More than a third of British employees say their employer takes no interest in enhancing their skills through training, according to research released in January. The survey, conducted by Home Learning College, a provider of vocational distance learning, also found that a quarter of respondents said they feel ‘bored, unfulfilled and unappreciated’.
Costs of disaffected staff and undeveloped skills remain largely unmonitored by employers, and the high number of affected individuals means there is huge potential for business improvements by increasing skills and engagement. These can only be measured through human capital reporting.
Despite lack of support from employers, 40% of British adults are very or quite likely to study for a new qualification in 2010 under their own initiative. Over a third (37%) name career change as the driving force behind this desire to learn.
Dave Snow, Academic Director at Home Learning College, believes that employers should do their best to harness this interest in self improvement among their work force. He comments: ‘A 2009 report from the Chartered Management Institute revealed that 46% of managers have lost key members of staff by offering inadequate levels of training. When post-recessionary recovery depends on retaining talented employees, investment in vocational training becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
‘If we are to gain a firm hold on the road to financial recovery in 2010 then business leaders need to start demonstrating a commitment to staff training and development. Only then will employees feel more positive about their career prospects and be more engaged at work.
‘Targeted, professionally accredited training doesn’t have to cost the earth, either financially or in administrative terms.’