Employability ‐ creating a contract of mutual investment

Employability can be a new form of job security. It involves a new mutual psychological contract where employers provide self‐development for vulnerable employees (i.e. all employees) and employees take advantage of those opportunities. It is important that the self‐enhancement is in tune with business goals. There needs to be an ongoing dialogue about the present and future needs of the individual and the business. Individuals need to prioritize and set goals, manage change, present themselves well, network strategically, invest in continuous learning and work well in teams. Management needs to adopt a coaching style, using listening and motivation skills to facilitate good decision making by employees. All this requires a high level of understanding, a healthy life balance, and change resilience. Congruence is a key concept. When employees are seeking the same goals as the organization, both are likely to succeed.