| What is
WorkforceChicago?
WorkforceChicago is a collaborative initiative to benchmark,
recognize and share winning employee learning strategies that
build a culture of performance, productivity and pride, enhancing
the competitive edge in human capital with positive business
results. Managed by CAEL (Council for Adult & Experiential
Learning), HRMAC (Human Resources Management Association of
Chicago) and World Business Chicago, WorkforceChicago is
endorsed by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Metropolitan
Mayor’s Caucus, the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development
and the Chicago Workforce Board.
Why is there a need for this initiative?
In the new economy, business depends on highly skilled, knowledgeable
and motivated employees. To sustain global competitive advantage,
Chicagoland must have a qualified labor force to attract,
retain and grow a prosperous business community.
- Employers need a highly qualified, productive workforce
- Employees need learning opportunities to improve productivity
and employability
- Training and educational providers need new approaches
to meet the demands of individual and employer customers
- The region needs a state-of-the-art education system to
provide its workforce with continuous learning opportunities
and to attract and retain business
- Government needs input on the most effective policies
for fostering incumbent workforce development
What are the benefits of participation in WorkforceChicago?
- Leadership Exposure - organization’s CEO is committed
to the values expressed by the initiative
- Recruiting & Retention - leverages the company's participation
in the initiative to enhance employment efforts
- Workplace Morale - employees feel good about working for
a company that values learning and development principles
- Business Success - companies perform better when there
is a commitment to exemplary practices
- Networking - relationships are strengthened between industry,
education providers and the public sector
Nine Key Components of Exemplary Practice in Employee
Learning & Development
- Leadership Vision and Commitment
The CEO and senior management are the driving forces in
elevating the importance of learning and development.
- Aligning Business Goals with Employee Learning
Top leadership adopts clear goals and communicates them
throughout the organization and ensures that learning and
development activities are aligned with the goals.
- Learning and Development is Strategically Positioned
within Senior Management
Human Resources Leader or the Chief Learning Officer is
part of the executive management team
- Leadership Development is Emphasized at All Levels
of the Organization
Management recognizes that leadership skills are essential
for employees at all levels and efforts are made to develop
talent from within the organization.
- Commitment to Expanding Skills and Knowledge Beyond
Job-Related or Technical Skills
Investments are made to develop well-rounded, versatile
employees through tuition assistance programs, customized
on-site training, and personal
development options.
- Informal Learning Opportunities Structured at
the Workplace
Investments are made to intentionally integrate work and
learning through team projects, cross training, rotational
assignments and problem-solving exercises.
- Strategic Use of Technology for Meeting Learning
Objectives
Innovative technologies are used to support and reinforce
learning and to manage the firm's education and training
offerings.
- Alliances with Educational Institutions are Central
to Learning Strategy
Customized degree, certificate and non-credit programs are
developed collaboratively to meet business and employee
needs.
- Emphasis on Assessment of Impact
Mixture of measurement strategies is used to assess the
impact of training and development investments.
For more information, visit the WorkforceChicago
homepage at:
www.workforceChicago.org
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