A recent survey from NIJobfinder.co.uk has found that 47% of workers in Northern Ireland would be happier in their job with more training opportunities. The survey, which also found that 62% of the local workforce will consider moving jobs in 2017, found that training is second only to better pay (64%) when it comes to the happiness of the local workforce. Training and development is vital to Northern Ireland businesses, and this survey highlights that employees recognise and appreciate this importance, just as much as their employers do.
Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry had this to say on the survey results:
“Many firms rely on the training and development of their workforce to increase their skillset, drive productivity and boost business growth. The survey reveals that almost 50 per cent of the Northern Ireland workforce would be happier in their job with more training. This is important – a happy workforce is a productive workforce.
“Apprenticeships are one of the ways in which businesses can increase their workforce to upskill existing staff to develop the skills required to move firms forward. Apprenticeship programmes can ensure employers have a skilled workforce while also demonstrating a commitment to staff development needs.
While apprenticeships can be a great way to provide added training for staff, the Apprenticeship Levy which will be introduced in the coming months, and government cuts to training for local businesses will make it even harder for SMEs in particular to provide the training that is needed to help their workforce grow, and more importantly, keep them happy and productive.
McGregor added:
“The Apprenticeship Levy being introduced in April 2017 is going to affect all firms across the UK with a payroll of over £3m and will be 0.5 per cent of a company’s salary bill. It is already challenging enough to scale up Northern Ireland’s business base and this levy has the potential to act as a disincentive to growth unless its impact on business is demonstrable.
“Providing skills and experience to people means they can look forward to sustainable careers in their chosen place of work. The training and development of workforces is crucial for the economic growth of Northern Ireland.”
While more training can help to keep Northern Ireland’s workforce happier and more productive, the big question is whether local companies have the resources available, to provide additional training for their staff. The survey found that 46% of Northern Ireland employees have not been sent on a training course in the last 12 months, while 28% of the local workforce would be more motivated in their job if they could develop their skills within their existing role.
David McComb from Full Circle Management Solutions recognises the importance of training and development for our staff, explaining;
“Employees always work best when they believe what they are doing is worthwhile. Investment in training is a clear indicator that the individual and the work they do is valued by the organisation.”
McComb added,
“With increasing competitive and commercial pressures, those individuals and organisations who take responsibility for their training and development are creating significant competitive advantage.”
The survey of 760 NI adults also found that workplace happiness in Northern Ireland is relatively low, with employees scoring their happiness in the workplace at 5.8 out of 10. A happier workforce is a more productive workforce, and a more productive workforce leads to a greater and higher quality of output for NI companies.
Providing training for staff is just one way to keep them happy and productive. The survey also found that better communication with staff (26%), improved holidays (22%) and teambuilding days (21%) can all help to build a happier and more effective working environment.
A recent survey by McKinsey’s found that, on a scale from 1 to 5, a 1 point increase in management practices is associated with an increase in industrial output equivalent to that produced by a 25% increase in labour or a 65% increase in capital.
Emer Hinphey, Managing Partner at Think People added:
“The level of investment in people development locally falls short in some sectors and research has evidenced it is effecting competitiveness at a macro level as well performance within companies. The need for the government strategy on developing leadership and management capability, with aligned investment for SME’s to replace funding previously provided by DEL, is fundamental to sustained business success, growth, and engaged and skilled leaders.
“The positive impact on engagement levels of investing in developing our managers and teams is well documented and this is backed up in our experience, both anecdotally from delegates and in post programme evaluation. As the battle for talent continues, the provision of development pathways and support is also key to attracting and retaining the best people.”
A lack of training in many roles will impact on how your staff develop, and can sometimes be viewed as limiting opportunities within an organisation. The survey also uncovered that 60% of respondents claim a lack of opportunities would be the number one reason for considering a change of jobs. If your current employee training and development programme is not reaching the expectations of your staff, and leading to an unhappy workforce, not only could productivity drop as a result, your staff may begin looking elsewhere for better opportunities.
As Colin Maxwell, Business Development Manager for NIJobfinder.co.uk concludes:
“If your workforce can’t see any long-term progression opportunities in their current role, they could very well be among the 62% of workers who will consider looking around for alternatives in 2017. It’s therefore vitally important that employers provide an environment that encourages development within their workforce, allowing you to begin developing your staff from within.”