Employee training statistics in frontline industries

With the current high turnover rates and skills shortages in frontline industries such as hospitality, transportation, cleaning, and healthcare, effective training for these workers has never been more critical. 

Following up on our previous discussion in "Recent research findings: HR priorities in frontline industries (part 1)", we’re excited to continue sharing insights and statistics from our latest "State of Frontline Worker Training" report. This research, developed by frontline training experts here at Lingio, delves into the top pain points, priorities, and needs in frontline worker training, which we’ll share here. Keep reading to explore the findings.

Top pain points in frontline worker training

HR and L&D teams face several significant challenges in implementing effective training programs for frontline workers. These industries, characterised by demanding work environments and high employee turnover, require robust training frameworks to ensure employees are well-equipped to handle their roles. Despite recognising the importance of comprehensive training, many organisations struggle with substantial obstacles that hinder their efforts. 

Our research found that HR and L&D teams face several significant challenges in implementing effective training programs:

1. High staff turnover

Constant employee churn disrupts continuity and strains resources. Staff turnover rates are concerning. High turnover exacerbates skills shortages, making maintaining operational efficiency and service quality difficult. 

• The hospitality staff turnover rate is 37%
• The retail staff turnover rate is 33.6%
• The social care turnover rate is 14.8%

2. Scheduling time for training

75% of organisations struggle with scheduling time for training.

3. Creating courses

40% of organisations lack time for creating courses.

4. Customising training 

36% of organisations have issues customising training. 

5. Proving ROI on training

34% of organisations find proving ROI on training difficult.

6. Lack of resources

Budget constraints limit the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive training programs.

7. Recruitment and onboarding costs

These processes consume substantial time and budget, adding pressure on HR teams.

Top priorities for frontline organisations

Our research identifies three top priorities for frontline organisations:

• 71% of organisations want to improve employee retention

Retaining skilled employees is crucial for maintaining a consistent and capable workforce. Many organisations focus on career development opportunities and creating positive work environments to increase retention.

• 64% of organisations want to improve leadership development

Effective leadership is critical to motivating and retaining staff. Training managers to better lead and support their teams can significantly improve morale and productivity.

• 57% of organisations want to boost employee engagement

Engaged employees are more productive, provide better customer service, and are less likely to leave their roles. 

Training as a solution: Key needs and priorities

Investing in employee training is a proven strategy to address HR and L&D’s pain points. Our research highlights several staff training needs and priorities for frontline organisations:

Our research highlights several staff training needs and priorities for frontline organisations, emphasising critical areas where focused investment can yield significant benefits:

• 52% of organisations highlight the importance of compliance training

• 68% of organisations are interested in leadership development

• 43% of organisations focus on onboarding new employees with essential customer service and soft skills training

• 38% of organisations identify the need for soft skills training

• 24% of organisations prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion training
• 29% of organisations emphasise the need for training tailored to their specific industry and customer service requirements

Time spent on training

Our research found that the most training time in frontline organisations is dedicated to several key areas, reflecting the critical skills and knowledge necessary for effective performance. Training time is primarily focused on ensuring employees are equipped with the specific competencies needed for their roles, integrating new hires efficiently, and maintaining a safe working environment. 

Below are the primary areas where training efforts are concentrated:

1. Business-specific training: Ensuring employees are well-versed in their specific roles' processes and requirements.
2. Onboarding: Effective onboarding programs are crucial for smoothly integrating new hires.
3. Workplace safety and compliance: Ensuring adherence to safety standards is a priority.

KPIs at risk without effective training

Strong training has a profound impact on many frontline organisations, addressing several key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Without proper training solutions, several critical KPIs are at risk, as reported by our survey respondents:

• 71% of organisations believe employee retention and turnover is at risk without proper training solutions

High turnover rates can worsen without the right training, leading to a less experienced workforce. Proper staff training reduces turnover rates and improves retention, leading to cost savings in recruitment and onboarding.

• 64% of organisations believe employee engagement and morale is at risk without proper training solutions

A decline in engagement can decrease productivity and job satisfaction. Engaged employees are more productive and provide better service, directly impacting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

• 57% believe compliance and safety is at risk without proper training solutions 

Inadequate training can increase compliance and safety issues. Particular staff training ensures adherence to legal and industry standards, reducing safety incidents and enhancing overall operational efficiency. 

Transform frontline teams with Lingio

Lingio's AI-powered training platform offers transformative solutions to the significant pain points and challenges faced by frontline industries. With 12X higher course completion rates than traditional training providers through gamified learning, mobile-based on-demand courses, and fully customisable training, Lingio addresses critical pain points like scheduling, engagement, and ROI on training. By improving skill sets and ensuring compliance, Lingio helps organisations improve retention, operational efficiency, and long-term success.

For a deeper dive into these insights and more, download our comprehensive "State of Frontline Worker Training" report and discover how to transform your employee training programs.

Sources:

1. State of the Frontline Training Report 2024. (2024) Lingio