The Career Conversation – It’s Not Always What We Expect

This webinar will explore the significance of career development in employee retention / engagement and provide some practical guidance on how managers can use career conversations productively to benefit both their team members and their organisation.

Opportunities for learning and career development have been identified as key factors in employee retention, engagement and performance. “Organisations that nurture talent from within not only retain their people but also unlock the potential for greater agility, creativity, and sustained performance.” Great Place to Work, 2025.

Ultimately, an individual’s career is their own responsibility and not every employer can offer every one of their employees the future they are seeking. There is evidence however that if employers work with their people to understand their aspirations and, where possible, support their career development, this has a very positive impact on engagement and retention.

Managers may be deterred from discussing career growth with team members if they feel they have no opportunities to offer them. This is not a reason for walking away from the conversation; it can still turn out to be a highly productive one.

The webinar will cover:

• What if they leave? The perceived pitfalls of the career conversations and why they shouldn’t matter.
• The only way isn’t necessarily up. What career development can look like.
• Career mapping; a tool that helps individuals and organisations at the same time.
• It’s not for everyone. Where the career conversation is and isn’t needed.

Who is this event for?

Employers, line managers and aspiring line managers.

What will you gain from it?

• Organisations that aim to support career development are attractive employers and see high employee engagement.
• Many people at work have too narrow a view of what career development looks like; people’s real aspirations are not always solely about vertical progression.
• The career conversation can unlock a wealth of insights that can benefit the employee and the employer.
• Career conversations are not about making promises, they are about exploring options and opportunities.