The Benefits of Job Longevity

Rebecca Serviss

In the past few years, the job market has changed drastically. From hustling and bustling to the COVID-19 pandemic to now returning to normal again, there is no doubt that people’s priorities and expectations of the workplace continue to shift.

With the changes in the market, many employees have started “job-hopping,” or switching in between jobs and companies at an unusually fast pace. Reasons for leaving a job or company sooner than expected can vary, but there are many plus sides to sticking with a company long term. According to a blog post from Search Solution, on average, most employees will spend two to three years at the same company, with younger generations of workers sticking around for a year before searching for something new.

Staying with a company for an extended period is one of the best ways to demonstrate commitment and loyalty to your team. It shows that your job is more than just a position but a community.

As you get more involved with your team and gain more responsibilities, it shows growth and development. In addition, as you flourish and advance within a company, there’s a chance for a promotion, which adds another job title to your resume under your current place of employment, which many future employers will value more than multiple positions with multiple companies in a shorter timeframe.

According to Ryan Kahn, a career coach interviewed by Forbes, “When jumping from job to job, you are showing future employers that there is a high likelihood that you will do the same to them. At most companies, putting in the years of work with them proves your loyalty helping to strengthen your job security. Loyalty goes a long way and from the employer’s perspective gives them dependability that they can count on.”

Employers want to keep their employees as long as possible and watch them become successful and inflectional leaders, so employers must provide opportunities to grow and develop. It’s a win-win scenario when employees can stick with a company and receive training and developmental opportunities in return.

Employees want to know that their current job is going forward and is not at a standstill. What employers can do is ensure their teams that there are opportunities to advance their careers. There are many ways companies can invest in their employees, such as hosting seminars or conferences where employees can learn valuable skills beyond their expectations. If the company isn’t in the market to host events like this, providing outside resources and opportunities can inspire employees to put their best foot forward.

There is no doubt that employees are willing to work hard to ensure their career is going in the right direction. However, what’s essential for employees to make the most of their time with a company is to be proactive and look for opportunities to benefit themselves and their careers.
Find out if there are extra training sessions, seminars, or conferences available. This shows that you are invested in the company and want to continue to learn and grow. If your company isn’t holding any sessions at the moment, do a quick internet search for events in your area to attend. If you put the time in and even mention to your team that you plan to attend something, maybe your colleagues will join you.

It’s up to you to take control of your career growth. Start by showing interest in new projects and opportunities at your job; even participating in off-hour activities could benefit your relationship with your team and the company. By leaving the right impression, there’s a chance they will give you more responsibilities and opportunities to grow in the company.

The best way to incorporate job longevity into your career goals is to research the company you want to work for and what path the position will lead you down before taking an opportunity. Then, during the interview process, ask the hiring manager what the growth and development will look like over the next few years. Employers want to see you grow as a workforce member and turn your position into a meaningful career rather than just a job.

November 3, 2021