JANUARY 21, 2025

Repurpose Your Anchor: Invest in Your People, Build Your Future

Let’s get straight to it—your people are your most valuable asset. Without them, all the brilliant strategies and bright ideas in the world can’t turn into reality. But here’s the kicker: too many organizations still fail to invest enough in their workforce.

If 2025 is going to be your year (and it should be), you need to ask yourself: Are you giving your employees the tools they need to thrive? Because when you do, they’ll take care of the rest.

I’ve learned this lesson over the years: when you treat your employees well, prepare them, and truly invest in their success, you lay the foundation for a thriving, profitable business. But when you don’t? People will leave—and fast.

Why? Because skilled employees are always in demand. If you don’t provide opportunities to grow, develop, and feel valued, someone else will. Workforce development isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must.

So, where do you start?

Let’s talk about three areas that I believe can transform how you develop and retain your team: education and training, career pathing, and job placement and retention.

1. Education and Training

This one is non-negotiable. Skilled employees don’t just show up on day one ready to crush it—they need training. Not just technical skills, but soft skills too.

You know the type: someone with all the technical know-how in the world but who can’t collaborate, communicate, or adapt. That’s a problem.

The solution? Build programs that develop both sets of skills. Partner with schools, community colleges, and organizations like OAIB to bring in resources and expertise. Tailor these programs to address your unique needs as a company.

2. Career Pathing

Here’s the truth: if your employees can’t see a future at your company, they’ll start looking elsewhere. Career pathing is about showing them how they can grow—and then giving them the tools and opportunities to do it.

Think about it: what does an entry-level employee at your organization need to advance? Is there a clear path for them to move up? What leadership or upskilling programs are in place to help them get there?

And don’t underestimate the power of mentorship and sponsorship. People thrive when they have someone in their corner, advocating for their growth and success.

3. Job Placement and Retention

Finding the right people is one thing. Keeping them? That’s another story.

Retention starts with culture. Are your employees aligned with your values and vision? Do they feel like they belong?

And once you’ve got the right people in the right roles, what are you doing to keep them? Engagement matters. Support your team with meaningful work, competitive pay, and a workplace that values their contributions.

Engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about creating a workplace where people want to stay. That might mean forming Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or creating space for employees to connect over shared interests. It might mean regular feedback loops so employees know their voices are heard.

It All Comes Back to People

Here’s the bottom line: when you invest in your workforce, you’re investing in your business. A skilled, engaged, and supported team is the foundation of success—no matter what industry you’re in.

If this feels like a lot to tackle, you don’t have to do it alone. At OAIB, we’re here to help you build a workforce development strategy that works for you. Let’s make 2025 the year your people—and your business—reach new heights.

Reach out and let’s get started.