Sustainable employability hours are working hours that you can spend on personal development and career guidance to remain future-proof in your job. These hours are often offered by employers as part of their personnel policy to help employees anticipate changes in the labour market. They differ from regular training hours in that they are specifically focused on long-term development and sustainable employability.
What exactly are sustainable employability hours?
Sustainable employability hours are specific working hours that your employer makes available for activities that improve your future-proofing increase. These hours are intended to help you develop and adapt to changes in your field and the job market.
The concept arose from the recognition that the labour market is changing rapidly and employees need to invest proactively in their development. Unlike regular training hours, which often focus on immediate work requirements, sustainable employability hours focus on broader skills development.
These hours are often covered by collective labour agreements or company policies on personal development. Employers are increasingly recognising that investing in the sustainable employability of employees is beneficial for both parties. It helps organisations remain flexible, while employees can prepare for future challenges.
The main difference with regular development hours lies in the focus on the long-term perspective. Whereas regular training focuses on current job requirements, sustainable employability hours help you prepare for what lies ahead in your career and field.
What can you use sustainable employability hours for?
You can use sustainable employability hours for coaching, training, career guidance and personal development programmes that strengthen your future prospects. The possibilities are wide-ranging and focus on both personal and professional growth.
Coaching is an important part of these hours. For example, you can work with a coach to gain insight into your natural talents, behavioural preferences and development opportunities. We use scientifically proven methods for this, such as the BrainsFirst methodology, which uses online assessments to identify your cognitive strengths.
Career guidance is another common application. This can range from exploring new career opportunities to developing a personal development plan. Outplacement programmes also fall under this category when your organisation changes or your position is eliminated.
Training courses and programmes that are not directly related to your current position but are relevant to future opportunities are also eligible. Examples include digital skills, leadership development, or learning new working methods that are relevant to your sector.
How do you request sustainable employability hours from your employer?
Start with the preparing a concrete plan in which you explain what development you want to undergo and how this contributes to your long-term employability. Employers appreciate it when you can clearly explain why certain development is valuable.
Prepare well for the interview by mapping out your current competencies and identifying which skills will be important in your field. Research trends in your sector and make the connection between your development goals and these developments.
Present a realistic schedule and budget for your development programme. Employers want to know how many hours you will need and what the costs will be. Be specific about the activities you want to undertake and the results you expect.
Emphasise mutual benefit. Demonstrate how your development not only helps you, but also adds value to your current work and your future contribution to the organisation. Employers are more likely to invest in development that also benefits them.
Choose the right moment for the conversation. Plan this during regular performance or development reviews, when your manager is open to these kinds of conversations about personal growth.
Why are sustainable employability hours important for your future?
Sustainable employability hours strengthen your position adaptability and job security in a rapidly changing labour market. They help you proactively anticipate developments rather than having to react when changes occur.
By regularly investing in your development, you build a broader competency profile. This increases your flexibility within your current organisation and makes you more attractive to other employers. You become less vulnerable to organisational changes or technological developments that affect your job.
These hours also help you develop self-insight. By consciously thinking about your strengths, interests and ambitions, you gain a better understanding of your career direction. This self-insight is crucial for making informed choices about your professional future.
Your personal effectiveness is enhanced by learning to use your talents to their full potential. When you understand how you function best and what circumstances give you energy, you can make more conscious choices that lead to greater job satisfaction and better performance.
Investing in sustainable employability ensures that you not only remain afloat in a changing work environment, but that you can actually flourish in it. It gives you the confidence and skills to take on new challenges and seize opportunities that arise.