KUCHING: Employers who invest in training and staff development not only reap productivity benefits, but also have a better chance of retaining their employees, according to the latest findings from the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI).
Two-thirds of respondents in the Asia Pacific region said that their main motivation for undertaking training is for the opportunity of a promotion with their current employer, rather than leaving the organisation to work with a different employer or start their own business.
Contrary to some stereotypes, Gen Y employees are the most likely to remain loyal to their employers, with 77 per cent motivated by a desire to advance in their current positions, higher than for Gen X (65 per cent) and Baby Boomers (55 per cent).
“Employers are often uncertain about the merit of investing in training and professional development because they fear that employees will simply take their new found skills to a new organisation,” said Melissa Norman, managing director of Kelly Services Malaysia.
“What this survey reveals is that most of those who are seeking to upgrade their skills are actually doing it so they can advance in their existing roles. They are investing in their skills to secure their future and stay relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.”
The survey showed that the Asia Pacific region was something of a skills ‘hotspot’, with 69 percent of respondents either actively seeking or considering further education or training, significantly higher than in Europe (59 per cent) and the Americas (55 per cent).
The highest rates of planned up-skilling were in Thailand, with 83 per cent set to embark on training, followed by Indonesia (78 perc ent), Malaysia (76 per cent), China (74 per cent), Singapore (66 per cent), Hong Kong and Australia (both 64 per cent) and India (59 per cent).
Results of the survey in the Asia Pacific region also showed that on-the-job experience was identified by almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of respondents as the most effective means of skills development, ahead of alternatives including further education and training, seminars, professional certification and mentoring.
Training provided by employers in the workplace got a tick of approval, with 58 per cent agreeing it is effective in upgrading skills.
The skills which were cited as most critical to job success are co-operation/teamwork, active listening, and verbal communication.
Almost half of respondents (46 per cent) nominate bilingual skills as a pre-requisite for job success, with English and Mandarin the preferred choices.
Norman said that the findings show that the responsibility for managing skills development no longer rests solely with employers.
“Employees are taking greater control over this important aspect of their careers, and looking at ways of renewing and upgrading skills throughout their working lives.
“Decisions about training and professional development are now an integral part of the employment equation, and have an important bearing on employee morale, performance and retention.”