Employers as well as employees consider it important for employees to develop their skills and knowledge

Coping with complicated economic situation depends to a great extent on restoration of the domestic and foreign market, but also on the readiness of employers and employees for lifelong learning and acquiring new skills and knowledge.

According to the data of Worklife Survey, about 90% of employers rated the skills and knowledge of their employees sufficient for working in the corresponding post, but also considered it important that employees develop their skills and knowledge. 40% of employers were sure that it is necessary to develop employees’ knowledge and skills, 49% rather supported this opinion. The readiness of employees to acquire new skills and knowledge was also high evaluated.

75% of employees considered possibilities to develop professional skills at workplace important. At the same time only less than a half were satisfied with possibilities of professional development offered by the employer. The satisfaction of employees differed by occupations and depended on the place of work — a company or a government and local government institution. Professionals and associate professionals were more satisfied with possibilities of professional development offered by the employer, craft workers and workers of elementary occupations were less satisfied. If 70% of professionals and associate professionals used the possibilities to develop professional skills offered by the employer during the last 12 months, then the respective indicator for craft workers and workers of elementary occupations was smaller than 50%. Employees of government and local government institutions considered possibilities of professional development better and also used them more.

Statistics Estonia conducted the Worklife Survey for the first time in 2009. The survey was ordered by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The aim of the survey was to provide an overview about work organisation, relationships pertaining to work, involving employees, collective working relationships, occupational health and safety, and trends. 1,330 employers and 4,610 employees responded to the survey. 

Employers' assessment to employees' knowledge and skills, 2009