[March 14, 2017]

University of Phoenix Survey Reveals Employers Are Confident in Their Organizational Development Programs

University of Phoenix^® School of Business today revealed employees may not be taking advantage of, or be aware of, professional development tools they need to strengthen their skills. A set of online surveys conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix among hiring managers and employees found more than nine in 10 (94 percent) hiring managers say training and upskilling employees is critical to the organization's success. However, one-third (32 percent) of employees say they do nothing to supplement or update their skills.

"In this economic climate, it is critical for employers to help their workforce be aware of the professional development opportunities that exist, and emphasize the importance of ongoing education to organizational competitiveness, innovation and creativity," said Ruth Veloria, executive dean for University of Phoenix School of Business. "Offering meaningful professional development ensures organizations can attract and retain talent, while helping employees grow in their current or projected roles."

The surveys revealed a notable disconnect between employers and employees: nearly all hiring managers (90 percent) agree that keeping skills up to date is part of the job in their organization, but 37 percent of employees say they are not confident that their employer's professional development programs will strengthen their skills. That number marked a sharp contrast to the 71 percent of employees who say their profession requires that they continually learn new skills.

"Survey data shows employees prefer to work for organizations that offer growth potential and are willing to invest in them as business professionals," continued Veloria. "What we found is that employees have a high level of confidence in their current skillset, but lack confidence in the current professional development programs their employers offer."

Additional findings include:

• Hiring managers are confident in their company's ability to find new employees, with 89 percent saying they are confident in their organization's ability to attract high-quality talent
• Nearly half (47 percent) of hiring managers say that in-person training and seminars/conferences are offered in their company, but a full one in 10 (10 percent) say their organization does not offer any formal or official training
• Seven in 10 (70 percent) employees feel they have skills that are not required for their job, but that could benefit the organization
• Almost half (45 percent) of employees surveyed feel their current job is beneath their skillset
• Nerly nine in 10 (87 percent) employees are confident that there are good jobs available to someone with their skillset

To learn more about programs offered through the School of Business, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/business.html.

For more information about University of Phoenix programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

Methodology

The employee survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix between Sept. 26 - Oct. 17, 2016, among 2,057 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who work full-time in a company with 10 employees or more. The employer survey was conducted between Sept. 26 - Oct. 11, 2016, among 1,005 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who work full-time in a company with 10 employees in HR or a senior leadership role with hiring decision making responsibilities. For complete survey methodology, please contact Becky Frost.

About University of Phoenix® School of Business

University of Phoenix School of Business is a contemporary business school with the curriculum, faculty structure and ability to scale that reflect market needs. The School is committed to educating business leaders and leverages employer advisory boards in diverse sectors to help align curriculum with current business dynamics. Students are taught by faculty members who are often driving critical business decisions in their organizations, including hundreds in the c-suite. The School offers associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as non-degree programs, including certificates, individual courses and non-credit professional development. Doctoral programs are available through the School for Advanced Studies. To learn more about University of Phoenix School of Business programs, visit phoenix.edu/business.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S., as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170314006225/en/

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