Providing Growth Opportunities

Cathie Leimbach • May 3, 2022

87% of millennials strongly prefer jobs that offer them opportunities to grow, yet only 40% of employees indicate their workplace has offered them opportunities to learn and grow in the past year. They want to get better at their current job, prepare for their next workplace position, and equip themselves to be successful in all aspects of life in our fast-changing world. If you don’t provide opportunities for employees to be lifelong learners, they will be less passionate and engaged at work, reducing the organization’s success.


And, don’t think you are saving money by not investing in employee development. 65% of currently employed people are looking for another job. 25% of employees changed jobs last year. 30% of new hires quit within 90 days. Once someone is working within a company, they experience its culture and growth mindset, or lack thereof. When the environment doesn’t feel like a right-fit for them, they are on the lookout for potentially better opportunities.


Many people are looking for diverse growth opportunities, not just formal training programs, so continuing education doesn’t have to be a big budget concern. Here are some possibilities:

  • Formal group training
  • Coaching to support the implementation of training content
  • Mentoring by a more experienced person in their role
  • Mentoring by someone in another role in the company
  • Job shadowing someone in another part of the company
  • Working on a group project for the company
  • Working on a community service project with others within the company or beyond the company
  • One-week job exchange or transfer to experience another position within the company for which they have most of the necessary skills


To determine which opportunities are most appropriate for an employee, ask them what knowledge or skills they would like to learn. Suggest 2 or 3 possible options and let them choose, or simply ask them how they think they might be able to fulfill that desire.


At performance review time, ask employees to set a personal growth goal and help them get access to the necessary resources.

The world around us is changing quickly. You and your employees need to change to keep up. Help your employees fulfill their desire for growth opportunities and your company will be a winner.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.