US research echoes UK message to invest in training during the downturn
By Martin Kornacki (12-08-2009)
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We have all by now heard the message that to prosper post recession we need to be investing in training during the downturn.
But now evidence is also mounting from overseas that a tough economy creates a strong need for learning.
The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) released a report yesterday that shows organisations in the US have maintained a commitment to training during the economic crisis and that training budgets are not being reduced as drastically as in previous downturns.
The report, entitled Learning in Tough Economic Times: How Corporate Learning is Meeting the Challenges, found that while almost half of respondents say the economy has forced them to reduce training budgets to a high or very high degree, extensive cuts to training programmes or content remain the exception not the rule.
Much like in the UK, were the mantra of ‘doing more for less’ is now standard practice, the majority of L&D professionals surveyed in the US indicate they are also looking for ways to be more efficient and more than a third say their firms have emphasised training to a greater extent during the downturn.
However the report also reveals around a quarter of the US respondents say their ability to meet their organisations training needs is suffering in the current economic climate to a high or very high degree. The result of this includes cut backs on travel, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Researchers found that newer, more cost effective methods of delivering training such as e-learning and other online options are nevertheless gaining in popularity.
The US-based ASTD, which was started in 1943, is the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and development and has members from more than 100 countries.
It concludes that best practice during the downturn includes utilising new technology fully and crafting training courses into smaller chunks of content by honing focus and presentation times. It also recommends “staying the course” meaning organisations have to realise training will bring benefits in employee engagement, retention and overall organisational strength.
But now evidence is also mounting from overseas that a tough economy creates a strong need for learning.
The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) released a report yesterday that shows organisations in the US have maintained a commitment to training during the economic crisis and that training budgets are not being reduced as drastically as in previous downturns.
The report, entitled Learning in Tough Economic Times: How Corporate Learning is Meeting the Challenges, found that while almost half of respondents say the economy has forced them to reduce training budgets to a high or very high degree, extensive cuts to training programmes or content remain the exception not the rule.
Much like in the UK, were the mantra of ‘doing more for less’ is now standard practice, the majority of L&D professionals surveyed in the US indicate they are also looking for ways to be more efficient and more than a third say their firms have emphasised training to a greater extent during the downturn.
However the report also reveals around a quarter of the US respondents say their ability to meet their organisations training needs is suffering in the current economic climate to a high or very high degree. The result of this includes cut backs on travel, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Researchers found that newer, more cost effective methods of delivering training such as e-learning and other online options are nevertheless gaining in popularity.
The US-based ASTD, which was started in 1943, is the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and development and has members from more than 100 countries.
It concludes that best practice during the downturn includes utilising new technology fully and crafting training courses into smaller chunks of content by honing focus and presentation times. It also recommends “staying the course” meaning organisations have to realise training will bring benefits in employee engagement, retention and overall organisational strength.
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