Four reasons to invest in your staff: the importance of training and education
Posted on: 16 February, 2016
How to progress and retain talent in your Built Environment business
Addressing staff development and training is often low on the list of business priorities – but the relationship an organisation has with its employees can directly affect commercial success. Continuously evaluating, refining and improving your greatest asset – your people – can maximise their potential and bring wider business benefits; not least that individuals are happier and more motivated, and therefore more productive.
In a recent survey on adult learning, undertaken by the Learning and Work Institute, 41 per cent of respondents indicated that further education helped them improve the skills they needed to do their jobs. This is even more imperative when it comes to industries like Real Estate and Construction. The Built Environment is experiencing a massive surge of growth – and will continue to grow by 70 per cent over the next decade. However, the shortage of skilled talent entering the industry is threatening this expansion, as well as economic growth in the UK as a whole. In order to meet this demand, and compete within the market, it’s vital for organisations to progress and retain their existing talent.
Furthermore, the Built Environment is increasingly being measured not just on aesthetics and financials but also on things like health, happiness, and, most importantly, carbon footprint. And the adoption of digital technologies has signaled a new era for Construction, promising greater efficiencies and cost-savings. This area isn’t just growing, it’s developing and expanding – and fast. It’s important for everyone within the Built Environment to be constantly learning and keeping abreast of the latest developments – in order to stay ahead.
We look at four key reasons why the Built Environment should invest in its current staff.
It’s cost-effective
Companies can spend much less on up-skilling and retaining staff, compared to the vast amounts of money required in recruiting higher skilled candidates. For example, online learning can cost as little as £4000 a year.
It increases credibility and expertise
Continually training staff means more of them will have up-to-date and relevant skills, which are valued and respected by the industry. This also means companies can increase their overall industry knowledge and easily keep abreast with the latest in technological developments.
It improves job satisfaction and retention
Continuing to develop staff not only adds value to the company, strengthens the workforce and improves workplace efficiency – it also improves job satisfaction, encourages loyalty and ensures commitment to the success of the business.
It provides flexibility and relevancy
Educating unqualified staff while they continue to work means valuable time isn’t missed waiting for people to be trained. It also means they can start making a difference to the work place straight away; for example, degree, apprenticeships and training programmes can be tailored to in-work projects.
And all of this provides a competitive edge in the market – not least having the relevant skills to fulfil any Real Estate or Construction project.
Continually investing in your employees is common sense. Companies who invest the most in training and educating their workforce are able to hire, retain and develop the most highly skilled, effective, productive and motivated employees.
So why wait, find out more about the variety of programmes and courses available. Now is the time to progress the existing talent within your Built Environment businesses.
