Career development is a key part of retention, poll suggests

Dive Brief:

Seventy percent of staff members would be at least somewhat likely to leave their current organizations and take a job with one that is known for investing in employee development and learning, according to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Instructure. More than 300 HR decision makers and almost 1,500 employees were surveyed in the poll.
Among surveyed employees who left their previous job, 34% said finding a new job with more career development opportunities spurred them on. Career development ranked second to compensation as the reason employees left their organizations, the survey found.
While 98% of employers said they have career development programs in place, there's a disconnect, the poll indicated. Almost 80% of workers agreed they were "on their own" to navigate their career development.

Dive Insight:

Data have suggested many employees are frustrated with the training options and tools available to them. In some industries, like retail and hospitality, a lack of training to improve their technical know-how is becoming a pain point for workers. With this in mind, employers might consider that successful learning programs not only upskill employees but also encourage them to collaborate with co-workers and share what they're learning. Others have noted that learning and development should consider the career ambitions of workers, as well as the organization's needs, in order to garner participation and engage employees.

Recent research also has revealed training is a top priority for workers, and data suggests that the more training employees get, the more they want. However, workers are anxious about employers' solutions to upskilling in the face of a digitally shifting workplace. The challenge then may be for employers to invest in training that is personal and accessible for workers in order to retain them. Teaching them the necessary skills is the first step to staying relevant in spite of the skills gap — and as automation continues to change job functions and work processes.