Shanghai — June 4
Employers who invest in training and staff development not only reap productivity benefits but also have a better chance of retaining employees, according to findings from the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI).
Sixty seven percent of respondents in China reported that their main motivation for undertaking training is for the opportunity of a promotion with their current employer, rather than leaving to work with a different employer or start their own business.
Moreover, contrary to some stereotypes, Gen Y employees are the most likely to remain loyal to their employers, with 71 percent motivated by a desire to advance in their current positions, higher than for Gen X (64 percent) and Baby Boomers (49 percent).
The survey shows that the China is something of a skills “hotspot,” with 74 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), Mainland China (74 percent), Singapore (66 percent), Hong Kong and Australia (both 64 percent) and India (59 percent).
Results of the survey in China also show:
On-the-job experience is identified by 57 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 84 percent agreeing it is effective in upgrading skills.
The skills which are cited as most critical to job success are co-operation/teamwork, leadership/initiative and active listening.
Nearly 80 percent of respondents nominate cooperation/teamwork as a pre-requisite for job success.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) is an annual global survey aiming to reveal opinions around work and the workplace. Approximately 122,000 people across the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions responded to the survey.
Source: Kelly Services
