90.5% of employees would stay at a company if offered training and development.

In time for Adult Learners' Week 2015, a new survey has revealed how UK professionals are eager to learn and would be less likely to seek new employment if their current employer offered them training and development.

The survey conducted by CV-Library aimed to establish how the country's professionals feel about training and development opportunities available to them at work. Over 2,300 people responded and the results highlighted an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction, sending a clear message to businesses. Key findings revealed:

– 90.5% of employees would be less likely to leave a company if it offered training,

– 93% admit to feeling more valued when an employer offers development opportunities

– Those most satisfied with training and progression opportunities at work are social workers, medical professionals and those that work in customer services

– Over two thirds of professionals would take a lower salary in return for sponsorship of a recognised qualification from their employer

– 70% would even fund their own learning if it meant landing their dream job

However, despite a clear eagerness to learn and develop, there was an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction with what was currently available to employees:

– 73.1% of UK workers are disappointed with the training opportunities available to them at work, with only 26.9% feeling satisfied

– 87.8% of professionals believe training is essential to stay ahead of technology advancements and sector changes

– However, 43.4% revealed that their employers don't provide basic training to enable this

– 94.3% of UK professionals believe adult learning needs to be increased and improved

– 93.6% feel the Government should be making further efforts to subsidise adult learning

The results send a clear message to businesses, suggesting that the implementation of a comprehensive training and development programme would not only increase staff morale and job satisfaction, but also staff loyalty and retention.

The news comes in time for Adult Learners' Week 2015, which is a national celebration of lifelong learning and aims to inspire individuals and businesses alike to 'have a go'.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, explains: “Learning something new keeps people invigorated and engaged and this has never been truer than in the workplace. Providing staff with opportunities to develop and progress is massively beneficial to businesses of all sizes.

“In light of current concerns around skills shortages, there's clearly a lot that needs to be done. With this week being Adult Learners' Week, it's the perfect time to start considering changes.”

To find out more about Adult Learners' Week, see www.alw.org.uk