Why Investing in Employees Is the Key to Long-Term Success
Employee development is no longer a nice-to-have but a must for companies aiming to stay competitive. Discover global best practices, how career growth strengthens employer branding, and why companies like Kaplan are leading the way.
Investing in People – The New Currency of Success
The global job market has changed dramatically over the last decade. A competitive salary alone is no longer enough to attract or retain top talent. Employees today – especially younger generations – are looking for clear career paths, mentorship opportunities, and long-term professional growth.
According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024 (source), 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their career development. This shift proves that professional and career development is now a strategic business priority, not just an HR initiative.
Companies that understand this trend are not only improving talent retention but also strengthening their employer branding, making it easier to attract highly skilled professionals – whether in IT recruitment, executive search, or leadership hiring.
Employer Branding and Career Growth – Two Sides of the Same Coin
Strong employer branding is built on how companies treat their people. Offering training programs, mentorship, and transparent career paths is no longer optional – it’s an expectation.
Why Career Development Matters for Businesses:
- Better Talent Retention: Employees are more likely to stay in companies that invest in their growth, reducing recruitment costs.
- Faster Internal Mobility: Companies can develop future leaders internally rather than relying solely on external recruitment or executive search.
- Positive Employer Branding: Businesses known for investing in people are naturally more attractive to job seekers.
- Higher Productivity and Innovation: Skilled, motivated employees drive business growth and innovation.
In other words, career development has become a key differentiator in competitive talent markets, especially in industries like tech, where the IT talent shortage and competition for IT professionals remain ongoing challenges.
Global Best Practice: Kaplan and the ATD BEST Award
One standout example of successful employee development is Kaplan, a global education company that won the ATD BEST Award 2025 (source) for excellence in talent development.
What Makes Kaplan Stand Out?
- Comprehensive Mentorship Programs – Employees receive personalized mentorship to help them navigate key career stages.
- Virtual Learning and Global Access – Kaplan uses technology to deliver workshops and training to employees worldwide.
- Leadership Development Tracks – Special programs prepare high-potential employees for leadership and management roles.
The results are clear: higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover, and a strong reputation as an employer of choice. Kaplan’s success shows that strategic investment in talent development pays off, both in retention and in strengthening brand reputation.
Career Development Across Industries
While IT staffing and tech recruitment often dominate conversations about talent development, career growth is essential across all industries.
Technology & IT Sector
- Continuous technical training and certifications keep employees competitive in fast-changing markets.
- Salary benchmarking & compensation consulting are key to retaining top software developers and IT professionals.
Manufacturing & Industrial Sectors
- Focus on technical upskilling, reskilling, and leadership training to adapt to automation and new technologies.
Financial & Service Industries
- Soft skills training, leadership hiring programs, and digital education help employees adapt to an increasingly automated work environment.
Regardless of industry, companies that prioritize professional growth are better at retaining talent and maintaining a strong employer brand.
Career Growth at CodeConnect – Our Own Example of Long-Term Development
At CodeConnect, we truly practice what we preach when it comes to investing in people. Every new team member starts with a clear and transparent career path – from Associate Consultant to senior leadership roles.
We believe that German language skills are your entry ticket, but professional success comes through learning, mentorship, and dedication. That’s why we provide:
- Comprehensive onboarding and training programs to help you master recruitment and the German job market.
- Mentorship and continuous feedback so you always know how to progress to the next level.
- Defined milestones for promotion, ensuring that hard work and results are recognized.
- Additional benefits with each career step, from more vacation days to increased home office flexibility.
For us, a job is just the beginning – a career is the goal. If you want to see how we do it, visit our Careers page and start your journey.
The Soft Skills Employers Value Most in IT Professionals
In today’s competitive IT job market, being a great coder is no longer enough. Companies hiring are looking for something extra: professionals who can work well with people, solve problems, and adapt fast.
At CodeConnect, we’ve placed hundreds of IT professionals across Europe, and the pattern is clear:
The best-paying, most stable IT jobs go to people who have BOTH technical and soft skills.
If you’re looking to stand out—whether for remote jobs with German companies, outsourcing roles, or full-time IT positions—here’s what you need to work on.
The 5 Soft Skills That Make IT Professionals Irresistible to Recruiters
1. Strong Communication Skills: Be the “Tech Translator”
Good communication isn’t just about speaking German or English fluently—it’s about explaining technical things in a way anyone can understand.
Why it matters: Many IT jobs involve remote teams or German-speaking clients, so clear communication saves time, avoids mistakes, and makes you look professional.
Tip: Practice explaining your projects in simple words, like you’re talking to someone who’s not technical.
2. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Be the Person Who Fixes Things
Recruiters love IT professionals who don’t just write code but find smart solutions.
Why it matters: Employers value people who can think ahead, troubleshoot issues, and suggest improvements, not just follow instructions.
Tip: In interviews, share an example of when you solved a tricky issue or improved a process.
3. Adaptability: Tech Changes Fast —You Should Too
New tools, new workflows, new priorities—IT never stands still.
Why it matters: Companies want people who can learn quickly and don’t panic when things change.
Tip: Always mention courses, certifications, or new technologies you’ve learned recently.
4. Teamwork & Collaboration: Build More Than Just Code
The best IT projects are built by teams, not lone geniuses.
Why it matters: Whether you work in nearshoring for German companies or in a local Balkan IT hub, teamwork means smoother projects and happier clients.
Tip: Highlight times when you worked with multicultural or remote teams.
5. Emotional Intelligence: The Human Factor That Gets You Promoted
Being good with people—understanding them, managing conflicts, staying calm under pressure—is a game changer.
Why it matters: Companies want IT pros who are easy to work with and can grow into leadership roles.
Tip: Show you can stay professional in tough situations—employers notice that.
Why Soft Skills - Better Jobs & Better Pay
Here’s the truth:
- People with strong soft skills get hired faster.
- They often get better offers because companies see them as future leaders.
- They keep jobs longer because they’re easier to work with.
At CodeConnect, when we match IT candidates with top companies, those who combine tech + soft skills always stand out.
How to Show Recruiters You Have These Skills
✔ Update your CV with examples of teamwork, problem-solving, and learning new tools
✔ Practice interview stories (STAR method works great!)
✔ Keep improving—even a short online course in communication or project management can make a difference
Whether you are seeking to expand your IT team or find HR recruitment support for German employers, CodeConnect is your trusted partner in building high-performing, resilient teams that thrive in today’s competitive market.