Over 40% of responding workers feel that their institutions do not adequately equip them with the skills necessary to undertake employer learning programs. September saw the release of the Talent Health Index by Cornerstone OnDemand with the revelation of a consistent chasm between employees’ needs for development and employer provision. Though 88 per cent of employers are sure that they can develop skills, only 59 per cent of employees share that confidence, showing a continuous 30 per cent gap compared to recent years. This continuous inequality demonstrates that employers are not able to tailor learning programs to match employees’ expectations.
Over two-thirds of employees call for more learning resources, whereas 62 per cent desire greater levels of coaching and mentorship. Despite that, a study done by Cornerstone suggests tremendous scope for enhancing employer programs designed to boost workforce capability. Although most companies do well on the basic levels, their programs are not automated; they also have a poor learning methodology. As Himanshu Palsule, CEO of Cornerstone, emphasizes talent programs must be enhanced because of ongoing change/s, change in the workforce and changing talent development cycles.
Research by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that investing in employee development can serve as a significant differentiator for employers, particularly in challenging economic climates. Employees, especially during such times, show heightened interest in upskilling, as noted in a separate report. For these training initiatives to yield effective results, employers must ensure equitable access to executive-style training across all employee levels. Such programs should prioritize enhanced engagement and flexibility to cater to diverse learning needs throughout the workforce.
Employers and employees maintain diverging views on learning programs, with a persistent gap between perceived skill development and offered resources. Bridging this divide demands a reimagining of talent initiatives, ensuring equitable access and bolstering strategies to align employee aspirations with organizational learning goals for sustainable growth.
