Using Professional Development to Unlock Potential for Employees and Organizations

Professional development (PD) is more than a checkbox activity — it’s a cornerstone of organizational growth and employee fulfillment. At its core, PD encompasses activities and programming that enhance skills, knowledge, and career trajectories. Below, Jody Peleo-Lazar explains what that looks like in practice and why organizations should make PD a priority.

Level-Set: Defining Professional Development

Although we are likely familiar with the term “professional development,” it’s worthwhile to review its meaning before we discuss its benefits and ways to engage team members. Essentially, professional development encompasses a combination of formal programs and informal, on-the-job learning experiences.

These activities can include, but are not limited to:

• In-house training sessions led by internal or external facilitators.
• Certificate programs that deepen expertise in specific areas.
• Conferences that provide networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.
• Career road mapping which helps employees visualize their professional growth.
• Mentoring and coaching conversations to offer guidance and personalized feedback.

This diverse portfolio of options ensures employees have multiple pathways to grow, whether they prefer structured learning or experiential, real-world skill-building.

 The Benefits of a Strong Program

A robust professional development program offers clear benefits for both organizations and individuals.

For Organizations

• Increased productivity. Employees are better equipped to tackle challenges.
• Higher retention rates. Employees stay where they feel supported and can grow.
• Attracting top talent. Professionals gravitate to organizations that invest in their growth.
• Staying competitive. Employees who stay updated on industry trends enhance organizational agility.

For Individuals

• Confidence building. Learning new skills fosters self-assurance.
• Greater job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and engaged.
• Skill development and career advancement. Professional development can lead to qualifications that open doors to new roles and responsibilities.

The Risks of Neglecting Professional Development

Organizations that overlook professional development or fail to offer meaningful growth opportunities face several risks. Declining to invest in employees’ growth can lead to:

• Decreased productivity. Employees lack the skills and knowledge to perform at their best.
• Employee turnover. Talented staff will seek growth opportunities elsewhere.
• Difficulty attracting talent. Organizations without robust PD programs struggle to compete in today’s talent-driven market.

Pro Tips: Driving Engagement and Participation in PD

The challenge for many organizations lies not in offering professional development but in fostering enthusiasm and participation. Here are a few strategies to bridge that gap.

Solicit employee input through surveys and interviews to understand their biggest challenges and skill gaps. Include perspectives from all levels of the organization, from junior staff to senior leaders. When employees see their feedback-shaping programs, they’re more likely to engage.

Provide opportunities for learning during work hours and balance live courses with self-paced learning options. This flexibility accommodates diverse schedules and learning preferences.

Use career road-mapping conversations to connect PD opportunities with advancement possibilities. When employees see a clear path from development to promotion, they’re more motivated to participate.

Design programming that is hands-on, interactive, and experiential. Static lectures are a thing of the past — many modern learners want to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

Professional Development as a Strategic Priority

At The Clearing, we encourage leaders to consider professional development as an investment in both people and organizational success. As illustrated above, by prioritizing meaningful and engaging PD opportunities, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce, drive better business outcomes, and create a culture of continuous learning.

You can read more thought leadership on PD, adult learning, and more here. And if you are ready to energize your workforce and transform your organization through thoughtful professional development opportunities, reach out anytime — we would love to chat.