Why Family-Owned Businesses Have Mastered the Art of Tailored Development Programs

Imagine walking into a family-owned business. You’re greeted with warm smiles, a few insider jokes, and maybe even a family recipe for cookies in the break room. The atmosphere? It’s like coming home for Thanksgiving dinner—only, instead of your Aunt Karen asking about your life plans, you’ve got a CEO who knows not just your name but probably the names of your dogs, too.

Now, here’s the kicker: Family-owned businesses don’t just stop at making you feel like part of the clan—they’re also dead serious about your growth. And by “serious,” I mean they’re more likely to invest in tailored employee development programs than your average corporate behemoth.

The Tailored Approach: A Custom-Fit Suit for Your Career

Why do family businesses go all-in on customized employee development? Because, like a well-tailored suit, one size does not fit all. Imagine trying to wear your Uncle Bob’s oversized blazer—sure, it’s technically clothing, but it’s not doing you any favors. The same goes for generic training programs. They might cover the basics, but do they really help you become the best version of yourself?

Family-owned businesses understand that their employees aren’t just cogs in a machine—they’re part of the family. They know that when employees thrive, the whole business thrives. So, instead of settling for off-the-rack development programs, they go the extra mile to tailor these programs to fit the unique needs, strengths, and goals of their team members. It's like having a personal trainer for your career, minus the awkward gym selfies.

The Stats Don’t Lie: Family Matters

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? According to the KPMG Global Family Business Report, (Global Family Business Report: The values effect – Valuing family businesses) a whopping 80% of family-owned businesses prioritize preserving their company’s values and culture. They see this as their secret sauce, their not-so-secret weapon, their...you get the idea. And because they value this so highly, 55% of them are more likely to work with human capital consulting firms to craft bespoke training and development initiatives.

That’s right—over half of family-owned businesses are willing to invest in the kind of tailored development programs that make you feel like you’ve hit the career jackpot. Compare that to just 35% of non-family-owned businesses, and it’s clear: family businesses know that when it comes to employee development, customization is king.

Culture Club: Preserving the Family Legacy

Why are family-owned businesses so passionate about this tailored approach? It’s really quite simple—they’re not just building a business; they’re building a legacy. They want their employees to be not just skilled workers, but also torchbearers of the company’s values. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to pass on the family torch when you’re stuck in a generic training program that feels about as exciting as reading the fine print on a mortgage contract.

Family-owned businesses know that their culture is their crown jewel, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to protect it. That means investing in development programs that don’t just teach skills, but also instill the company’s values, passion, and sense of purpose in every employee. It’s like a masterclass in how to be part of the family—not just in name, but in spirit. My business partner and I have witnessed this first had in the family businesses we’ve both been a part of, partnered with,?and ran over the years.

The Bottom Line: Families Invest in What Matters - Family

Family-owned businesses have cracked the code on employee development. They know that when they invest in tailored programs, they’re not just investing in their employees—they’re investing in the future of their company. It’s a strategy that pays dividends, not just in terms of skills and performance, but also in employee loyalty, satisfaction, and, dare I say, happiness.

So, the next time you walk into a family-owned business and notice the camaraderie, the commitment, and yes, even the cookies, remember this: it’s no accident. It’s the result of a deliberate choice to invest in their people in a way that’s as unique as their business. And that, my friends, is a legacy worth celebrating.