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Training and skills

The most successful organisations make the best use of their most valuable resource - people. Managing people in a way that enables and encourages them to reach their potential benefits both individual and business performance.

Attracting and retaining skilled workers is a key challenge for businesses. By developing effective training opportunities for staff, smaller businesses may find it easier to retain skilled staff, while benefiting from increased efficiency, productivity and improved morale.

Part-time, low-paid women are the group of workers least likely to be offered training opportunities in the workplace, but they are also the most likely to be working below their skill level. It makes good business sense to ensure that all staff have the same opprtunity to develop their skills.

Supporting staff to study for work-related formal training qualifications can be beneficial to both individual staff and your business. This support may include making a financial contribution towards course fees, providing paid or unpaid time off for staff to attend classes and study, and offering flexible working.

Supporting staff to do training that is not specifically related to their current role can also be beneficial to your business. Investing in training and development demonstrates a commitment to staff. Providing development opportunities, such as project working, to women as well as men can help staff move into different areas of work, particularly those roles which are traditionally seen as being done by the opposite sex.

What to consider when developing training for staff

• Training, development and qualification opportunities must be open to all, including those who work part-time, job share, or work flexibly.
• Schedule training, learning events and team meetings to ensure that all staff are able to attend.
• Avoid holding training events or team building opportunities after work hours or at weekends, wherever possible. Staff with caring responsibilities may find these difficult to attend.

If a training event conflicts with a staff member’s caring arrangements, consider:

• rescheduling the event
• adjusting the staff member’s hours
• paying the childcare or other care cost
• provide payment or time off in lieu for any extra hours required to attend training

Flexible learning can benefit all staff but particularly those working part-time or on maternity leave. Open University courses, distance learning or online learning enable training to be undertaken flexibly.

Pressure on budgets can mean that online training is a good option for smaller businesses. Allowing staff the time and resources to complete online training during working hours means that all staff will be able to participate.

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