For a majority of working adults, employer-provided training programs can improve their effectiveness and help limit mistakes on the job, according to the newly released results of an American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey, conducted online by Harris Poll.
Two-thirds (67%) of working adults say they received adequate training when first hired. However, six in 10 agree
- They could be more effective in their job if their employer offered more training (61%)
- Many mistakes at work are due to a lack of training (60%)
Training also influences advancement in the workplace. More than half (55%) of working adults think they could advance professionally if they were offered greater training opportunities. This percentage is even higher for generations Y (62%) and X (58%).
Training Can Drive Recruitment and Retention
Working adults say employer-provided training programs are highly valued and a principal factor when deciding to stay put or move on to new opportunities, according to the ASA Workforce Monitor. More than three quarters (76%) communicate that professional development offerings are an important consideration for accepting a new job, and three in five (61%) agree training is a significant reason for remaining in their current job.
An overwhelming majority of people who participate in training programs find them “very valuable.” The most worthwhile offerings for businesses to consider are
- Cross training to learn the skills of a different job (67%)
- Training to gain leadership and management skills (64%)
- Technology skills (61%)
- Professional certifications (61%)
“U.S. businesses across all industry sectors are grappling with skills gap challenges and talent shortages—threatening productivity and sustainability,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “The ASA Workforce Monitor results indicate that training matters to employees and job seekers. A company’s commitment to training helps to define its brand and culture, and must be an essential part of its recruitment and retention tool kit.”
Visit the ASA Workforce Monitor to learn more about the survey and to download high-resolution infographics on the results.
Method
Harris Poll conducted the survey online within the U.S. on behalf of ASA May 2–13, 2016, among a total of 1,008 employed U.S. adults age 18 and older, with 335 identifying as Gen Y and 377 as Gen X. Results were weighted on age, education, race/ethnicity, household income, and geographic region where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the U.S. population.
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About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
About the ASA Workforce Monitor
The ASA Workforce Monitor is a periodic survey commissioned by ASA and conducted online by Harris Poll among 1,000 or more U.S. adults age 18 and older. The survey series focuses on current workforce trends and issues. For more information about the survey series, visit ASA Workforce Monitor.
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