“Continuing Education”
By Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist
As a manager or small business owner, “what’s your policy on continuing education for your employees…do you have one?” If an employee comes to you and asks for time away from the operation or business to attend a three-hour seminar on a topic that is directly relevant to what he or she does would you support it? Would you pay for the seminar? Would you compensate the employee for the time away from the job? If you do not have an existing policy on continuing education, it may be something to consider. Now that millennials make up the workforce, the data clearly indicates that it is going to take more than just a steady paycheck or salary to keep them engaged. Allowing employees to attend seminars and expand their knowledge often benefits the organization. Individuals who have the opportunity for professional development reportedly experience greater job satisfaction, are more engaged and committed to the business than those who do not. Additionally, allowing your people to pursue continuing education opportunities demonstrates that the business is willing to invest in its people. If you don’t have a policy in place, give it some thought. For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.