AHP Connect Articles

CEO Corner: Retention through Professional Development

Almost inevitably in conversations I have with members, eventually the discussion turns to the great resignation, the difficulty in retaining talent especially in hybrid environments, and the need to keep great employees engaged. While we often think about financial levers like raises, promotions, and bonuses as retention tools, professional development is another lever worth considering.

According to a 2021 Gallup survey, 57% percent of US adults in the workforce would be interested in participating in an “upskilling” program, meaning a program focused on learning a new skill. Forty-eight percent indicated that they would switch jobs for an upskilling opportunity, and 61% indicated that participating in upskilling was an important factor in staying with their employer.

This finding is in part because these employees know that managers who provide opportunities to learn new skills are investing in their employees’ future; according to the same survey, people who have had an upskilling experience earn $8,000 more annually on average than their colleagues. The most recent AHP Salary Survey bears this out: respondents with an FAHP reported a median salary of $147,500, compared to $118,000 for those with a CFRE, and $93,500 for those with no designations.

All professional development opportunities should start with a conversation with each individual about their career goals, the areas they feel they need to develop, and the places where you, as their manager, would like to see them grow. Develop a plan with each person that is actionable. Help them think about how they will invest the time in themselves for upskilling and help them identify ways to pay for programs that require a fee.

As you develop the plan, think about the following professional development resources from AHP:

• Attend one of eight full-week tracks or three three-day mini tracks at the Madison Institute
• Join an upcoming live webinar or choose from our 60+ hours of on-demand webinars
• Participate in a virtual mini course on planned giving or grateful patient fundraising
• Attend AHP’s International Conference
• Submit to speak at an AHP event or present a webinar
• Sit for your CFRE
• Sit for your FAHP
• Sign up to be matched with a mentor, or to become one

I’d love to hear from you. Email me to let me know what topics should AHP focus on next in order to continue to support your team in their professional development goals.