There’s an old saying that people don’t quit jobs — they quit managers. But I’d argue it goes deeper than that.
People quit environments where they feel unseen, stagnant, and undervalued. And the first sign of that kind of environment? A lack of nurture — especially when it comes to training and development.
Employees Aren’t Machines — They’re Living Systems
When companies treat employees like plug-and-play parts — there to execute tasks, not grow — they’re ignoring a basic truth of human motivation: We want to get better at what we do. We want to matter.
Employees are more like plants than machines.
They need:
- Light (recognition and appreciation)
- Water (ongoing learning and development)
- Good soil (a culture that supports growth, not just output)
When any of those are missing, people wilt — not always dramatically, but slowly, quietly. You start to see disengagement, low energy, high turnover, and “quiet quitting.”
Training Is the Most Overlooked Form of Care
A well-designed training program isn’t just about compliance or checking boxes. It’s a form of organizational empathy.
It says:
“We care about your success. We believe you can do even better. Here’s how we’ll help you get there.”
That kind of message fuels loyalty. It gives employees a reason to invest back into the organization. When people see a path to grow with you, they stop looking for the exits.
And the reverse is true, too — nothing signals “you don’t matter” more than zero investment in skill-building or career development.
Growth Feeds Retention
If you’re wondering why turnover is high, ask these questions:
- Are we giving employees chances to learn something new?
- Do we ever ask what they want to get better at?
- When was the last time we funded training that wasn’t just mandatory?
It’s not about expensive courses or conferences. Sometimes it’s as simple as:
- Mentorship programs
- Shadowing opportunities
- Short microlearning videos
- Time for reflection and feedback
Every moment of growth says, “You’re worth the investment.”
The Cost of Neglect
Neglect is quiet — until it isn’t. When employees feel like their development has plateaued, their motivation evaporates. You start losing your best people not because competitors offer more money, but because they offer more meaning.
It’s not fun to be in a workplace that feels transactional. And as someone who’s been an employee for most of my life, I can say: It’s hard to enjoy being “employed” when you feel like the company stopped caring a long time ago.
Nurture, Don’t Drain
Retention isn’t a mystery — it’s biology. People grow where they’re watered. They stay where they’re cared for. And they thrive when their growth matters as much as their output.
So if your organization is worried about turnover, don’t start with perks or ping-pong tables. Start with learning. Start with listening. Start by watering the plants you already have.
Because in the end, the most successful companies aren’t the ones that hire the best people — they’re the ones that grow them. 🌿