Lack of training hindering career progression, study reveals

Failure in management and lack of quality training and development opportunities are leaving employees feeling hindered in their career progression, according to new research by CYPHER Learning. The report 'From Skills to Success: L&D Insights for the Modern Workforce' surveyed 4500 workers globally and revealed a concerning trend among employees who believe popularity, not skill, is the main determinant of promotion.

The study revealed that one in four workers believes they have been failed by their managers, suggesting managerial effectiveness is key to career progression. Almost half of UK managers are reluctant to invest in team development. A sizeable 66% of workers are contemplating leaving their role due to insufficient professional development. This figure rises sharply to 44% among employees between the age of 18 and 24 years, with 77% of this group saying the training they receive is inadequate.

The study also unveiled a generational crisis in the making, with 67% of 18-24-year-olds reporting school or university did not sufficiently equip them for the professional environment. A significant 66% of respondents believe career progression is based more on popularity than competency, and 74% have seen underserving candidates receiving promotions. This discrepancy is particularly felt among introverted individuals who perceive themselves as being overlooked for advancement opportunities.

Globally, around 70% of workers feel their organisation’s learning and development (L&D) efforts require improvement. Younger workers (18-34 years), in particular, are more likely to consider seeking employment elsewhere due to this deficit. A disturbing 53% of workers say their manager is under-equipped to assist in their career progression. A lack of guidance and training to navigate the 'unspoken rules' of the workplace is leaving employees feeling adrift, with 56% of global workers feeling unprepared for the professional world post-graduation.

Graham Glass, CEO of CYPHER Learning, emphasises the need for employers to prioritise personal and professional development amid increasing competition. “Transparency is key to building trust. People need to know their future does not rest solely in the hands of an incompetent or disinterested manager," he says. According to Glass, bespoke training can make workers feel valued and empowered, with a remarkable 30% of employees reporting training as "exceptionally rewarding" and leaving them feeling "invigorated."

However, 16% of global workers have received no training in the past year, and this lack of development opportunities is seen as a impediment to career progression. The study reveals what employees expect from training, with 89% feeling enthusiastic about bespoke training for their role, assuming the content and delivery are appropriate. Interestingly, soft skills are valued as much as technical skills, with leadership being the most desired training area, followed by role-specific skills and critical thinking.

“A workforce that feels valued, inspired and invigorated is worth its weight in gold,” Glass concludes. He believes that a culture of continuous learning enables employees to thrive and grow, noting that timely, cost-effective personalisation at scale is manageable with AI-enabled L&D.