More than ever, we want to show up as our authentic selves at work. We want to engage and collaborate with our colleagues in meaningful and fulfilling ways. Organizations can take the lead and bring individuals together through corporate mentorship programs.
These programs are a great way to promote authentic interactions and collaboration at work. Fostering a culture of collaboration and enabling the transfer of organizational knowledge will encourage efficiency, growth, and enhanced performance.
Knowing the potential value of mentorship programs, organizations have struggled to launch successful mentorship programs, oftentimes due to resource constraints. If organizations want to encourage and support knowledge sharing and meaningful connections, especially working in a virtual environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, then implementing a mentorship program is key.
According to SHRM, “Experience—our own and how we can benefit from other people's—is valuable throughout our careers and lives. Understanding the big picture will ensure that we are setting up an organization and HR department for success.”
That said, randomly pairing people together in a mentorship program is potentially like trying to force two mismatched puzzle pieces to fit. The effort may cause more frustration and not be the best match. With the right strategy in place, mentorship programs can enhance the culture of engagement and collaboration, as well as increase employee retention.
When there’s a clear understanding about the organization’s commitment to its employees and their career aspirations, the organization is more likely to achieve efficiencies, growth and enhanced performance. Mentorship can play a major role in creating the meaningful culture many employees are pursuing today.