Every person working at a co-op deserves professional development opportunities. Development increases employee engagement and encourages staff to see the co-op as a career opportunity rather than just a job. Most adults learn best by doing, rather than in a classroom setting or from a book. As a result, providing developmental experiences on the job is often the most effective type of development, and the most cost efficient.

Here are three ideas for on-the-job development at the co-op:

Cross-training

When staff learn to work in other departments they get variety in their daily activities, learn about the larger co-op organization, develop connections between their own work and that of their colleagues, and may identify improvement opportunities that “regular” department staff have become blind to. In return, the co-op gets additional scheduling flexibility and may use this to increase productivity.

Backup training

Do you have a staff person who is interested in becoming a department manager? Training those potential future managers on key tasks like scheduling, ordering and other management duties provides them with a job preview, allows them to be ready for those positions sooner, and provides backup in case of a manager’s sudden departure.

That list in the drawer

GMs and department managers may have “someday” lists – things that they would like to do for the department or store when they can find the time to do them. The items on these lists are great development opportunities for staff to work on either as a team or individually.

Assigning special projects, tasks, or cross-training is even more effective when paired with another type of development – learning through people. Setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and asking the learner questions about their developmental experiences helps to cement the learning and ensure it’s ready for future use.

Purposeful on-the-job development benefits co-op staff in any department and at any position on the organizational chart. In combination with NCG Training and Professional Development opportunities, it can prepare employees for their next role at the co-op and contribute to a rewarding career.