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Survey identifies what managers see as the skills gaps in their teams

Training company Video Arts has released the results of a new survey that asked 400 line managers in UK organisations about the personal development needs of their staff.

The managers responded that people in their teams most needed training in: attitude and motivation (34%); communication skills (29%); managing tasks (20%); customer service 18%); teamwork (17%); performance management (14%) and change management (13%).

"These are the skills that managers feel they need from their teams, to get through the downturn," said Martin Addison, managing director of Video Arts. "Organisations may need to realign their learning strategy to take account of any new requirements for training and to ensure that their strategy still links to the corporate objectives."

Video Arts claims that the fragile UK economy has increased levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace and that low levels of employee morale and motivation have also been created by 'survivor syndrome' - the guilt felt by those who survive cuts when colleagues lose their jobs.

"The survey shows that a key challenge for organisations that have made redundancies - and also for those which have not faced lay-offs - is to find ways of improving motivation in these difficult times," said Martin Addison.

"An effective way to improve attitudes and motivation is to make sure that people feel appreciated. Training is a good way to signal that people are valued. It can also help to rebuild capabilities and lift the spirits of employees."

Video Arts advises that organisations should take a pragmatic approach to training delivery. The company offers three questions that trainers should consider: What resources are available to help you deliver more of your learning in-house? What options do you have for increasing self-study or informal learning? Can you modify classroom-based training programmes into blended learning sessions (which combine e-learning or online learning resources)?

"Flexibility and cost effectiveness have always been important factors but now, more than ever, trainers will need to justify their budgets and gain maximum value from their learning resources," said Martin Addison.

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