Why training can help combat talent shortages

In the current work climate, where retention is key, training can be a great way to keep staff happy and engaged.

Furthermore, training can plug skills gaps within the organisation, as you are able to promote rather than hire.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in the 2020–2021 financial year, just 23 per cent of Australians participated in work-related training.

These findings coincide with online training provider GoodHabitz’s research that found that 27 per cent of Australian employees believe there is an inequality in the investment of employee personal development.

Of this percentage, 39 per cent said they weren’t receiving training due to their status in the organisation, and 35 per cent said their department didn’t qualify.

GoodHabitz Australia country director Cam Elliot said that in order to combat skills shortages, development opportunities should be offered to everyone within the business.

“Online training [should be] available to all employees. This not only benefits employees, but has a positive impact on organisational productivity and retention and therefore reduces costs,” Mr Elliot said.

According to Mr Elliot, blue-collar workers are one of the most overlooked groups when it comes to training. He believes this is due to language barriers.

Providing staff with language courses can be a great way to improve communication and morale.

Training opportunities are one of the top priorities for employees. According to the Australian Financial Review, 70 per cent of Australian workers prioritise training, and another 70 per cent wish their employer offered more development options.

This could help calm job mobility, as workers are leaving jobs at the fastest rate in a decade. According to the ABS, the year ending February 2022 saw 9.5 per cent of employed Australians change jobs. This was the highest rate since 2012.

GoodHabitz commented on this data: “As we all know, there is a significant cost to bringing on board a new employee. Costs may include recruitment fees, onboarding training, new equipment, productivity loss whilst learning the new role, not to mention the recruitment time and effort.”

This is why training current staff is so important. According to GoodHabitz research, 54 per cent of Australian employees say that personal development opportunities influence their career decisions.

Furthermore, 87 per cent would leave their position within a year if they weren’t provided development opportunities.

“Employees are saying that training is a significant factor to remaining in their job. At a time where job vacancies and job mobility are so high, training all employees is more important than ever,” concluded Mr Elliot.

Providing staff with opportunities to advance their career can not only plug the skills gaps within an organisation but can also boost retention.