Dear HR Manager from Growth Advocate
My team is ambitious, but my company does not offer tuition reimbursement. How can I support their career growth or open pathways to advance in the organization?
– Growth Advocate
Dear Growth Advocate,
Supporting career growth without tuition reimbursement may seem challenging, but there are many ways to foster development and create opportunities for your ambitious team. Here are three impactful strategies to consider.
Cultivate In-House Learning Opportunities
Leverage your organization’s resources to create a culture of continuous learning. Arrange internal workshops or lunch-and-learn sessions where employees can share their expertise. For example, a team member skilled in data analysis could teach others how to leverage tools like Excel or Tableau. Additionally, consider creating a library of resources—books, industry publications, and case studies—that employees can access to deepen their knowledge. Encouraging a culture of shared learning promotes both collaboration and growth.
Recognize and Reward Development
Recognition is a powerful motivator. Establish programs to celebrate employees who invest in their professional growth, such as “Learner of the Month” awards or shoutouts in team meetings. Tie achievements to tangible rewards, like priority consideration for internal opportunities or small perks like gift cards. Publicly acknowledging growth efforts reinforces their value and inspires others to follow suit.
Provide Access to Online Learning Platforms
Invest in subscriptions to online learning platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy. These platforms offer affordable and flexible training options in diverse fields. Consider creating learning tracks tailored to specific career goals or roles. Celebrate employee certifications or course completions publicly to recognize their hard work and inspire others to pursue growth opportunities.
By embracing these strategies, you can empower your team to grow professionally and enhance their contributions to your organization. Even without tuition reimbursement, fostering an environment that values development and ambition demonstrates your commitment to their success.
– HR Manager
Originally featured in UBA’s January 2025 HR Elements Newsletter.
