90% managers reluctant to invest in training despite staff shortages

15-Jun-2022 - Last updated on 15-Jun-2022 at 17:26 GMT

Recruitment crisis: Some 90% unwilling to invest in training despite staff shortages (Getty/ Kobus Louw)

Related tags Training

While almost 90% of managers in the sector believe further training investment would help to recruit and retain staff, three-quarters are put off by the perceived time investment for junior team members, revealed new research from HIT Training.

This is despite almost 90% of employees stating they would be more likely to stay in a role longer if their employer invested in training from the outset.

The study also showed two-thirds (62.5%) of hospitality businesses had struggled to retain staff over the past two years, after employees left their jobs in record numbers during the pandemic.

What’s more, three-quarters of all surveyed hospitality managers were concerned about the time it takes to train team members, in particular due to the impact this would have on customer service and the pressure on other staff members.

Staff shortages

HIT Training managing director Jill Whittaker said: “Since the pandemic began, staff shortages have been rife across a wide range of sectors, culminating in the ‘Great Resignation’ of 2021.

“Yet while most hospitality businesses see the value in training when it comes to attracting and retaining staff, too many believe they don’t have the time to invest in this. But those continuing to struggle with staff shortages can’t afford not to.”

Most hospitality businesses were interested in flexible training options, with almost two-thirds of employers saying they would consider front-loaded training to help speed-up the process, the study revealed.

Also, almost 70% of employees in hospitality said they would be more willing to start an apprenticeship or training course if they could condense learning into a shorter period.

Unlocking skills

Whittaker continued: “As well as playing a role in attracting and retaining valuable team members, apprenticeships have always been one of the best ways to unlock skills quickly and fast-track staff into positions where they can make a real impact.

“New flexible training models under consideration by the Government are set to make this process even quicker. For example, front-loaded training will be invaluable in helping apprentices to hit the ground running and operate efficiently for their employers from the very beginning.”

Furthermore, HIT Training has released an online toolkit answering common questions about apprenticeships, with advice on how businesses could maximise them through flexible training options.