Workplace learning: The benefits to employers

Workplace learning means a stronger competitive edge, higher productivity and improved retention rates…

Training is a low-risk area of business. It brings the right skills for the right job. Staff can take on more tasks and new responsibilities, and that reduce skill shortages. Doing things differently makes a difference.

People

• More innovation and the ability to introduce new technology and work practices
• A competitive edge—new skills and attitudes can put your business ahead of the pack
• Improved customer service and reputation—your people are your shop window
• Increased morale—staff are more motivated and fewer take time off
• Improved retention rates—people will stay and bring cost savings by keeping skills
• A better employment brand—attracting the best people because they’ll get ahead.

The bottom line

Getting your staff into workplace learning makes dollars and sense.

• Less wasted time and materials
• Fewer mistakes and accidents
• Higher productivity—people with more skills and better focus produce more
• Less disruption to the workplace and lower recruitment costs.

Proven benefits

Research¹ shows that staff training can produce returns ranging from 30 per cent to 7,000 per cent.

That research shows that formally trained staff are up to 230 per cent more productive than untrained people doing the same job.

New Zealand evidence

Companies using the New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s national standards within workplace learning reported increased productivity and safer workplaces.

A Business New Zealand survey shows that 94 per cent of firms saw training and skills development as having a positive impact on productivity and staff motivation—with 77 per cent thinking training had a positive effect on profitability².

1. National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 2001, South Australia, Australia
2. Report of the Business New Zealand Skills and Training Survey 2003, June 2003, Wellington, New Zealand