The Working Learner Index – Workers deeply value employers’ commitments to support up-skilling

In the Working Learner Index, Bright Horizons®, publisher of the Modern Family Index, undertook an unprecedented survey of more than 30,000 workers who are already learning on the job. The ndings provide a window into the lives, aspirations, and goals of a highly engaged subset of employees who are looking for credentials with a longer shelf life.

According the Working Learner Index, workers understand that change is coming: nearly 90% believe automation will impact their industry and transform jobs.

The results suggest that workers understand the importance of up-skilling – and deeply value employers’ commitments to supporting it.

Among the topline findings:

• • An overwhelming majority (84%) of respondents believe the skills or degree earned through their employer helped to prepare them for the future of work.
  • 82% said their continued education, made possible by an employer’s tuition reimbursement program, made them more effective employees.
  • 64% said the program made them “happier at work.”
  • More than half (52%) said their employer’s tuition reimbursement program is among
    the best benefits offered at work.
  • Three-quarters (76%) said a tuition reimbursement program would make them more likely to remain at their organization.
  • 81% said it would make them more likely to recommend working there to a friend.

WORKERS (REALLY) VALUE LEARNING

Among respondents, 82% said their continued education, made possible by an employer’s tuition reimbursement program, made them more effective employees. Nearly as many — 78% — said they feel more ful lled because of their employer’s tuition reimbursement program.

And more than six in ten workers (64%) said the support made them “happier at work.” More than half (52%) said their employer’s tuition reimbursement program is among the
best bene ts offered at work. Nearly one in ve (19%) called it the best bene t offered.
Asked to rank the three non-traditional bene ts that are most important — regardless of whether they’re actually offered at work — employees ranked education bene ts (65%) far above wellness bene ts like gym memberships (17%).

More significantly, they ranked education bene ts above workplace training (21%), paid family leave (25%), and even life or disability insurance (11%).
Only retirement savings programs (80%) and paid sick or vacation time (70%) ranked more highly.

Nearly half (49%) said they would not have pursued education if their employers did not offer tuition assistance.

Among parents, 70% said their family has bene ted as a result of the skills or degree they acquired while using their employer’s tuition reimbursement program.

Younger workers value the programs as well: 41% of Gen Z employees believe their tuition reimbursement program is the single best bene t offered by their employer. And 80% say it is among the top three voluntary bene ts.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at WORKING LEARNER INDEX – Study Examines Motivations of U.S. Workers SeekingEducation Benefits While on the Job