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?

1. Comprehensive Mentorship Programs – Employees receive personalized mentorship to help them navigate key career stages.
2. Virtual Learning and Global Access – Kaplan uses technology to deliver workshops and training to employees worldwide.
3. 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.