Almost Unanimous: Companies Fret Worker Skills

Being Prepared: A new study by human capital software vendor Softscape confirms that workforce preparedness remains a source of pain and anxiety for organizations. Softscape’s “State of the Global Talent Nation” study, which can be downloaded after registration here, culled the responses of more than 250 learning and hiring professionals and found that 94 percent express reservations about their employees’ ability to execute important business goals. The percentage is up significantly from Softscape’s first report in 2006, when 64 percent said their employees were not adequately prepared. Eighty-six percent felt that way in 2007.

Fifty-five percent of those surveyed blame ineffective management of various HR processes. Nearly one-quarter cite retaining staff as the chief worry, followed by acquiring top talent (22 percent) and grooming future leaders (21 percent).

Also, the report notes how individual jobs continue to evolve into “multi-functional” roles that require companies to offer “ongoing skill development, real-time learning and collaboration.” Other findings with training implications: Nearly 90 percent of companies surveyed say they are implementing “performance-driven learning initiatives.” That includes 81 percent that are linking job competencies more closely to their recruiting and hiring. Moreover, 69 percent measure the return on investment of their training efforts. Also important: 76 percent say learning and development is a high priority among executive management.