Employee Development Specialists - What Do They Do?

All organizations need well-trained employees and must adapt to the changes to stay competitive. One way to do this is to invest in employee development. By helping employees to learn and grow, organizations can create a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and innovative.

Employee development specialists play a vital role in helping organizations to achieve their business goals. By designing and implementing effective employee development programs, they can help organizations improve employee performance, increase employee engagement, reduce employee turnover, and develop a more innovative and creative workforce.

As an Employee Development Specialist, the primary responsibilities will involve coordinating, strategizing, and overseeing a diverse range of training initiatives. These training programs can vary in format, depending on the specific requirements of the organization. In the blog article, we will discuss the role of the employee development specialist and why their skills are so important for business growth.

Employee Development Specialist Roles and Responsibilities

Employee development specialists are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing employee development programs and initiatives. They work with employees at all levels of the organization to identify their individual needs and goals and then curate customized plans to help them achieve those goals.

1. Design and Execute Training Initiatives: Employee development specialists are the architects of employee training, crafting programs that equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed

2. Collaborate with Managers to Identify and Enhance Employee Skills: Working alongside managers, employee development specialists pinpoint skill gaps and devise strategies to elevate employee competencies, ensuring a well-rounded workforce

3. Develop and Manage Training Resources: Employee development specialists curate and manage a comprehensive library of training materials, ensuring that employees have access to the resources they need to expand their skillset

4. Assess Training Program Efficacy: Through meticulous evaluation of training programs, employee development specialists identify areas for improvement, ensuring that every training initiative delivers maximum impact

5. Offer Insights to Employees and Managers: Employee development specialists serve as trusted advisors, providing employees and managers with valuable guidance on career development and performance enhancement

6. Foster an Environment of Ongoing Growth and Learning: Employee development specialists cultivate a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to embrace new challenges and expand their professional horizons

Employee Development Specialist Skills

Employee development specialists need to have a strong understanding of learning and development principles, as well as experience in designing and implementing employee development programs. They must have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Here are some key employee development specialist skills that need to be acquired:

How does an Employee Development Specialist Contribute to an Organization?

Employee Development Specialists play a pivotal role in steering organizations toward growth and prosperity. Their contributions are multifaceted and essential, and here's how:

Importance of Employee Development Specialist in Business Growth

1. Fostering a Skilled Workforce: Employee Development Specialists are instrumental in cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce. By identifying the potential of employees and aligning their development with organizational goals, they ensure that the workforce is well-prepared to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to business growth.

2. Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives: These specialists ensure employee development efforts align with the overarching business objectives. This strategic alignment results in a workforce with the necessary skills and capabilities to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving marketplace, ultimately driving the organization's growth trajectory.

3. Staying Ahead in the Talent Marketplace: In today's highly competitive talent marketplace, organizations that invest in employee development are more likely to attract and retain top talent. This not only fuels growth but also keeps the organization at the forefront of industry innovation.

The Impact of Employee Development Specialists on Employee Retention

1. Create Growth Opportunities: Employee development specialists contribute to employee retention by designing and implementing training programs that help employees develop new skills and advance their careers. This makes employees feel valued and appreciated, which can lead to increased engagement and retention.

2. Recognize Achievements: Employee development specialists also play a role in employee retention by recognizing and celebrating employee achievements. This can be done through various means, such as public recognition, awards, and promotions. When employees feel that their work is valued, they are more likely to stay with the company.

3. Build Critical Capabilities: Employee development specialists also contribute to employee retention by helping employees develop the skills they need to stay relevant in the ever-changing workplace. This can be done by providing training on new technologies, software, and processes. When employees feel that they have the skills they need to succeed, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with the company.

4. Cultivate Community: Employee development specialists can also promote employee retention by fostering a sense of community within the organization. This can be done through various means, such as creating employee resource groups, organizing social events, and encouraging mentorship and networking. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and the organization, they are more likely to stay with the company.

