Companies like IBM , Zurich Insurance , CVS , Daetwyler , Stober Drives and Optimax , are starting or expanding apprenticeships in information technology , insurance , healthcare and advanced manufacturing .
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Companies that holistically invest in their employees ’ personal and professional lives often tout lower turnover rates and increased employee morale . But what does it mean to proactively invest in workplace culture in this way ?
Up-skilling , or providing progressive career-long skill training , is probably the most cost-intensive yet valuable investment a company can make in its workforce . As company organizational charts become more lateral and cross-functional , employees will need a greater understanding of how different functions apply to their role and how they can be integrated to meet broader company goals .
Such training programs will need incentive options that encourage employees to move along a continuum . Yet culturally , they should also hold at least some appeal for everyone — from millennial , entry-level workers to senior executives . One option might be to partner with local universities to customize special corporate programs . Another could be to explore online courses that can be viewed and taught in a conference room in the workplace .
To ensure that employees are progressively learning , develop metrics around how people learn best ( whether that ’ s in a classroom , through interactive games and challenges , or even via online courses ) while being sure to tailor the learning experience to your team ’ s unique needs .
MAKE IT PERSONAL — Meeting Employees Where They Are Retaining valuable employees for the long-term also means taking care of them personally . One way companies can do this is to customize Employee Assistance Programs ( EAP ), which go beyond traditional flexible spending accounts to apply to workers ’ needs across different life phases .
Another way is to look carefully at how employees are raising their families and caring for extended families . For example , employees who are caring for aging parents , might value a service that helps evaluate senior health care options , or which assesses home health services while offering house maintenance , meal preparation , grocery delivery , and transportation solutions . Employees who are mothers of newborns may value support groups organized by employers that help them transition back to work at the end of maternity leave .
Finally , don ’ t overlook cost-free EAP initiatives ( which also have a solid ROI ), such as “ Jeans Fridays ” from the corner suite to the mailroom , or “ Wear your favorite sports team shirt day .” Building morale and encouraging your team can be pretty easy with a little forethought . Do you have the funding necessary to invest in your team ? Contact your relationship manager or Client Services to learn more .
CONNECT CULTURE WINTER 2016 // SNB . COM | 21