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Research suggests that job-prospects are increasingly influenced by learning and development

According to research from the Chartered Management Institute, job prospects and long-term career success are increasingly being influenced by individuals' willingness to mix their working lives with time spent studying.

The Institute says employers are attracted to staff who show commitment to their own professional development, because of the knock-on effect this has on business.

The data, which comes from a series of research projects undertaken over the past four years, has been issued in the run up to 'Learning at Work' day – a national campaign spearheaded by the Campaign for Learning.

According to the findings, employers accept that their staff will move on to other jobs, but see immediate 'business need' as a key factor to encourage learning. Asked to identify reasons for supporting employee development, the top 3 responses were: 'strategic business requirements', 'improving individual prospects for progress' and 'enabling staff to do their job'.

Managers were also asked the extent to which learning had helped their career. 24 per cent said that achieving a qualification led to a promotion and 23 per cent received a salary increase. The same proportion (23 per cent) transferred their skills to a new career and 22 per cent got a new job in the same industry. Half (53 per cent) claimed that they also gained more respect from colleagues and 70 per cent focused on the opportunity it gave them to 'refocus' their career.

Looking ahead 5 years, 1 in 3 employers said that their managers will become 'more concerned about professional development'. More than half (54 per cent) said that managers will also need evidence of transferable skills to move across industry sectors, with a similar proportion (51 per cent) suggesting success will be based on 'broad business knowledge'.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, said: "It is becoming increasingly clear that, if individuals want to succeed, they must invest time in continually updating their skills. But studying on its own is not the answer – how managers apply what they learn in their relationships with customers and colleagues is critical to ongoing success."

According to the research, most respondents said that 'taking time out' to learn new skills improves their self-awareness and interpersonal capabilities. For example, 79 per cent said that one practical benefit is the development of their leadership skills and 66 per cent believe they are better equipped to deal with interpersonal issues as a result of studying for a qualification.

Tricia Hartley, chief executive at the Campaign for Learning, said: "Learning whilst working can be a considerable challenge, particularly with the pressures we all face to deliver on time, every time. However, it is clear from this research as well as the feedback we receive from the many organisations taking part in Learning at Work Day that there is no substitute for continuous learning, as without this the ability to meet new and changing demands is diminished."

National Learning at Work Day - part of Adult Learners Week - will take place on Thursday 22 May 2008.

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Chartered Management Institute

National Learning at Work Day

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