A third of UK workers believe they could do their job better with the right training

- One in three staff lack skills to optimise performance according to e-learning specialists Media Logic-

Business survey on the effectiveness and cost of current training methods reveals:

- One in three employees believe they lack the skills required to optimise performance due to limited training

- Third of employees believe they could do their jobs better with more efficient and effective training, despite the fact UK businesses spend 20 billion a year on staff training alone (MORI)

- 76% of employees advocate flexibility and face-to-face contact as the most fundamental facets of employee training

- 82% of respondents felt that learning and training through virtual classrooms should be the main learning method for the future

The question of how best to maximise employee training whilst working within an annual budget is an increasing priority on the corporate agenda. A survey by Media Logic investigating the level of training offered by enterprises in the UK revealed today that while training spend continues to aswell, companies are still failing to opt for a more efficient and cost effective means of corporate training.

31% of employees surveyed believe they lack the skills required to optimise performance as a result of limited, insufficient corporate training packages. The survey also revealed that 8 out of 10 employees ranked flexibility as the primary consideration when training. Personal interaction through face-to-face contact is also a key component of effective learning (76%). The survey highlights that the current nature of staff training and development within the SME sector is failing to show results worthy of such huge monetary investment, not to mention wasted office hours. With MORI research showing the cost of training an employee approaches 2,000 per annum, it is clear that conventional methods of training are very expensive.

Katherine Ashcroft, Director of E-learning at Media Logic, states: ìWe fundamentally believe that the personal touch needs to be restored in learning that is accessible, convenient and most importantly of all, cost effective. The responsibility lies with the organisation to offer effective training packages, with the right level of personal interaction and flexibility desired by employees. Employees are central to business success, so it is vital for staff to be skilled, flexible and motivatedÖ if you look after your employees, the benefits to the organisationís profitability will speak for themselves.î

In November 2004, Media Logic launched iSeeStudio, a secure, online, off-the-shelf communications solution, specifically designed to meet the needs of SMEs. Padnell Grange, a business centre that offers training programmes to organisations, is already achieving the benefits of using iSeeStudio technology to host employee workshop events and training sessions online. iSeeStudio technology allows Padnell Grange to offer a flexible and convenient training experience to delegates at home or in their office. The service retains the face-to-face interaction with tutors and peers that has proven the key to effective training.

Shirley Fletcher, Client Manager at Padnell Grange comments: ìAcknowledging the increasingly demanding, fast moving business culture, an educated workforce is more important than ever. Allowing our clients more choice when deciding how and where to learn is the most effective way of improving productivity. E-training is the most efficient use of company time and resources.î

Media Logic works with organisations in the business and education sectors to deliver online e-learning sessions which offer maximum flexibility for pupils / staff, at minimum outlay for the company. These online courses offer valuable learning forums that are capable of engaging entire workforces where an individualís time, work schedule and location are of no issue.