Career development isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. In today’s competitive job market, employees want more than a paycheck: they want growth, purpose, and a future. For HR leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Get career development right, and you don’t just retain employees—you build a motivated, high-performing workforce.
So why is career development so important? And how can HR teams meaningfully support it?
Why Career Development Matters for Employees—and Employers
Let’s start with the "why." Career development matters because employees expect it. According to a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 93% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their careers. That’s a clear signal that career development can directly improve retention and engagement.
It also drives performance. When employees feel that they’re progressing, learning, and growing, they’re more engaged and productive. In fact, Gallup research shows that organizations with engaged employees outperform their peers by 23% in profitability.
In short: helping employees build their careers is good for them and good for your bottom line.
How HR Can Support Employee Career Development
Career development doesn’t have to mean promoting every employee next week. Instead, it’s about creating an environment where people can learn, grow, and map out a path forward. Here’s how HR teams can make that happen:
Provide Learning and Development Opportunities
HR can lead the way by offering training programs, tuition reimbursement, mentoring, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. And it’s not just about technical skills; soft skills like leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence are equally valuable.
Create Clear Career Paths and Ladders
Ambiguity kills motivation. HR should work with managers to define clear pathways for advancement and communicate those paths regularly. Whether it’s through formal frameworks or informal coaching, employees should know what it takes to move forward.
Encourage Regular Career Conversations
Performance reviews shouldn’t be the only time employees talk about their future. Encourage managers to have ongoing career discussions and support employees in setting short- and long-term goals.
Recognize and Reward Development Progress
Career development itself should be recognized—not just outcomes like promotions. Small rewards for completing courses, mentoring others, or developing new skills help reinforce a culture of growth.
This is where a solution like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform comes in: our flexible, easy-to-use gift card solution allows HR leaders to recognize and reward employees instantly and meaningfully. Whether you’re celebrating a new certification or thanking a team member for mentoring others, the Engage2Reward Platform makes it easy to show appreciation in ways employees actually value.
Foster Internal Mobility
Sometimes the best next step for an employee isn’t up, it's over. Encourage lateral moves and provide opportunities for employees to try new roles or work on cross-functional projects.
Final Thoughts
Employees want to grow and they’ll go where they feel supported. Career development isn’t just about promotions or pay raises; it’s about giving people the tools, opportunities, and encouragement they need to chart their path.
For HR professionals, that means thinking holistically about learning, recognition, and opportunity. The payoff? A more engaged workforce, improved retention, and stronger business results.
As you build or refresh your career development initiatives, don’t forget the power of recognition. The Engage2Reward Platform helps you reward employees at every step of their development journey. Ready to get started? Contact our team today.
