Continuous learning and upskilling in the workplace lead to a host of benefits for both the employer and the employee. When employers invest in employees through continuing education and professional development, everyone wins.

Career growth positions employees for promotions, higher salaries, job security and increased personal and professional satisfaction. Stronger, more experienced and confident workforces often boost productivity for employers and give companies a competitive edge. This often leads to higher retention rates and a positive reputation that attracts a more skilled talent pool. It becomes a cycle that keeps companies churning like well-oiled machines.

Employer-assisted continuing education and professional development programs are a pillar of social sustainability. To highlight what those in the floriculture industry can do to better support employees in these efforts, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has published a resource to outline practical strategies for business owners.

Mariam Mohamed and Dr. Melinda Knuth of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at North Carolina State University developed a guide applicable to all leaders in the floriculture industry. The guide is part of AFE’s Sustainabloom program, which provides education and resources to support industry-related environmental, social and economic sustainability goals.

Supporting Career Growth Across the Floral Industry

Aside from allowing time and internal resources for skill development and continuous learning, employers can provide financial assistance to help pay for additional education outside of normal work hours. These programs can include tuition reimbursement, scholarship assistance, loan repayments, and compensation for internal training.

Employers in the floriculture industry can also partner with organizations specific to the industry for professional development opportunities. AFE provides funding for industry organizations for  conferences, workshops, networking opportunities and certification classes. The endowment also provides grants for educational uses including tuition assistance, community courses, webinars, and more. Other agencies, including the American Institute of Floral Design and AmericanHort, offer opportunities as well. 

In the guide, Mohamed and Knuth provide practical suggestions employers can use to develop an assisted continuing education program within their businesses. The tips detail ways business owners can select programs that will be the most impactful for the employees and provide the maximum return on investment for employers. The information, supported by published research and up-to-date statistics, can help business owners initiate a new employer-assisted continuing education program or refine an existing program to better match their needs.

The industry guides available at Sustainabloom are supported by supplemental resources available online, articles and more to help employers learn more about how continuing education and professional development can benefit their businesses.

Sustainabloom is an initiative created by the American Floral Endowment (AFE) to lead the charge of floriculture sustainability. The program provides comprehensive guides catering to each segment of the industry. Check out all of Sustainabloom’s guides by topic. The program offers additional free resources, such as sustainability planning templates, industry spotlight articles, certification information, assessment tools and more.