Career development means more to women than shorter office hours
Women are more likely to seek new employment if they feel their careers are not developing, according to a survey of UK professionals.
The research, conducted by professional recruitment specialists Robert Walters, reported that 66% of professional women would leave their job if they had experienced a lack of career progression and development opportunities.
Retaining talented individuals and coordinating efforts to help advance their careers can give organisations an edge in promoting productivity and industry leadership.
Lucy Bisset, Associate Director at Robert Walters, said: “Employers are aware of the importance of developing a working culture that engages and encourages professionals to develop their careers.
"The opportunity for career progression is the most important factor for women when considering whether or not to leave a role, ahead of working with a challenging boss or having to contend with long working hours or a poor company culture.
The opportunity for career progression is the most important factor for women.
“By combining opportunities for career development with flexible working practices employers can secure the most ambitious professionals and ensure that they perform at their best in their role.”
Career progression is dependent on continued education and ICAS offers a range of training courses that can help you develop both your technical and soft skills to the highest professional level.
The need for effective professional development promotion is equally apparent in a report from LHH Penna that shows only 29% of managers are confident in discussing career aspirations and development with those who report to them.
Employees are likely to feel disgruntled as a result of poor conversations about their career.
Bev White, Managing Director of Penna Career Services, commented: “Having an effective career conversation with direct reports is an acquired skill and given the sometimes sensitive nature of topics covered, it needs careful and considered planning and handling.
“Expecting managers to be able to do this, with little or no training, is not only feeding them to the lions – but employees are likely to feel disgruntled as a result of poor conversations about their career.”
Management skills are essential in validating and encouraging ambition within an organisation.