In the early stages of shaping company culture, HR professionals have a unique opportunity to harness internal communities for talent development. By shaping the culture to be one of continuous learning, organizations can enhance employee skills and foster a culture of continuous learning without needing to hire externally.

The Power of Internal Communities

Internal communities create a place for employees to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and develop new skills. These are communities that are formed around things unrelated to work such as a common interest, or related to work such as professional development goals, departmental needs, or both.

In fact, community development at organizations can not only help with talent development but also retention. According to one study by Gallup, organizations with strong social connections at work see a 50% increase in employee retention and engagement.

Encouraging Knowledge Sharing

One of the most effective ways HR can leverage internal communities is by promoting knowledge sharing. Regular workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects are some ways to promote knowledge sharing. When employees share their expertise, they not only help their peers grow but also reinforce their own knowledge. This reciprocal learning environment is crucial for talent development.

Another benefit of encouraging employees to share their expertise is that it is a great way to acknowledge employee efforts that go beyond just a pat on the back.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning

HR can foster a culture of continuous learning by providing access to resources and encouraging participation in internal community activities. Platforms like Zircly make it easy to organize, announce, and track these activities, ensuring that employees are continually developing their skills. A LinkedIn Learning report found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.

Leveraging Employee Interests

Another way to develop talent is by tapping into employees’ personal interests. Internal communities can serve as incubators for innovation and skill development. For example, an employee passionate about graphic design can lead a design thinking workshop, benefiting the entire team while honing their own skills.

Building and leveraging internal communities is a strategic way for HR professionals to develop talent within their organizations. By promoting knowledge sharing, fostering continuous learning, and tapping into personal interests, HR can create a vibrant, engaged workforce ready to tackle any challenge. As company culture begins to take shape, these internal communities will be the cornerstone of talent development.