In this episode of The Association 100 podcast, Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning, and Christine Stay from OnWrd & UpWrd delve into the critical role of professional development within associations. They explore how continuing education not only serves as a top priority for members, but has also become crucial for employee development, recruitment and retention. 
Drawing from various studies, they highlight that a significant percentage of professionals would prefer working for organizations that invest in their education and professional growth.
Key Highlights:

The necessity of professional development for both member services and employee engagement.

Insights on how professional development influences recruitment and retention, with statistics showing a strong preference among professionals for organizations that prioritize learning opportunities.

Personal experiences from the hosts on the varied approaches associations have towards professional development, emphasizing the need for a balanced and strategic approach.

The importance of leadership buy-in and creating a culture that values learning and growth, ensuring that professional development is seen as a partnership between employer and employee.

Tips for incorporating professional development into the workplace, including effective onboarding, career pathing and creating a brand culture that attracts and retains top talent.


Join us for a thoughtful discussion on making professional development a cornerstone of your association’s strategy to foster a dynamic and thriving workplace.

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