Why Forward-Thinking Companies Invest in CEUs for Their Teams
When employees are required to obtain continuing education units (CEUs) to keep their licenses current, the constant scramble to stay up-to-date can negatively impact business. People already have enough on their plates and trying to balance long shifts with family obligations and study time can be a challenge. For industries like healthcare, where professionals already work grueling hours without much disposable income, the burden is especially heavy. That’s exactly why forward-thinking companies see covering CEUs as an investment in their teams. Covering the cost of CEUs eliminates stress and creates stronger teams that deliver better outcomes.
Making CEUs accessible and affordable boosts morale
Any employee required to obtain yearly CEUs will appreciate being able to easily earn those credits on their employer’s dime. In healthcare, workers are already largely underpaid for the effort and time they put in and easing their burden just a little will go a long way. For example, respiratory therapists often work long, unpredictable hours and often forget about or postpone their CEU obligations. Online CEU programs make it easy by offering a flexible, affordable way to earn credits 24/7, and when the company pays for it, employees don’t have to stress.
Here are just some of the ways paying for CEUs can boost employee morale:
- Relief for overworked staff. Employees who are stressed are more likely to postpone earning their CEUs. Today, many professionals are overworked and stressed to the max. Covering CEUs eliminates stress associated with finances and gives workers some breathing room to complete their requirements on time.
- Easy access. When an employer pays for online CEUs, they can give employees the option of completing their learning modules during downtime, at home, or between shifts. It makes sense to support compliance without asking staff to sacrifice their personal time.
- Demonstrates commitment. Covering the cost of CEUs tells professionals the company they work for is committed to their success and wants to support them. It makes them feel less like a cog in the wheel and more like a human being.
When companies eliminate the barriers to earning CEUs in terms of cost and time, staff members are more likely to stay on top of their obligations and the whole team benefits.
Paying for CEUs is an investment, not an expense
Organizations that refuse to pay for CEUs see them as an unnecessary expense. But just because a company isn’t legally required to pay for them doesn’t mean doing so is a waste. The truth is that covering the cost of CEUs is an investment with measurable returns. It ensures that employees stay up-to-date with industry best practices and regulations and reduces the potential for costly mistakes. It also avoids fines and other consequences that come from expired licenses, which can cost far more than paying for CEUs in the first place.
Perhaps the biggest benefit is cultivating loyalty. Employees tend to stay longer at companies that invest in their growth. Offering continuing education opportunities – required or not – lowers turnover. And Harvard Business School notes that employee productivity rises by around 17% when they receive targeted training.
Covering CEUs helps attract top talent
In competitive industries, the best employees look for employers who will invest in them. Covering the cost of CEUs can set a company apart as a preferred employer, attracting top talent. It might seem like a small offer, but it’s a huge convenience in a world where most companies don’t offer any financial support for required ongoing training.
In job postings, companies stand out when they note that they offer CEU stipends. For professionals who already feel burdened by life’s expenses, this benefit is attractive. It’s a thoughtful gesture that not every organization makes and gives companies a competitive advantage when similar positions are being considered.
Covering CEUs supports easy compliance
Although employees are responsible for maintaining their professional licenses, employers are responsible for verifying those licenses are active. If an employee with an expired license is allowed to continue working, the employer can be held legally responsible. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and even business suspension, depending on the industry.
By paying for CEUs and providing time at work to complete the requirements, employers can avoid legal repercussions by making it easier for employees to meet their licensing obligations.
Companies that pay for CEUs build stronger teams, keep compliance tight, attract top talent, and reduce burnout. Most importantly, it shows that the company sees employees as partners rather than disposable labor. For organizations serious about building strong teams, investing in CEUs is one of the smallest, yet most impactful actions they can take.
