Which of the following best describes the role of training and development of a tenured employee?

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By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated June 15, 2022 | Published February 25, 2020

Updated June 15, 2022

Published February 25, 2020

Organizations value employees who are committed to working for the same company for a long time because they have become experienced with its systems, processes and culture. In this article, we explain what it means to be a tenured employee, the benefits of tenure and how to stay engaged as an employee with tenure.

Read more: Setting Goals to Improve Your Career

What is a tenured employee?

A tenured employee is someone who has worked for a company or organization for a number of years. Employees that have worked for a company for more than five years are considered long-tenured employees, while those that have worked for a company for less than five years are considered short-tenured employees. Employees with longer tenure are often valued because they have adapted to an organization's culture and have a strong understanding of the policies and processes, which results in increased productivity. They are often viewed as loyal and tend to indicate employee satisfaction.

Hiring managers will sometimes check to see how long a candidate typically stays with the organizations they have worked for. Depending on the qualities they are looking for, tenure may determine if they consider hiring the candidate.

Benefits of tenure

Tenured employment provides many benefits to both the employee and the organization. The number of years an employee spends working for the same employer can result in a strong skill set and knowledge base that can be passed down to new employees. Tenured employees may also demonstrate that the work environment is stable and secure. Here are some of the most common benefits of tenure:

• Stronger expertise and knowledge

• Mentorship opportunities

• Job security and stability

• Attraction and retention of talent

Stronger expertise and knowledge

Employees who have been with a company for several years have developed specific skills and extensive knowledge of how the company works and the way things are done. They have been there for the various changes that have occurred and have a deep understanding of the company's policies and processes for doing things, which leads to an increase in productivity and fewer errors.

Mentorship opportunities

Tenured employees can use their knowledge to train and mentor other employees. They can help guide employees who may be less experienced by offering their knowledge and provide training and support to new hires.

Job security and stability

Employees with tenure have some measure of job security because there is less of a need for hiring and training new employees. Tenured employees tend to feel more stable in their careers and positions, resulting in increased motivation, productivity and commitment to the organization.

Attract and retain talent

Organizations with a high number of tenured employees can attract talent and encourage employee retention. High employee turnover rates can make existing employees and candidates looking for a new job feel uncertain. However, when employees stay with a company for many years, that company can be viewed as having a secure work environment, which may be attractive to candidates who are looking for stability.

Related: The Role of Tenure and Why It Is Important

How to stay engaged as a tenured employee

Employees who have worked with an organization for many years may begin to feel disengaged from their job. This may be due to employees becoming so accustomed to their duties and requirements and finding their work less challenging, which can result in a loss of motivation and productivity. Here are some steps you can take to remain engaged as a tenured employee:

1. Seek new and challenging roles

2. Take on leadership and mentorship opportunities

3. Participate in team-building and after-work activities

4. Find ways to help your company improve

5. Learn and develop new skills

1. Seek new and challenging roles

Working in the same role for a long time may affect your creativity, especially if you find your duties and responsibilities aren't challenging enough. To stay engaged as a long-tenured employee, seek new roles and responsibilities that will challenge you and allow you to learn about different aspects of the company. If your employer allows it, consider asking to transition to a new position that will allow you to explore your talents and capabilities.

2. Take on leadership and mentoring opportunities

Another way to re-engage as a tenured employee is to seek leadership opportunities that allow you to mentor new or younger employees. Mentoring new or less experienced employees can help you contribute to improving the overall morale and productivity of the company by introducing them to the company culture, helping them understand the company's expectations and teaching them new skills and strategies.

3. Participate in team-building and after-work activities

Engaging in team-building and after-work activities like sports, games, charity events or simply meeting for drinks after office hours can help you get to know your colleagues better and encourage you to have some fun with the people you work with. Participating in these activities may also help you relate with your team, improve communication and give you a greater appreciation for their contributions, which can help increase motivation, productivity and satisfaction for your job.

Related: 10 Ideas to Improve Employee Engagement

4. Find ways to help your company improve

Being a tenured employee means that you have been with a company long enough to notice trends in the way things are done and challenges that the company may be facing. You can use the knowledge and insight you have gained over the years to help the company improve its processes or find solutions to overcome specific challenges. If the company decides to adopt an idea or implement a change that you suggested, you may be asked to lead the project or task. This could create new challenges and opportunities for you and improve your job satisfaction.

5. Learn and develop new skills

Developing new skills is a great way to stay engaged and challenge yourself as a tenured employee. New skills can often lead to opportunities for new responsibilities and roles. Ask if your company offers career development or skills training opportunities that you can take advantage of. Another way to develop new skills and increase your knowledge is by reading about your industry and field. You can also try networking with colleagues in other departments to learn some of their skills so you can be available to help with projects when needed.