Customized workforce solutions solve local business needs
As organizations look to solve recruitment and retention challenges, at Oakton College, we continue to watch for new trends and innovative ideas as we partner with local businesses looking to stay competitive in the local and global job markets.
Here are three tips to help your company differentiate itself from the competition by providing cost-effective, high-quality training solutions.
Provide value
Professional development is one of the best ways to attract and retain talent. Today's employees, especially Millennials and Gen Zers, look for more than a paycheck. A recent survey by the research firm Workplace Intelligence, conducted in partnership with Amazon, found that 74% of Millennial and Gen Z employees will likely quit within 12 months due to a lack of skills development opportunities.
Consider providing industry-specific customized training that not only introduces your employees to new skills and technology but will help your organization in the long run. Oakton's Workforce Solutions team has partnered with health care, IT, manufacturing, transportation and logistics organizations to provide customized training and continuing education opportunities.
Promote from within
Promoting from within can help you save money on recruitment and improve retention and workplace satisfaction. To ensure your employees are prepared to transition from peer to manager or supervisor, consider offering workshops like "Transitioning into a Leadership Role," allowing participants to learn about the qualities and behaviors that make effective leaders.
Additional workshops to consider offering include the following topics: Delegating Work Effectively, Conflict Management, Business Writing and Project Management. Effective supervision is linked to the success of the organization. Visit www.oakton.edu/ws for a complete list of workshops available to employers. Workshop participants reported improved communication, project management and leadership skills and increased job satisfaction.
Nurture inclusion
Among a company's best competitive advantages is investment in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent CNBC/SurveyMonkey Workforce Survey say they want to work for a company that values DEI. Oakton values embracing diversity and advancing equity and is committed to building just and thriving communities.
For DEI efforts to be successful, they must be planted, nurtured and exposed to the right conditions throughout the organization. Your employees must feel supported in the workplace regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and socio-economic status.
At Oakton, we understand your needs. The College offers a full range of cost-effective, high-quality training solutions that can be delivered at a wide variety of locations as well as online. An experienced team of consultants, trainers and program managers develops training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge to drive business results.
Connect with Oakton College's Workforce Solutions Team (847-635-1447, workforcesolutions@oakton.edu) to start a conversation about how our team can help you meet your business goals. To learn more, please visit www.oakton.edu/ws.
• Jesse Ivory, Ed.D. Dean of Adult and Continuing Education/Dean of Skokie Campus Oakton College.