managers and key people are identified and promoted to ensure that the company always has qualified management personnel. 

Specific training programs are developed to prepare future managers for their roles and to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Effective succession planning ensures continuity in company management and minimises the risk of loss of knowledge in the event of departures.

#TalentManagement  #TrainingPrograms  #Continuity

4. Promote teamwork and collaboration

Promoting teamwork and collaboration strengthens communication and collaboration within and between teams to create an efficient and harmonious work environment. 

Training to improve communication skills helps avoid misunderstandings and improve collaboration. Projects that promote collaboration between different departments help employees develop a better understanding of the working methods and challenges of other teams.

#TeambuildingActivities  #CommunicationTraining  #InterdisciplinaryProjects

5. Increase flexibility and adaptability

Increasing flexibility and adaptability prepares employees for market challenges and promotes their ability to adapt more quickly to new circumstances. 

Training and workshops on agile methods and processes help employees to react more flexibly and quickly to changes. Change management training prepares employees to proactively shape and support changes. Further training in digital technologies and tools ensures that employees are familiar with the latest developments and can use them effectively.

#AgileWorking  #ChangeManagement  #DigitalCompetence

Personnel development measures “Into the job”

We already discussed all the measures in the first chapter. Here we would particularly like to highlight the “Into the job” measures in detail. 

The focus is on training employees in their roles in a practical and targeted manner in order to make them safer and even more valuable to the company:

Onboarding-Programme

Onboarding programs are structured induction processes that help new employees quickly settle into their role and become productive. In most cases, these programs include an introduction to the company culture, values ​​and goals, as well as practical training on the new employee's specific tasks and responsibilities.

Examples:

  • Introductory days with presentations about the company's history and culture
  • Training on internal systems and processes
  • Regular check-ins and feedback sessions (in the first few months)

Mentoring und Coaching

Mentoring and coaching are important “into the job” measures in which experienced employees or external coaches support younger or new colleagues in their professional development. By directly exchanging knowledge and experiences, mentors and coaches can provide valuable insights and help youngsters feel more confident in their new roles.

Examples:

  • Regular mentoring sessions to discuss specific challenges
  • Coaching programs to develop leadership skills
  • Peer mentoring for informal knowledge exchange

Job-Rotation

Job rotation allows employees to change positions for a specific period of time to experience different tasks and areas of the company. This measure promotes the versatility of employees and helps them to develop a more comprehensive understanding of company processes.

Examples:

  • Move between different departments to learn new skills
  • Temporary takeover of projects in other teams
  • Short-term assignments at other company locations

Trainee-Programme

Trainee programs are programs designed specifically for career starters that offer a systematic introduction to company structures and processes. These programs prepare participants for future leadership roles and offer them the opportunity to gain practical experience in various areas of the company.

Examples:

  • Rotation programs that take trainees through different departments
  • Workshops and seminars on management topics
  • Mentoring from experienced managers

Personnel development as the key to your company's success

Personnel development measures are an indispensable part of a company's strategic planning. They not only enable current and future challenges to be mastered, but also contribute to long-term retention and motivation of employees. 

Through the targeted funding and development of your employees, you can achieve this Basis for sustainable success of your company.

Take advantage of the opportunities that personnel development measures offer and rely on the competence and commitment of your team. Because ultimately, as mentioned before, it is the people who make the difference between two ships and put your company on the path to success.

Fabian Scholz
Fabian Scholz
Co-founder & Managing Partner

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Fabian Scholz Portrait
Fabian Scholz
Co-founder & Managing Partner
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