Strategic Advantages in the Current Employment Environment

The old psychological contract between employers and employees has been shredded through the continual downsizing, restructuring and rationalisation of organizations. Recently, in Australia, we have seen plant closures, the export of jobs, and major corporate failures. Employees know now, that not only is there no "job for life" there may be no job next week. 

Living with such insecurity inevitably impacts on the emotional well-being, quality of life and job performance of workers who need stable, reliable income to meet financial commitments and provide for families. While some young ambitious and talented employees may view constant change and uncertainty as a challenge and opportunity, their career horizon is short. Most see their current employment as the stepping-stone to the next position. Few expect a career path within one organization or to stay more than 2-5 years. 

A new approach, where performance, continual learning and adaptability of individual employees is paralleled by development, rewards and benefits provided by the employer, is the answer. 

Security-seeking workers need strategies to increase their confidence and competence, so that employer dependent job security is replaced by personal employment security. People seeking career advancement require strategies to ensure their ambitions are achieved. Information, tools and techniques can be provided in career development workshops but for lasting benefit mentoring provides the strategic advantage. 

Mentoring shows ongoing support, interest in the person and career development really is a priority.
 
When employees feel valued and are given the opportunity to develop, they feel more positive toward their employer. Research shows that this results in enhanced job performance, increased retention, reduced absenteeism, improved loyalty and better customers.

Want to know the critical steps to introduce mentoring? Ann Rolfe's (2006) How To Design and Run Your Own Mentoring Program is available now from www.mentoring-works.com or contact us to work with you to customise your in-house program.