Despite a Stinky Economy, Companies Continue Investing in People

The economy is down. Fewer jobs are available. Productivity is up. Companies have less money to work with, but they continue to invest in their people. This is good news. These are the basic messages from a recent survey by the Gallup Organization, which you can access here.

The article presents the results of a December 2002 survey of Americans. The survey's chief findings are:

1. Nine in ten employers encourage employees to upgrade their skills.

2. Three in four employees actually believe that their job challenges them to use their skills.

3. Three in four employers offer on-the-job training opportunities.

4. Two-thirds of employees say their employer provides them with opportunities outside the workplace to increase their education and strengthen their work skills.

5. Three-fifths of employees say their employers provide tangible benefits or incentives (reimbursement, promotions, etc.) for them to acquire additional education and training.

6. Over half of those interviewed said they actually take advantage of the learning and training opportunities available to them. Why don't more take advantage of these learning opportunities.

7. What could motivate more employees to take advantage of these opportunities? First, fewer demands on their time by work and family. Second, learning and training opportunities offered in more flexible and convenient ways.

The results of this recent Gallup poll are encouraging indeed, especially in light of the scarce resources available to businesses. Our work with several colleges across the country is consistent with the Gallup poll results. Employers see the "down economy" as a time to increase workforce skills.