A recent survey of 1,000 professionals by Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, shows workers believe employers should support their professional development—including helping to foot the bill, according to Inc.
The survey found many workers who are taking college courses, pursuing professional certifications or licensing programs, or pursuing skills-based training—or would like to—are having difficulty reaching their goals because of financial, time or other constraints. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they are not actively supported by employers as they strive to achieve their goals.
Thirty-six percent of survey participants said they were currently enrolled in a degree program, certification course or skills-based training, and another 35% said they had support through employer-provided education-related benefits or resources, including partial or full reimbursement of costs when earning degrees; flexible work arrangements to pursue degrees; or paid time off to attend classes.
Seventy-one percent of respondents said their company does not provide enough support regarding further education or training. Thirty-four percent said they planned to quit their jobs to find a work environment that offers more educational and skill development support, and another 42% said they already had done so.
Of all workplace age groups, Gen Z—born between 1997 and 2012—showed the strongest desire for upskilling with 43% saying they were enrolled in continuing education programs.
However, 86% of Gen Z workers said they would not pursue further education or training unless employers financed at least part of it, with 76% saying the cost is the main obstacle to their career growth. Because of this, 46% of Gen Z participants said they were ready to quit their jobs, citing better professional growth opportunities rather than higher pay as their reason.
Providing workers with the tools to advance their careers is crucial. Learn more about NRCA’s training opportunities.
