The Amazing Benefits of Mentorship

Workplace mentorship produces multiple benefits, not just for the mentee, but also for their mentor and the organization at large. The mentor is generally a senior staff member with well-developed expertise and a lot of experience. It’s their role to build a rapport with a junior member of staff, share knowledge, and provide professional guidance that supports the optimal development of the mentee in his or her position.

Employee Benefits

Having a well-seasoned professional take a special interest in them bolsters a mentee’s confidence and encourages them to become more proactive in their personal development. It also exposes them to different ideas and gives them the opportunity to develop new skills. Simply by listening to and observing their mentor, adopting his or her professional standards, and learning all they can, the mentee is at a distinct advantage to others at their level. Mentees also have the security of knowing they can approach their mentor for great advice on how to deal with any issues that may arise. This results in a more informed employee, eager to overcome their weaknesses and develop their strengths.

Organizational Benefits

An organization that encourages mentorship in the workplace can expect higher levels of loyalty and productivity from its employees. The benefit of a mentor’s advice makes an employee less likely to make mistakes, and if mistakes are made, they are more likely to resolve issues quickly and effectively. The personal bonds that are developed encourage a teamwork mentality that builds internal efficiency and innovation resulting in higher morale and a happier workforce. Mentorship programs also make an organization more attractive to potential employees who are motivated, ambitious, and hard-working.

Mentor Benefits

It is not only the mentee and their organization that benefit from a mentorship program. Mentors too have a lot to gain, both professionally and personally. Being asked to mentor is an acknowledgment of an individual’s expertise and professional standing. Exposure to the thought processes of a younger generation can improve creativity and innovation and therefore, aids mentors in the continuation of their own professional development. A mentor will also derive a lot of personal satisfaction from taking the time to pass their knowledge on to someone at the early stages of their career.