5. Retention of Top Talent: In the highly competitive talent marketplace, organizations that prioritize employee development tend to retain their top performers. Employee Development Specialists are crucial in creating programs that address individual career goals and aspirations, making employees more likely to stay with the organization.

The Journey to Becoming an Employee Development Specialist

As organizations recognize the critical role of Employee Development Specialists in shaping their workforce, the path to becoming one involves a strategic journey. Let us embark on the path to becoming an employee development specialist.

Educational Requirements: Laying the Foundation

A professional's journey to becoming an employee development specialist begins with a strong educational foundation. A bachelor's degree in human resources, human development, or a related field is the standard entry point for this profession. These programs equip professionals with the skills to understand employee behavior, organizational dynamics, and learning principles, all essential for effective employee development.

Work Experience: Gaining Practical Exposure

While academic knowledge provides a solid foundation, practical experience is equally crucial for success in this field. Entry-level positions typically require 2-3 years of hands-on experience in human resources, training and development, or a related area. This experience allows the workforce to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and project management, and gain valuable insights into the complexities of employee development.

Certifications and Licenses: Enhancing Your Credentials

In a competitive job market, certifications and licenses can give professionals an edge. While not always mandatory, these professional credentials demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and mastery in employee development. Popular certifications include:

• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
• Association for Talent Development (ATD) Certified Professional (ATD CP)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

A Day in the Life of an Employee Development Specialist

The day-to-day responsibilities of an employee development specialist can vary depending on the size and structure of the organization they work for. However, some typical tasks and activities may include:

• Designing and Implementing Development Programs: Employee Development Specialists create and implement employee development programs that address specific needs, skill gaps, and organizational goals. These programs are tailored to enhance employees' capabilities and contribute to the company's success.
• Monitoring Progress: They continuously monitor the progress of these programs, assessing their effectiveness and making necessary adjustments. This ongoing evaluation ensures that development efforts remain aligned with the changing needs of both the organization and its employees.
• Providing Coaching and Guidance: Specialists offer coaching and guidance to employees, helping them reach their full potential. This one-on-one support is instrumental in enhancing individual skills and overall job performance.
• Aligning Development with Business Goals: Collaborating closely with managers ensures that development efforts directly contribute to achieving organizational goals. Employee Development Specialists are crucial in connecting employee growth and business success.

Work Environment for Employee Development Specialists 

Employee Development Specialists typically operate in an office environment, but their influence extends beyond their workspace. They actively engage with various departments and individuals across the organization, working to align development efforts with overarching business objectives.

Their work environment is characterized by:

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: They interact with department heads, managers, and employees at all levels, fostering a culture of development and continuous learning throughout the organization.
• Modern Learning Tools: Specialists leverage contemporary e-learning tools and systems to facilitate employee development, ensuring the organization remains on the cutting edge of training methodologies.
• Flexible Work: The role often involves flexibility to adapt to various employee needs and program requirements. Employee Development Specialists need to be agile, and responsive to evolving circumstances.

Employee Development Specialist Daily Tasks and Activities

Here is a sample of the daily tasks and activities that an employee development specialist might perform:

• Meet with a group of new employees to discuss the company's onboarding program
• Develop a training workshop on a new software system
• Coach an employee who is struggling to meet their performance goals
• Review employee development progress reports
• Present a training program on leadership skills to a group of managers
• Meet with a manager to discuss the development needs of their team
• Mentor an employee who is interested in advancing their career
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a recent training program

All of these factors can contribute to business growth and success.

Conclusion

Employee Development Specialists are vital to organizations as they bridge the gap between employee potential and business success. By designing and implementing effective employee development programs, they can help organizations develop a more productive, engaged, and innovative workforce. It increases customer satisfaction, higher profits, and a stronger competitive advantage. 

With Edstellar, organizations can access a diverse network of experienced instructors and a wide range of industry-specific courses to effectively upskill employee development specialist teams. In addition, our platform offers a seamless learning experience, combining the benefits of instructor-led training with modern technology and digital tools. Take the first step towards fostering growth and development.