When asked how The Great Resignation of 2021 affected their organizations, one in three respondents indicated it is “somewhat or very difficult” to retain good talent (According to this Bamboo HR survey report). What can organizations do to respond to this challenge?

In addition to providing better compensation and benefits packages, supporting employees with training and development opportunities is a strong strategy for countering the “great resignation.”

Investment in employee training and development increases retention and job satisfaction and helps attract and effectively onboard new hires. When current and prospective employees know they can evolve with a company and their development goals are supported, the result is enhanced employee well-being and loyalty. Providing learning and growth opportunities:

  • Prepares your employee benefits team to determine and manage the best benefits packages to retain your employees
  • Equips your benefits professionals with knowledge and skills to meet clients’ needs so their companies stay strong
  • Ensures that your team is knowledgeable and current with ongoing legal and compliance changes in health care and retirement
  • Increases confidence in offering benefit packages that are relevant, valued and communicated well to participants.

As you are mapping out your organization’s training options, consider the International Foundation for high quality, valued resources and programs to help employees meet their educational needs and organizations strengthen their culture of learning and development. Educational solutions range from one-hour, self-paced training for new entrants to the industry to an academically backed professional credential for those committed to a career in benefits.

  • E-Learning courses provide topic specific education ideal for onboarding new hires or filling in knowledge gaps. E-learning courses range from basic health care and retirement plan information to in depth compliance and regulatory topics. 
  • The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS) professional designation provides designees with comprehensive benefits knowledge preparing them to effectively design, administer, and communicate employee benefits. The International Foundation partners with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. and Dalhousie University in Canada to offer the CEBS program.
  • In-person and online specialty certificates provide the skills needed to enhance experience in a particular area or fill skill set gaps. They provide a solid foundation for unique roles with benefits and offer comprehensive knowledge that will help your associates stand out from the rest.
  • On-site training brings industry-leading employee benefits education to your workplace to meet your unique training goals.

Make learning opportunities part of your employee value proposition. In a recent article, Why 2022 Will Be ‘The Year of The Employee’, Leslie Tarnacki, SVP of Human Resources at WorkForce Software stated it well:

“It is also beneficial to offer employee development benefits. These days, employees are eager to broaden their skillsets. But if there are no opportunities for advancement, employees will feel like they are plateauing and will start looking for something new and exciting. I highly recommend investing in your employees. Offering professional development courses and ongoing training opportunities will make your employees feel valuable, increase retention rates, and give your company a competitive edge.”

Sandy Tellefson, CEBS
Manager, Education Services, CEBS/ISCEBS at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans

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