How Mentors Make a Difference to the Workplace

Mentoring is a partnership aimed at personal and professional development, and it is increasingly embraced in the modern workplace. It is one of the most effective career development programs today, as employees tackle the ups and downs in the workplace. 

However, mentoring is not limited to employee growth only, but is also extensively used to support and guide business owners and entrepreneurs as mentors stimulate them with new knowledge and growth.

Mentoring is not a new concept and can be traced back to ancient Greece where important social, spiritual, and personal values were imparted to young men. 

Today, the concept of mentoring is based on a successful relationship between senior and junior members of an organisation and even between peers.

Mentoring has changed the landscape of career development and how individuals develop personally and professionally on many levels. The value of mentoring is becoming increasingly recognised because of the impact it has on organisational goals. 

In fact, a good mentoring program can increase employee retention rates among other benefits.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, an individual in Australia holds an average of 11.3 jobs between the ages of 18 and 46 years. This means that job retention is very low and employees are changing positions quickly.

Smart organisations recognise this trend and help employees settle and succeed in their jobs by developing successful career paths which provide support and guidance, thus benefitting both the employee and the employer.

Employees become better equipped as experienced mentors pass on the knowledge and information from their own experiences.  Mentors play a huge role in enhancing the skill sets of employees and help them develop new ones which motivate them to engage in their jobs thoroughly, thus improving job performance and job satisfaction.

The Blessing White 2017 Employee Engagement Report states that employees in highly engaged organisations have the training and the resources needed to do their job and the opportunities for professional growth — both characteristics of a well establish mentorship program.

A great mentorship program will play a dual role of connector and teacher — providing the skills and expertise, with opportunities to learn and network with other peers and senior members of the organisation so that employees can advance their careers further.

Mentoring plays a vital role in employee wellbeing too. 

According to Beyondblue, 45% of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime with around 1 million Australian adults having depression, and over 2 million having anxiety in any one year. 

A majority of these people are probably in the workforce and are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression while dealing with the pressures at work.

This affects their job performance, their productivity, and impacts their life satisfaction.  

Research shows that mentors can enhance the overall wellbeing of mentees as they listen and offer advice during times of stress, provide direction and clarity for personal and job-related issues, and fuel their self-confidence with a sense of purpose — just like our mentors at Wellinuex will support you through our mentorship programs.

Mentorship programs make huge difference at an organisational level too as it boosts employee’s morale, increases motivation, thus leading to better work relationships, higher productivity and job performance, better leaderships,  and higher employee commitment.

Mentorship is a win-win partnership which supports employee success and profits for the organization.  It also translates into a healthier workplace culture strengthening your company as well as the health and wellbeing of your employees.

Find out more about our Mentoring & Leadership Development Programs or request a FREE 15-minute mentor chat.