de-vel-op-ment /dɪˈvɛləpm(ə)nt/ (n) – the process in which someone or something grows or changes and becomes more advanced.

Over the last few months, many of us have been spending much of our increased downtime binging our way through Netflix or perfecting the stiff peaks of our meringues. But might this time be better spent in other ways?

Personal development is often overlooked by both employers and employees, but investment in yourself, or your team, is never wasted. Debrett's tutor and head of sales Olly Walker explains why now is an opportune time to develop and upskill yourself and/or your team:

1. To develop your/their current skillset

As human beings, we are constantly developing. From newborn to toddler, teenager to adult, student to professional, our life experiences impact our personality and abilities, shaping us as people. This should not be any different in the professional world. While we all develop different strengths, we are always going to have areas of weakness. Too many people take their strengths for granted and ignore or deny their weaknesses, but if we make a conscious effort to hone our strengths and work on our weaknesses, we will become more successful more quickly.

2. To uncover hidden strengths

We all have talent, although it is not always realised or obvious. Through looking inwardly, allowing yourself to learn from others and accepting different perspectives, you may find that you can do something you never thought you could previously, or that something you have been doing for your whole professional career could be done better, more efficiently or more effectively.

3. To gain a reputation for growth

People want to grow and should be encouraged to do so. As does a business. If you’re a manager who actively invests in your team’s development, you will show that yours is a great place to work and an attractive opportunity to potential new recruits. Similarly, if you’re constantly on the lookout for ways to evolve and enhance your skillset, you can rest assured that your manager has picked up on this. You can also use this to your advantage when applying for more senior roles in the future. Somebody who embraces change positively is somebody who is going places.

Somebody who embraces change positively is somebody who is going places.

4. To maintain motivation and a positive mentality

Whilst often a big factor in our professional choices, the monthly pay cheque is not the only thing most of us want to gain from our workplace. If you, or your team, do not see any personal progress, this will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on an individual’s state of mind. Over time boredom and a sense of “treading water” will kick in. You can guard against this by shaking things up and looking for new ways to challenge yourself or your team.

5. To retain a strong workforce

Henry Ford once said, “the only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay”. As times change, businesses need to adapt and evolve, but a business is only as strong as its workforce. If a manager allows his or her employees to coast, the business will be affected at some point. Keeping yourself and your staff challenged, motivated and happy will increase productivity and reduce staff turnover (and by extension, recruitment costs).

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self” – Ernest Hemingway