IT managers not prepared for their role, SkillSoft warns
According to SkillSoft, almost seven in ten workers have been asked to accomplish tasks without receiving proper training beforehand. The study was conducted on behalf of the provider of SaaS e-learning by OnePoll, between October 2007 and June 2008. A total of 6,100 employees participated from the US, UK and the rest of Europe.
The survey warns that the problem is even more pronounced within IT. In the US, some 78 per cent of IT professionals say they have been approached to perform tasks for which they were not previously trained. In the UK and Europe, the number was 74 per cent, and ‘managing people’ is the task that managers claim to feel most inadequately prepared for.
The managing director of SkillSoft, EMEA, Kevin Young, said: "This survey not only shows the significance of leadership training, but it also proves workers need to be trained at all stages of their careers."
The research showed that most workers believe ongoing training, development and flexibility to take training when necessary is vital, regardless of location, position and job role. A total of 67 per cent of the UK employees polled insisted training is most important for managers. In the US and throughout the rest of Europe, this figure falls to just over 50 per cent.
Mr Young added: "Regardless of a company’s training programme, on-boarding plays a key role in getting employees properly acclimated. As the employee matures, learning and development needs to fit the specific employee role."
The findings suggest the basic training available is not enough for employees to feel totally comfortable in their roles, and that management skills training is a neglected area. Managers across the world, however, agree that development and training plays a significant part of their organisation’s strategy.
Responses