KGWI surveyed over 3500 New Zealanders among 122,000 people internationally to get snapshot of employees’ preferences in developing their skills and their motivations for doing so.
Kelly Services MD Australia and New Zealand Karen Colfer says the study underscores how important it is for New Zealand businesses to continue to invest in training and development for staff, particularly as the recovery gains traction.
The key motivation for undertaking additional training or upskilling is the opportunity for promotion with current employer (66 percent). However, almost half (49 percent) said it would give them the chance to enter new field of work while 46 percent believe additional training or skills development could give them the opportunity for advancement in another company.
Thirty-six percent of New Zealand employees are currently considering retraining to enter new field of work.
Most New Zealanders like to train on the job, with 79 percent preferring to develop their skills through practical experience at work. Continued education is also popular, with 55 percent of employees indicating this is the best way to improve their skills, followed by professional certification (28 percent) and seminars and webinars (24 percent). Taking on special or rotational assignments is the least popular form of skills development (13 percent).
However, just under half of New Zealand employees believe the training provided by their employer allows them to upgrade their skills and progress in their career.
According to New Zealand employees, critical skills for success in the workplace include active listening, cooperation and teamwork, and strong verbal communication.
New Zealand employees believe they need to develop leadership attributes (46 percent), bilingual skills (44 percent), and creativity and innovation (40 percent). English, Mandarin Chinese and French are the preferred choices for employees seeking bilingual skills.
Complete findings are published in new report, Career Development and Upskilling.
