Career Mobility Workshops: A Powerful Employee Retention Strategy for SMEs

Since the proliferation of AI, workers have been up against major workplace transformations, including the demand for reskilling and the threat of layoffs. As a consequence, many employees are grappling with burnout, a lack of trust in employers, and a desire for more stable job prospects.

The surge of layoffs in 2024 (56% of workers reported team layoffs) has created a workforce willing to switch jobs at the first sign of trouble. This environment poses challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, where retaining skilled talent is critical to fostering a productive and successful work environment.

While businesses of all sizes are facing these same challenges, SMEs are at a greater risk for higher turnover. Career mobility initiatives, then, will be the key to retaining their most valuable people. Workshops and webinars are a proactive way for companies to foster growth, address burnout, and ultimately improve retention.

According to LHH data, a staggering 69% of workers experience burnout within their teams, resulting in disengagement and a desire to seek out new job opportunities. Our 2024 Outplacement and Career Mobility Trends Report revealed respondents' top five reasons for staying with a company—under compensation and flexibility, was the prospect of career growth:

• 31% want a culture where career and skills development are supported.
• 29% are looking for an environment where employees can advance in their careers.

Utilizing these kinds of initiatives will enable small and medium-sized companies to empower their employees to progress in their careers, upgrade their skills, and will communicate a sincere dedication to their professional growth.

Career Mobility as the Key to SME Employee Retention

Compensation will always remain a top reason for employees to stay with a company. But in today’s unpredictable labor market, workers are looking for more than just a paycheck—they want to feel valued and see their employers investing in their future.

Career mobility, facilitated through workshops and webinars, can fulfill these needs, creating an environment where employees feel encouraged to stay put rather than look elsewhere.

Below are four of the most effective workshops for professional growth to consider:

1. Strategic Career Management

When employees feel like their professional growth has become idle, they often disengage from their roles. By offering strategic career management workshops, SMEs empower their staff to assess their skills, interests, and priorities to set clear professional goals. This helps align their individual aspirations with the company's objectives, giving employees a sense of control over their career paths.

2. Networking for Growth

Burnout can leave employees feeling isolated and disconnected from the workplace. Encouraging networking workshops that emphasize internal connections can alleviate some of these challenges by helping employees expand their network within the company.

This is especially important in SMEs, where fewer management layers provide more direct access to leaders. Strengthening internal networks, then, not only enhances career opportunities for workers but also nurtures a sense of community and belonging, ultimately reducing the risk of burnout or dissatisfaction.

3. Creating an Internal Marketing Plan to Drive Career Success

Employees often lack the confidence to effectively advocate for themselves, leading to missed opportunities for career growth. Workshops that teach professionals how to develop a personalized marketing plan for their branding, networking, and career advancement will help them advocate for themselves in the workplace and show up with more motivation and engagement in the long term.

4. Making LinkedIn Work for You

Especially in smaller companies where an employee can easily discern their career growth, stagnation will almost always lead workers to explore external opportunities. By providing workshops on using LinkedIn effectively, SMEs can help employees build their professional brand, expand their overall network, and present themselves confidently both internally and externally. LinkedIn workshops are particularly valuable as LI is known to be a powerful tool for career advancement.

Coaching and opportunities for growth are not just about advancing employees—they’re about creating a work environment where individuals feel engaged, supported, and valued—above all else.

In the midst of mass layoffs, burnout, and the need for new skills, career mobility is a top tool for retaining the employees that companies need in order to succeed. SMEs that embrace career development initiatives are not only investing in their employees but also investing in the future of their businesses.

The result? A more productive and skilled workforce that’s motivated to stay and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

If you’re ready to transform your workforce through career mobility initiatives, get in touch with LHH today. Together, we can create a culture of growth and success.

Download our 2024 Outplacement and Career Mobility Trends Report to learn more about how layoffs are affecting small and medium-sized businesses.