Workplace Training Often Falls Short Despite Interest and Investment
January 18 2006 - 6:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
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/
Copyright