There’s one piece of advice we’d never recommend to employers: discouraging staff from attending community events, user groups, summits, or meetups.
Yet, there are companies out there, doing just that! They believe that keeping their employees away from these events would prevent them from getting poached, learning about opportunities, or realising that things are done differently elsewhere.
Not only is this a flawed approach, but it’s potentially damaging for your business.
The Fear Behind It: What Some Companies Worry About
For companies adopting this approach, the concerns are clear. They fear their staff might:
- Get noticed and potentially poached by competitors
- Realise that other companies are innovating in ways they aren’t
- Become aware of opportunities that might seem more attractive
- Find out about current market salaries and benefits
- Wonder if the “grass is greener” elsewhere
While these fears may seem reasonable, holding your team back from the industry and community engagement ultimately does more harm than good. Shielding them from the outside world doesn’t foster loyalty – it can actually increase the likelihood of turnover by creating an environment that feels limiting and disconnected.
The Benefits of Letting Your Staff Engage with the Community
Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, let’s consider what could go right when you encourage your team to attend industry events, even during working hours. Here’s how these experiences can bring value to both your staff and your business:
- Skill Development & Expertise: Attending events allows employees to deepen their knowledge within their niche, making them even more valuable to your team.
- Industry Networking: Engaging with experts and other professionals helps them build a network that can benefit your business, whether it’s for partnerships, collaborations, or insights.
- Brand Advocacy: When your employees are out there representing your company, they’re promoting your brand to a wider audience, building credibility and interest around what you do.
- Referral Opportunities: Employees who network widely can refer other top talents to your business, helping you fill roles with high-quality candidates who are often a great culture fit.
- Fresh Perspectives: Industry events expose staff to new ideas, technologies, and methods. They bring these insights back to your business, potentially unlocking fresh approaches and improved efficiencies.
- New Business Ideas: Engaging with the industry often leads to discovering innovations that can be applied to your company, whether it’s new software, practices, or strategies that drive growth.
- Sales Growth Through Collaboration: Networking can open doors for new partnerships and collaborations that could increase sales or expand your market reach.
Looking Ahead, Not Back
Remember, holding your employees back from engaging with the community is the equivalent of sticking your head in the sand. Team members who are encouraged to connect with others, learn, and grow will feel more valued and inspired to bring their best selves to work.
Ultimately, they’ll want to stay because they feel empowered, not restricted.
Considering a talent strategy that encourages growth? Get in touch with Mexa Solutions to explore how your business can benefit from a more engaged, motivated team.
Phone: 01489 850202
Email: info@mexasolutions.com
