The majority of working Canadians feel their employers are demanding more from them than they were five years ago, and believe that the companies should foot the bill for training to meet those requirements, recruitment firm Randstad Canada announced November 27.
Eight-in-ten employees believe their workplaces are asking more of them than they were five years ago. The survey also found that 91% of workers believe their employers are responsible for making sure their skills meet job requirements.
The findings correspond strongly to the country’s skills shortage, Randstad said, as overworked Canadians are less likely to seek training and skills development if it means investing their own resources. But if employers make that investment, the report argues, the benefits are unquestionable.
“Education and training is a serious investment for either a company or an individual. It isn’t an easy thing for a job seeker or worker to do on their own, but many professions require it,” said Randstad Canada president Tom Turpin. “When you train someone and bring them up through the ranks it can be beneficial to your employer brand.
“It can also be a very beneficial cost savings, removing the need to engage in a more complex hiring process, or train new employees on your internal processes.”
Randstad said that as things stand, Canadian employees need to plan for ongoing skills development, and should not expect to have a strong career simply because they have advanced education, such as a university degree.
