A new survey conducted on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council has found that employees would choose to improve their jobs rather than apply for new ones.

The survey reveals that more than half (54%) of respondents would rather improve their current role compared to just 16% preferring to start afresh. Despite this, less than half (40%) of those surveyed were likely to ask their employers for training to help develop their roles.

Findings reveal 46% of employees surveyed said training would make them more likely to stay with the company. An earlier report by the Department for Education and Skills suggests employers are overlooking the benefits that training can bring to staff retention, which found that less than 1% of employers would increase training to encourage staff retention or morale.

Of those who did train their staff, four in ten employers reported an increase in staff retention. This is also reflected in employees’ views of work-based training, as 45% of employees surveyed would feel more valued, and 46% more motivated if their organisation invested in their skills.

Jaine Clarke, Director of Skills for Employers at the Learning and Skills Council commented, “This research reveals a clear need for employers to change their attitude to training if they are to reduce staff turnover and boost morale. We would also encourage employees to take their future into their own hands and ask their employers about training before taking the step of finding a new job.”