Employers are taking ‘bold steps’ to take full advantage of learning and development strategies, new research suggests.
The survey shows that in difficult times, employers are moving towards strategic implementation, greater scrutiny of learning and development programmes and emphasising the role of line managers.
However the research, which was carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), also indicates that the average training spend per employee has fallen by almost a third this year. As a direct consequence, more businesses – 57% -- say they have used inhouse development programmes more.
Claire McCartney, organisation, resourcing and performance adviser with the CIPD, said: “Employee training and development remains an important priority for employers but budgets are being squeezed. Learning and development professionals have an important role to play in helping organisations through the downturn.”
McCartney believes that to make the best of the current situation, any development provided should be aligned to business strategy and make a strong difference to current and future performance.
Source: © Crimson Business Ltd, 2009
