Fresh training focus needed to get through recession
By Martin Kornacki (25-06-2009)
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Attitude and motivation are the key skills needed to survive the downturn and training should reflect this, research has found.
The findings are the result of a survey by training company, Video Arts, who asked 400 line managers in the UK about the personal development needs of their staff.
More than a third of respondents said motivation and attitude were fundamental to success, but less than a fifth considered customer service and teamwork key to get through the recession.
“These are the skills that managers feel they need from their teams to get through the downturn,” said Martin Addison, managing director of Video Arts.
“Organisations may need to realign their learning strategy to take account of any new requirements for training and to ensure that their strategy still links to corporate objectives.”
Video Arts claims the current economic downturn combined with job losses across all sectors has left the UK workforce with low levels of morale and motivation.
And Addison says an effective way to improve attitudes is to make sure people feel appreciated.
“Training is a good way to signal that people are valued. It can also help to rebuild capabilities and lift the spirits of employees,” he added.
Video Arts, which was founded in 1972 by actor John Cleese, recommends that organisations take a pragmatic approach to training - making the most of the resources they have by increasing informal learning opportunities and modifying existing classroom-based training programs into blended learning sessions.
“Flexibility and cost effectiveness have always been important factors but now, more than ever, trainers will need to justify their budgets and gain maximum value from their learning resources,” concluded Addison.
The findings are the result of a survey by training company, Video Arts, who asked 400 line managers in the UK about the personal development needs of their staff.
More than a third of respondents said motivation and attitude were fundamental to success, but less than a fifth considered customer service and teamwork key to get through the recession.
“These are the skills that managers feel they need from their teams to get through the downturn,” said Martin Addison, managing director of Video Arts.
“Organisations may need to realign their learning strategy to take account of any new requirements for training and to ensure that their strategy still links to corporate objectives.”
Video Arts claims the current economic downturn combined with job losses across all sectors has left the UK workforce with low levels of morale and motivation.
And Addison says an effective way to improve attitudes is to make sure people feel appreciated.
“Training is a good way to signal that people are valued. It can also help to rebuild capabilities and lift the spirits of employees,” he added.
Video Arts, which was founded in 1972 by actor John Cleese, recommends that organisations take a pragmatic approach to training - making the most of the resources they have by increasing informal learning opportunities and modifying existing classroom-based training programs into blended learning sessions.
“Flexibility and cost effectiveness have always been important factors but now, more than ever, trainers will need to justify their budgets and gain maximum value from their learning resources,” concluded Addison.
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