Workers across the UK say they have not been given enough training for their current jobs.
One in four say they do not have what it takes to succeed in their roles.
The findings are part of a report by Digit, the learning management software provider Are we trained for work?, which spoke to more than a 1,000 respondents.
More than half of those surveyed said they received zero training and development from their employer last year, while nearly a fifth had not been part of any training initiatives since 2018.
The time set aside for training was also a concern for some
For those employees who were offered training, one in ten said they were expected to do it in their free time, which was a concern for them.
“Even people who have been in a job for years need regular training and development,” said Head of talent at Digits, Bradley Burgoyne, “to support them and help them continue to grow in their role. It shouldn’t be a perk, but an integral part of our working life.”
Results vary by industry
According to the report, people in sales and marketing or legal services were most likely to feel well-trained in their roles, compared to workers in healthcare, shipping, real estate, or education.
Interestingly, a greater number of non-managerial staff, than managers, benefited from workplace training in 2021 comprising nearly 60 percent of those polled.
Two-thirds of workers at large organisations, with over 5,000 employees, also enjoyed more learning and development opportunities, compared to just two-fifths of workers from smaller firms.
Pandemic related budget cuts lead to shift in priorities
Lack of revenue and subsequent budget cuts also took a toll on learning and development provisions and in-person training in 2021 with one in ten saying their ‘employer neglects employee training’.
However, despite these challenges, nearly 70 percent of respondents, who had been working in their current roles for over three years, are positive about the training opportunities at their workplace.
L&D programs have an impact on future hires
The report suggests that an organisation’s learning and development initiatives matter because they are seen to add value to not just existing employees, but the next hires, too.
Nearly a third of workers polled say they wouldn’t apply for a job with an employer that doesn’t invest in training. Around the same number say they have, or would, leave a job if an employer changed or stopped its L&D initiatives.
Training reinforces people’s confidence in their own abilities
The survey found that employees with the longest gaps in training are the most likely to question their abilities.
Mr. Burgoyne said: “While access to good workplace training is proven to enhance skillsets it also, importantly, can reinforce people’s confidence in their own abilities – positively impacting their productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.
According to him, organisations that do not invest in employee training will see a drop in employee morale, increased staff turnover, and lead to costly errors and even accidents at work.
The report advises that reskilling and upskilling employees is one of the best ways to future-proof your organisation, fill skills gaps, and retain and attract top talent.
Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.
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