Study Reveals Training Gaps Hinder Innovation Across Three Countries

A new study conducted by InceptionU has uncovered significant gaps between employee training and the necessary innovation capabilities in workplaces across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Titled “Unlocking the Capability to Innovate,” the research highlights a disparity between the training provided and the practical skills required to navigate an evolving work landscape.

This comprehensive report, which surveyed over 3,000 workers, reveals that while training participation is high—81% of workers completed training in the past year—only 32% felt it directly enhanced their job performance. This disconnect points to a broader issue where conventional training methods fail to equip employees with the critical skills needed for today’s complex work environments.

Training Alone Is Not Enough

The findings emphasize that simply offering training does not translate into enhanced employee capabilities. Margo Purcell, co-founder and CEO of InceptionU, articulated that “participation does not equal progress.” Many employees reported feeling ill-prepared to confront the rapidly changing demands of their roles, highlighting a disconnect between the learning they receive and the practical challenges they face on the job.

The study categorizes workers into five distinct archetypes based on their responses to change at work: Builders, Embracers, Drifters, Resistors, and Destroyers. Builders, who are proactive in implementing ideas, reported a much higher confidence in their training’s effectiveness, with 43% stating it helped them perform their jobs. In contrast, only 21% of Destroyers, characterized by their resistance to change, felt the same way.

This analysis suggests that the effectiveness of training is closely linked to the types of learning environments workers experience. Those who can apply new skills in real-world situations tend to build greater confidence and adaptability.

The Need for Enhanced Collaboration

A significant takeaway from the study is the urgent need for improved collaboration within teams. Nearly 44% of participants identified collaboration as the skill they most needed to enhance. The findings indicate that many workers cite positive working relationships as a primary reason for their job satisfaction, rather than the training modules they complete.

For organizations in Canada, this underscores a critical strategic insight: fostering an environment that encourages teamwork and collective learning could be key to enhancing innovation capabilities. The study emphasizes that innovation should be viewed as a collaborative effort, requiring structures that allow team members to experiment, share ideas, and support one another in navigating uncertainties.

Furthermore, the research highlights a generational divide regarding readiness for change. Workers from Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, were identified as being 40% more likely to fall into the Destroyer category compared to the overall sample. This group expressed a tendency to approach change with caution and uncertainty, stemming from fewer opportunities to engage in collaborative learning environments and observe decision-making processes during their formative career stages.

As Canada seeks to bolster its innovation economy, the study illustrates that building capability among its workforce is not merely about increasing training volume. It is essential to create conditions where employees can gain practical experience, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an innovation-driven landscape.

The complete report from InceptionU offers deeper insights into these findings and can be accessed for further exploration of strategies to enhance workplace innovation readiness.