Not All Training is Created Equal, as One in Three Workers Discredit Most Recent Experience NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- One in three workers claims that the most recent employer-provided training they attended probably was not worth their time, according to results of a national survey of 1,674 employees conducted by Hudson. In fact, 12 percent say their most recent training session was a total waste of time. However, 60 percent report that the last program was a good or great use of their time, consolation for organizations that collectively spend more than $51 billion in training programs each year. Fifty-one percent of workers attended company-led or -paid programs last year and another 50 percent are considering further education or training to further their career in 2006. Self-improvement appears to be a strong motivating factor -- 68 percent of employees said they attended the most recent session because they thought it would provide useful, job-related information. Another 26 percent said they were required to attend. "Workplace training can be an invaluable tool to help recruit, retain and develop employees, but not if done offhand or as an afterthought," according to Alicia Barker, vice president of human resources, Hudson North America. "Ineffective training is more of a burden than anything to most workers, but thoughtful programs give them the tools and knowledge they need and want to help them progress further and faster in the careers." The survey also showed that workers were divided on how they approached their career path, with 49 percent who said they have a definite career strategy and 42 percent who said that they simply consider opportunities as they become available. Striking differences regarding both training and career planning emerged based on age and income. Generally speaking, the younger the worker, the more likely they were to have a thought-out career plan and to seek out career-enhancing training. Workers aged 18-39 were among the most eager to participate in future programs, as were those making the lowest income (under $20,000 per year). However, companies invest more money in training higher income workers, with nearly twice as many making over $100,000 having received training than those making under $20,000. Employees earning more than $60,000 per year and middle-aged (40-49) workers were more likely to have participated in training programs than others. Survey Highlights Said last Said last training they training they Have a Are considering attended was attended was thought-out future a total waste a great use career plan training or of time of time education All Workers 12% 26% 49% 50% Workers Earning Less Than $20,000/year 21% 22% 42% 59% Workers Earning More Than $100,000/year 5% 31% 66% 49% The Hudson professional development survey is based on a national poll of 1,674 U.S. workers conducted January 4-9, 2006 and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/). The survey respondents comprise a cross-section of the U.S. work force. A more detailed data report is available at http://www.hudson-index.com/. Hudson, one of the world's leading professional staffing, outsourcing and human capital solutions providers, also publishes the Hudson Employment Index(SM), a monthly measure of the U.S. work force's confidence in the employment market. The next Hudson Employment Index will be released on February 1. Hudson Hudson delivers specialized professional staffing, outsourcing, and human capital solutions worldwide. From single placements to total solutions, the firm helps clients achieve greater organizational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses. Hudson is a division of Hudson Highland Group, Inc., one of the world's leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solutions providers. The company employs more than 3,800 professionals serving clients and candidates in more than 20 countries through its Hudson and Highland Partners businesses. More information is available at http://www.hudson.com/. DATASOURCE: Hudson CONTACT: Nikki Leonardi of Hudson, +1-813-890-7521, ; or Sarah Kafenstok of Ogilvy Public Relations for Hudson, +1-312-397-6025, Web site: http://www.hudson.com/ http://www.hudson-index.com/ http://www.rasmussenreports.com/

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