Training costs the UK economy £42.2bn, costing on average £2,550 per person trained, but 28% of employees have not received the appropriate training and 39% have been on training but their performance has not improved sufficiently.
The study also found that 62% of employers in the hospitality sector had funded either on or off the job training in 2013 and only 41% designed a training plan that specifies in advancing the level of training employees receive.
The hospitality industry also has a higher proportion of skills gaps than the economy as a whole, with 21% of employers reporting staff that are not fully proficient.
The People 1st report reads: “What is concerning is some of the reasons for the skills gaps with 28% of employers reporting that staff did not receive the appropriate training and 39% mentioned they had been on training but performance had not improved sufficiently.
“This reveals a culture where training and development is not being systematically evaluated nor are wider organizational factors being considered when training is being initiated.”
People 1st suggest employing a ‘Talent Management strategy’ and identify three key components: identify and plan, by setting out specific objectives to consider both the needs of staff and the business; execute, by carrying out the training ensuring it is aligned to the wider business needs; and review, ensuring initial objectives have been met and analysing whether a positive return on investment was achieved.
A case study of Harrison Catering Services, who designed a bespoke customer service training scheme, revealed a 424% return on its investment and improved employee engagement.