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Published May 2007

Survey: Despite High Level of Learning Offered, Participation Rate is Low

  Kellye Whitney

Employees do not always partake in the learning opportunities at work, even though a great deal are offered, according to a survey by NFI Research.

The Madbury, N.H.-based organization surveyed 117 senior executives and mangers around the globe for the survey whose results were distributed April 26. 

Fifty-six percent of the respondents said there is a low level of participation among employees for learning. One-tenth of the respondents described the participation level as “very low.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, more than one-third of respondents said there is a “somewhat high” level of participation for learning in their organizations, and one-tenth said it is “extremely high.”

One respondent said the low participation rate in learning can be attributed to the daily grind, that is, the pressure to accomplish day-to-day tasks takes precedence over taking advantage of learning opportunities.

In this particular respondent’s case, however, there are not very many learning opportunities at work.

“Our business is moving at the speed of light,” the respondent said. “Even if training were available, and it is limited at best, we wouldn’t be able to take advantage of it due to the deliverables and deadlines that we are all working toward.”

Although the overall participation rate is low, this does not reflect the amount of learning available, according to the respondents.

Thirty-five percent said the number of learning opportunities offered to employees is “somewhat high,” and 15 percent said there is an “extremely high” number of learning opportunities available for employees.

“Although the level of learning provided is high in many organizations, the number of individuals taking advantage of these opportunities is lacking,” said Chuck Martin, NFI Research CEO.

It does not appear organizational size factors into this phenomenon — there were no great differences in responses in terms of the size of the organization.

Additionally, the research indicated that both senior-level executives and managers are having a similar experience because there were no great differences in their responses.

Every two weeks, NFI Research surveys 2,000 senior-level executives and managers around the globe. The surveys address myriad workplace issues, including business transformation.