Learning at Work day

Learning at Work Day takes place on Thursday, 23rd May 2013 and sees workplaces around the country promoting employee training and development by holding events and special learning activities.

The day is a celebration of ongoing investment in the development of employees and comes at a time when unemployment is high and job security is on the decline.

A workplace employment relations study (WERS) has shown that the percentage of training in workplaces is on the rise. However, Carolyn Blunt, Managing Director of Lancashire-based Real Results Training, has noticed that despite the recession, companies are still investing in training and developing the skills of their staff.

Carolyn says: “Organisations that are investing in professional customer service and sales training are benefiting from a competitive advantage. Plus, offering learning at work is important for employee motivation and engagement. Many organisations come to us for advice on training but once we propose the training in detail they can baulk at the time and money that needs to be invested.  Understandably, some are reluctant. A common concern is spending valuable resources training staff that might then leave. My answer is ‘What if you don’t train your staff and they stay?’”

Carolyn continues: “With a fragile economy and the effects of the recession continuing to bite, it is essential for businesses to gain the edge over their competitors. By encouraging employees to aim for qualifications and allowing them to attend training schemes to develop their skills, employers will cultivate a motivated and high-performing workforce.

“As part of Adult Learners Week, which is all about lifelong learning, Learning at Work Day focuses on the employee.  The initiative shows how to motivate and encourage a workforce whilst we’re all still in the midst of a gloomy economic climate.”

Learning at Work Day is an important day to remind workplaces of the importance of ongoing staff development and training. The national charity ‘Campaign for Learning’ has plenty of good ideas on how to get involved: