Research reveals that organizations are spending more on employee education and development, Human Resource Executive Online (HREO) reports.
A report from Bersin & Associates shows that employee development spending increased 9.5 percent in 2011, which researchers stated was due to employer efforts to compensate for a skill gap. The number of hours spent on learning per employee increased, and much of the additional effort was not focused on formal classroom training, the report indicates.
"L&D organizations have realized that these formal learning events must be reinforced to provide lasting benefits," the report states. "As a result, these organizations are focusing more on getting employees to internalize the knowledge and apply the skills through continuous, reinforced learning environments. These efforts include manager coaching, collaborative tools and experiential exercises."
Adapting to the new approach may require improved human resource software and management skills in order to keep track of training and reinforcement practices. Experts told HREO that employees are showing a willingness to take responsibility for their own development, which may make efforts more effective and improve their engagement with employers who provide education.
