Managers need better training, experts say

Two leading professional bodies in the UK are calling for improved business training and development for managers and leaders.

The Campaign for Learning and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) have claimed that while budgets for education in the workplace are being restricted, it is necessary to give a renewed focus to training company bosses around the country.

According to Ann Francke, chief executive of the CMI, organisations perform 23 per cent better when they invest in boosting the skills of their managers.

"Slashed budgets might be making formal learning impossible for many, but employers can still nurture a workplace learning culture," she added.

The expert suggested that companies create a coaching network so their employees have someone to turn to when they require help at the very beginning of their careers.

Or, they should look into how online learning - a low-cost and highly effective way of delivering training - can be offered to leaders when it is needed the most. Indeed, employees can access the resources in their down time so they don't have to cram self-development into their working day.

Chief executive of the Campaign for Learning Tricia Hartley said with the cuts being made to workplace learning budgets, there has been an increase in demand for managers themselves to lead training.

For this to happen, she noted company heads will need to be equipped with the right skills, which could include being able to identify learning needs among team members or supporting workers to meet their potential.

Ms Hartley remarked focusing on manager development will ensure leaders can "fulfil these roles in addition to the high number of performance-related targets they have to deal with and the day-to-day challenges that occur within the workplace".

There are a number of events organisations can attend to show their dedication to enhancing the nation's skills. For instance, the annual Learning at Work Day puts on a range of activities to promote the importance of having fully-trained managers.