VACB and ICBA Can Help!

In today’s work landscape, where “quiet quitting” and “act your wage” have become buzzwords, more employers are investing in professional development opportunities to help their employees feel valued and connected to their work. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Talent LMS, more than 76% of the employees surveyed stated that they are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training. Furthermore, almost half of employees reported that training opportunities were a crucial factor in choosing their current employers.

Here are four reasons why professional development can help your bank win the war for top talent!

• Boost Retention: Employees who feel they can grow professionally are more likely to stick around. Offering professional development programs shows your employees that you care about their futures and are invested in their growth. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and a more positive attitude towards work.
• Prepare for the Future: With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 each day, many community banks are facing the challenge of business continuity. Upskilling your employees can help ensure a smooth transition when needed and keep your bank humming along.
• Stay Competitive: Technology is advancing rapidly, and skills that are relevant today may not be in a few short years. By providing professional development opportunities, you enable your employees to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in their field. This can help your bank stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
• Attract New Talent: In today’s job market, job seekers are looking for more than just a salary. They want to work for a company that values their growth and development. By offering professional development programs, you can demonstrate to potential employees that you are committed to investing in their futures.

To ensure the effectiveness of your job training programs, tailor them to meet your employees’ needs. This could include offering online training courses, workshops, mentorship programs and opportunities to attend conferences or seminars. Don’t forget to evaluate the effectiveness of your professional development programs regularly and adjust them as necessary.

As the job market continues to evolve, professional development will become increasingly important, and employers who recognize this will be best positioned to succeed.

VACB has teamed up with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) to provide a comprehensive menu of training resources for Virginia community bankers. On any ICBA course or resource found on VACB’s website, use the code VA-VACB at checkout, and ICBA will return 10% of the purchase price to VACB. These funds will support local lobbying efforts and new resources and programs for VACB members.