There are a number of ways your workplace can integrate personal growth and development opportunities for your employees. The key to remember? This is an employee's journey — not your company's.

Create growth plans.
At the start of the new year, or when an employer begins working with your organization, collaborate with this employee to create a unique personal growth and development plan applicable to their position. This includes starting from scratch and allowing the employee to identify areas of skill and ability, passion and energy for certain tasks and projects, and areas of improvement or valued needs of the organization. If the growth plan is not unique to the employeeExternal Site, it will likely be unsuccessful.
Think beyond formal training.
Employee personal growth and development doesn’t need to fit into a certain box. Consider starting a book club where employees can discuss the latest trends within your industry, or provide quick learning sessions where employees teach each other certain skills or areas of passion.
Provide mentor/mentee programs.
According to a study from the American Society for Training and Development, 71 percent of Fortune 500 companies have a corporate mentorship programExternal Site. Plus, 75 percent of executives credit their mentors for helping them reach their current position. A mentorship program has shown to create healthier, happier and more productive workplaces.
Training on developing “soft-skills.”
When it comes to soft-skills, many of your employees (maybe even you) are lacking them, and might not even know it. According to Forbes.comExternal Site, the top-three “soft skills” your employees need include problem solving, emotional control and purpose. Executives consider these skills to foster employee retention, improve leadership and build meaningful culture. And, the good news is each of these skills can be learned by your employees.
Ask your employees what they want and need.
At the end of the day, it’s about your employees and what they need to be successful, which in turn will create a successful and thriving business. If your business' current personal growth, development, or training opportunities aren’t showing success, consider sending out a survey, or hosting a “town hall” meeting with your employees to gauge the most effective way for them to grow and develop as a person and employee.