Workplace training proving critical in career development and staff retention, according to global survey by Kelly Services

Latest Findings from Kelly Global Workforce Index 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 say 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 percent motivated by a desire to advance in their current positions, higher than for Gen X (65 percent) and Baby Boomers (55 percent). “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 Wanna Assavakarint, Managing Director, Kelly Services Thailand. “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 shows that the Asia Pacific region is 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 percent) and the Americas (55 percent). The highest rates of planned up-skilling are in Thailand, with 83 percent set to embark on training, followed by Indonesia (78 percent), Malaysia (76 percent), China (74 percent), Singapore (66 percent), Hong Kong and Australia (both 64 percent) and India (59 percent). Results of the survey in the Asia Pacific region also show: On-the-job experience is identified by almost three-quarters (71 percent) 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 gets a tick of approval, with 58 percent agreeing it is effective in upgrading skills. The skills which are cited as most critical to job success are co-operation/teamwork, active listening, and verbal communication. For Thailand, bilingual (17 percent), verbal communication (16 percent) skills, leadership potential (15 percent) as well as creativity and innovation (14 percent) are ranked as key factors to professional success. a combined 23 percent of the respondents believes that bilingual and communication skills are key, while 14 percent Almost half of respondents (46 percent) nominate bilingual skills as a pre-requisite for job success, with English and Mandarin the preferred choices. Among Thai respondents, 34 percent aims to acquire higher proficiency in English, 21 percent in Mandarin and 13 percent in Japanese. 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.” Complete findings are published in a new report, Career Development and Upskilling (http://www.kellyocg.com/Knowledge/Kelly_Global_Workforce_Index/Career_Development_and_Upskilling/). For more information about the Kelly Global Workforce Index and key regional and generational findings, please visit the Kelly? Press Room or www.kellyservices.com. Media contact: Eve NimihutaKelly Services Staffing & Recruitment (Thailand) Co., Ltd. +66 2670 [email protected] -NT- Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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