Research by Qlik, a leader in data analytics, has revealed that 32 percent of UK employees changed jobs in the last 12 months because their employer was not offering enough upskilling and training opportunities.
Also, 45 percent of global employees would change jobs if they felt they could get better preparation for the future workplace elsewhere.
The research also found that over three-quarters (76%) of UK employees are investing their own time, and own money (58%) to plug the professional skills gap needed for the future enterprise.
This equates to an average of nearly 7 hours each month and nearly £2.6K of their own money each year to aid their professional skill development.
This week marks Learning at Work Week, which is an initiative to celebrate a culture of learning at work, as well as lifelong learning. It encourages more learning in the workplace and puts a spotlight on the missed upskilling opportunity, which would benefit both employees’ career progression and upkeep top talent within companies and organisations.
Which skills should be focused on developing?
Learning can occur anywhere, but it continues to be essential in the workplace.
Qlik’s research revealed that business leaders and employees alike predict that data literacy – the ability to read, work with, analyze and communicate with data – will be the most in-demand skill by 2030.
It was found that 85 percent of executives believe data literacy will become as vital in the future as the ability to use a computer is today.
Every single business leader surveyed reported that they would offer around a 20 percent salary increase for candidates that could demonstrate their data literacy.
On average, they would offer a 24 percent salary increase for demonstrating this skillset. For the average UK employee, this translates into an additional £7.6K to their annual salary.
However, only 11 percent of employees are fully confident in their ability to read, analyse, work, and communicate with data.
Missed opportunities
“This week’s Campaign for Learning initiative provides a great opportunity to highlight the missed upskilling opportunity,” said Kevin Hanegan, Chief Learning Officer, Qlik. “Skills like data literacy have never been more critical as they are today, as the role of data in the enterprise continues to evolve at speed. We encourage the Government to take action to ensure businesses can fund training their staff for the future workplace, so they can continue to learn without the financial burden being put on them”
“Through a series of global studies, Qlik has highlighted the real-life impact of the data literacy skills gap. From the cost to organizations’ bottom line to the negative impact it is having on employee wellbeing and productivity. We have taken a stand to support companies and individuals on their upskilling journeys and toward a data-led future,” says Qlik.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
