An employee wants to study for a degree. What should you do?

Image editing by Monica Fajardo.

At Bunny Inc., we value education. Whether it be with our internal mentorship network or at external conferences, we provide our team members with the tools they need to learn and grow.

One important tool we provide is support for external educational endeavors. What does this mean? Well, a number of our team members study for a university degree while working full-time, myself included.

Studying while working full-time is hard. But what makes it easier is knowing that your employer and your team leader have your back.

How can employers and leaders provide this support to their student-employees? By fostering an environment of mutual openness and compassionate listening.

So, how can you foster that environment? Specifically, what do you do if one of your team members expresses an interest in working while studying for a degree?

Well, here’s what you do.

Firstly, and most importantly, talk to your team member. Why are they thinking of pursuing a degree? What are their aspirations? What degree are they interested in? How will studying affect their schedule? How can you, the leader, support them?

Ask questions, and openly encourage questions in return. Now is the time for both of you to gather information, so you can better understand each other.

Secondly, be open about your and your organization’s expectations. What targets does the team need to achieve? How will the team member contribute to those targets? How flexible is your team member’s role? What do you, as a leader, expect from them?

Thirdly, listen to your each other’s answers and discuss candidly. Listening to each other is key, as it is the only way to find a way to positively move forward. Listen with compassion and non-judgement. After listening, discuss and, if possible, work together towards coming up with a mutually beneficial support structure. How will you both successfully complete the projects ahead of you?

Photo by Unsplash; image editing by Monica Fajardo.

Sure, some roles may not suit team members wish to study for a degree. Maybe the role requires a set schedule or frequent travel. But neither party can know that until an open discussion has been had.

In many instances, it is beneficial for a employer to support a team member in their studies. After all, one member’s education benefits the team, and the employer, by increasing a company’s knowledge bank. Supporting your student-employee is a win-win situation, really.

At Bunny Inc., we know that education helps everyone grow and succeed. That’s why we do all we can to support it.

Want to learn more? Mafe, a member of our Production Management team, recently wrote an article on this topic.

Do you study while working full-time? Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments.