Benefits January 18, 2006

Employers Could Use Training on Workplace Training

January 18, 2006 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Thirty-four percent of employees surveyed by Hudson said the most recent employer-provided training they attended was probably not worth their time.
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Furthermore, 12% of survey respondents said the most recent training they attended was a total waste of time, according to a Hudson press release. Only 26% reported the last training as being a great use of time.

This is disheartening considering the desire workers have for career-enhancing training and the fact that, according to Hudson, organizations collectively spend more than $51 billion in training programs each year. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said they attended their last training session because they thought it would provide useful, job-related information.

Alicia Barker, vice president of human resources for Hudson North America, said in the release, “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.”

In addition, the survey found that, even though the youngest workers (18-39) and those making under $20,000 per year were more eager to participate in employer-sponsored training, companies invest more in training the highest paid workers. Twice as many workers making over $100,000 had received training than those in the lowest paid group. Employees earning more than $60,000 per year and middle-aged (40-49) workers were more likely to have participated in training programs than other groups.

Other key findings of the survey included:

  • Fifty-one percent of workers attended company-led or -paid programs last year and another 50% are considering further education or training to further their career in 2006.
  • Twenty-six percent of workers said they were required to attend their most recent training session.
  • Forty-nine percent said they have a definite career strategy, and 42% said that they simply consider opportunities as they become available.

The Hudson professional development survey is based on a national poll of 1,674 US workers conducted January 4-9, 2006 and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm.

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