Train to Retain: How evolving attitudes toward staff training shape the workforce
Post-COVID Talent Challenges
Post-COVID, the UK has struggled further to attract and retain talent and the trend shows little sign of slowing. Employers tell us there are simply not enough home-grown applicants. At the same time, the previously-successful apprenticeship schemes have dwindled to far lower take-up, with disinterest, middle-class grab and unwieldy paperwork cited as reasons.
Bridging Skills Gaps
On the eve of the election (2024), Harriet Harman talked passionately about a constituent desperate to train and practice as a midwife, who was unable to access funding; Ms Harman pledged to redress the skills shortages with proper training, decent wages and stop the UK’s reliance on cheap, unskilled labour.
While we see how that works out, many of our clients have started investing significantly in skills training for their staff. As well as obvious competitive advantages, all report increased levels of retention and employee satisfaction.
Investing in Training
In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, engagement, job satisfaction, and company belonging have unfortunately experienced significant declines. This trend highlights a growing need for organisations to address these challenges proactively. So it's no surprise to see our course numbers increase.
"97% of millennial workers cite workplace L&D as key to job engagement, and 94% of employees said they would stay longer at a company if they felt their training was an investment."
Training should start on day one to reduce early turnover, with effective onboarding that emphasises a commitment to learning. With Labour proposing "day one" rights proposals, smart employers are focusing on preventing early churn. Investing in future leaders and management training is crucial, as promoting inexperienced managers without formal training has led to increased claims of bullying and poor conflict management. Additionally, many managers are unprepared for union negotiations, highlighting the need for better training as the government plans to strengthen support for unions. Clear career progression and a range of training to develop both technical and soft skills must be communicated.
Measuring Success
BFI's new ROI training calculator provides invaluable insights by quantifying how targeted training initiatives directly enhance employee retention and satisfaction. By offering a clear, actionable document that measures the return on investment, it enables you to assess the tangible benefits of your training and make data-driven decisions to optimise your investment in employee development.
Catherine Ouston, Head of In-house training said:
"Our ROI measurement tool is essential for showcasing the value of our training programmes and ensuring they effectively drive your success. By aiding strategic decision-making and promoting a supportive environment for employee development, this tool plays a critical role in attracting and retaining top talent, which is key to maintaining a competitive advantage in the industry."
About us:
At the forefront of HR policy and compliance, we offer programmes meticulously researched and delivered by industry experts. Our training is designed for professionals needing swift and comprehensive updates on the latest market developments, thanks to our unparalleled access to real-time research.
Our expert team will guide your organisation through essential areas, including:
- Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Employee Wellbeing
- HR and Employment Law
- Trade Union Relations
- Immigration for Employers
- Crisis Management
- Recruitment and Retention
We offer both public and in-house courses tailored to your needs.
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