Wednesday May 15, 2013
By Nadya Ngui
Extracted from Star Biz Tuesday May 14, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers who invest in staff training stand a better chance in retaining their employees, with Gen Y workers most likely to remain loyal, according to a survey by Kelly Services.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index showed Malaysia at third place in the highest rates of planned up-skilling with 76% after Thailand and Indonesia, with China and Singapore falling back at 74% and 66% respectively.
Gen Y employees are most likely to remain loyal to their employers, with 77% motivated by a desire to advance in their current positions, higher than Gen X at 65% and Baby Boomers at 55%.
Managing director Melissa Norman said employers often doubt training and professional development because they fear the staff might leave to another organisation.
"What this survey reveals is that most of those who are seeking to upgrade their skills are actually doing it so they can advance in their existing roles. They are investing in their skills to secure their future and stay relevant in a rapidly changing business environment," she said.
She added two-thirds of respondents in the Asia Pacific agree that training provides an opportunity for a promotion with their current employer, instead of leaving the organisation for another employer -- where 71% agreed that on-the-job experience is the most effective means of skills development compared to seminars and training.
"Employees are taking greater control over this important aspect of their careers, and looking at ways of renewing and upgrading skills throughout their working lives.
"Decisions about training and professional development are now an integral part of the employment equation, and have an important bearing on employee morale, performance and retention," she said.