Investing in employee development during key moments — such as when an employee advances or during layoffs — can build the employer-employee relationship and lead to a more engaged, loyal, healthy and resilient workforce, according to a Dec. 12 report from organizational consulting firm Keystone Partners.

According to survey data, 87% of employees who received both career development and career transition services from their employer felt their relationships with their employers were reciprocal.

“Employers today are dealing with more transient workforces than ever, and we’ve found companies are judged by employees less by the length of tenure than by the quality of the employee-employer relationship during that tenure,” Tim Baldwin, CEO of Keystone Partners, said in a statement.

“Employees now expect companies to invest in their growth,” he said. “When employees feel invested in, our research shows they’re more likely to view the relationship as positive.”

In addition, when employers invest in employees during major career milestones — even moments that are usually seen as negative, such as layoffs — they can still lead to positive business outcomes.