INTELLIGENT SECTION
FINANCE SALES & MARKETING HR SOLUTIONS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Mental health is employers ’ top priority , but stagnant budgets cause challenges
Learning and development professionals believe mental health and wellbeing is the most important e-learning topic for the next 12 months , research from DeltaNet International has shown .
This is closely followed by stress management training for employees , as nearly nine in 10 ( 88 %) employers said they are worried about how the cost of living crisis is affecting employees .
These areas are ranked as more important than diversity and inclusion , cybersecurity , health and safety and sustainability training .
However , half of those surveyed ( 50 %) revealed that their learning and development budgets would not change despite the current economic climate putting increased pressure on businesses to support employees further . One in five ( 21 %) stated that a reduction in their budget would be one of the biggest challenges affecting learning and development in the workplace .
Regarding specific training to help employees navigate the cost of living , almost two-thirds ( 65 %) said this isn ’ t something they have yet given . But half ( 50 %) are considering implementing practical training such as financial planning .
Worryingly , the results reveal an underinvestment in training line managers . Just 27 % of L & D professionals said they plan to provide line managers with training linked to the rising cost of living , such as helping managers to spot the signs of those in their teams who may be struggling .
“ Given the current economic situation we find ourselves in , it ’ s unsurprising that mental health support and stress management are topping the agenda for learning and development priorities ,” said Chris Chappell , Head of Content at DeltaNet International . “ Businesses must support colleagues as best as possible to maintain a contented and productive workforce , but many still have not acted . While good rates of pay and benefits schemes are key to helping people through the cost of living crisis , there is much more we can do to support employees , and training plays a key role in this .”
Employee engagement with L & D also remains a big challenge . Over a quarter ( 27 %) of those surveyed revealed this is currently their primary obstacle . Most HR and training professionals are trying to overcome this by asking employees for written feedback on training , with 77 % conducting post-training evaluation – only 12 % requesting verbal feedback . x
L & D PROFESSIONALS SAID THEY PLAN TO PROVIDE LINE MANAGERS WITH TRAINING .
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