While budgets for training and development came under pressure during the recent economic downturn, they are now firmly back on the agenda in the financial services sector, according to new research from leading specialist recruitment consultancy, Robert Half Financial Services. Recognising the perceived value of training and certification to employees, nearly four in 10 (39%) of financial executives state they will increase investment in professional development in the year ahead.
From preparing for succession planning to increased employee motivation, job satisfaction and efficiencies in processes, the benefits of training and development are well documented with employers and employees alike reaping the rewards. According to Robert Half’s research, companies’ investment in training and development will increase, on average, by a fifth in the next 12 months.
Certification courses (49%) and mentoring (48%) offer the greatest career development opportunities for financial services professionals, followed by on-the-job training (39%) and tertiary & post graduate education (34%).