The importance of training and development

If you want your business to remain innovative, you must start with the talent that enables you to reach your organisational objectives. Embracing a robust training and skills development programme is key. Our recent survey of 2,000 UK workers revealed 79% actively seek out additional tasks, indicating a strong desire for growth and challenge within the workforce.  

Despite the clear benefits of training, many businesses neglect to invest adequately in the growth and upskilling of their workforce. This oversight not only undermines productivity, but also widens the skills gap that hampers progress across various sectors.  

With limited resources, employers are demanding more from workers, and yet:

• Three in five (59%) employees report not receiving any additional training before taking on additional responsibilities, signalling a significant gap in professional development efforts within organisations.  
• 86% of workers recognise the importance of continuously learning new skills to advance in their careers, emphasising the crucial role of ongoing development in professional success.
• Eight in ten workers (78%) call out for management to provide extra resources rather than overburdening existing staff, underlining the need for adequate support and investment in employee growth and well-being.

Recognising and addressing this shortfall is crucial for fostering a learning culture within your organisation, where employees are empowered to continually enhance their skills and advance their careers, while supporting business success.

What is training and skills development?

Training and development encompass a spectrum of intentional activities designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees within an organisation. It goes beyond onboarding processes and extends throughout an individual's career trajectory.  

Benefits of employee training

Here's a breakdown of what an effective training and development programme should entail, and how it benefits your people and your business:

Skills development: Training programmes should be crafted to equip employees with the specific skills required to excel in their roles. This can include technical skills relevant to their job functions, soft skills such as communication and leadership, or industry-specific knowledge necessary for staying abreast of trends and advancements.

Professional growth: Development initiatives focus on fostering the long-term growth and advancement of employees within the organisation. This involves providing clear career development opportunities for career progression, mentorship, and exposure to new challenges that encourage continuous learning and skill refinement.

Building resilience and adaptability: Training and skills development initiatives help employees stay agile by facilitating a learning experience that grows new skills and the ability to pivot in response to changing market dynamics or technological advancements.

Employee engagement and retention: Investing in the growth and development of employees demonstrates a commitment to their success, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. This, in turn, contributes to higher retention rates as employees feel valued and invested in the company's vision and mission.

Organisational performance: Ultimately, an investment in training and development pays dividends in terms of organisational performance. A skilled and motivated workforce is better equipped to meet business objectives, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

What’s next?

Incorporating an open learning environment within your business is key to driving future development of your business. Lead by example and ensure your management teams are taking part in, and promoting, any training and development courses their team is undertaking. Adopting this culture within your business will improve your attraction and retention rates, and over time, the bottom line.

If you are looking to hire top talent in your sector, get in touch with one of our specialist recruitment consultants today.