Workers Unprepared for Future?

Workers Unprepared: Increased globalization and retiring baby boomers apparently make workplace learning more important than ever. Rather than hiring more people, “organizations are looking to better train and align the activities of their existing workforce to achieve” corporate goals, according to HR software vendor Softscape Inc., based in Wayland, Massachusetts. The research finds that about 60 percent of companies lack confidence that their employees are adequately prepared for future growth. Learning/training initiatives are considered pivotal by 71 percent of HR executives. Only 35 percent favor adding more staff. Also assuming greater significance is pay for performance, with about 52 percent of firms using it as a “key initiative” in equipping their employees.

—Garry Kranz