Business success: why a clear progression path is critical

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you offer your employees a clear path to progression?
• How have you implemented this process internally?
• How has your organisation benefited from promoting advancement?

Employee turnover causes big problems for companies across the UK, and it should go without saying that lack of opportunity for advancement rates highly as a contributing factor. To avoid footing the bill for regular resignations in your office (which could run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds!), it’s important to offer your employees a clear path to progression.

Not only does it help with career satisfaction, but it lets employees at all levels know they will be recognised for consistent hard work and reap the rewards.

How to deliver a clear path to progression

The importance individuals place on advancement opportunities has taken a sharp rise in recent years. Whether your business is looking to expand or simply develop internally, offering advancement is crucial to both recruiting and retaining talent.

1. Build a layered organisation chart detailing clearly defined levels, roles, experience and competencies. You need a clear set of criteria in order to manage the advancement process effectively.
2. Consider the personality traits and behaviour patterns of your employees, as well as their experience and skillset. Hard-working and loyal individuals will continue to improve and be motivated as they progress through your business, regardless of their level of experience or present skillset. Make sure you offer incentive, otherwise they might go elsewhere to do so.
3. Offer employees the additional training and development support they require in order to progress within the company – talented and dedicated employees will relish the opportunity to learn.
4. Make time to review. It’s important that you can give your employees insight and feedback on their current position within the company, as well as their opportunity to progress. Make time to review their performance and development with them throughout the year, as this will offer both sides the opportunity to discuss any areas which may be affecting the employee’s progression.
5. With clear progression pathways comes higher employee motivation, so be transparent. The more they know they can gain from their work, the harder they’ll try to hit targets.

Within an environment that welcomes progression, maintains momentum, fosters learning and drives development, you’re contributing to the 360-degree welfare and future of both your business and your employees.

Taking just a little time to consider the delivery of a clear progression plan will be crucial to maintaining a competitive advantage in a competitive field.