Cuts to learning and development budgets have had a positive effect on organisations as employers turn to managers and e-learning to deliver training.
This is according to the 2011 XpertHR learning and development training survey, which also found that more than two-thirds (68.8%) of employers said that tighter budgets had not reduced the efficiency of learning and development over the past 12 months.
The cost-cutting measures rated as having the most positive impact on learning and development by the 112 organisations surveyed were increasing managers’ input in the delivery of training and extending the use of online learning resources.
Both of these methods were used by a large number of employers to reduce training costs, with 59% increasing their use of e-learning and 57% giving managers more input in training.
Charlotte Wolff, XpertHR’s training editor, commented: “Some employers have had to find ways to reduce their training outlay and, by using line managers as an additional resource, they have not only cut costs but have also improved the engagement and morale of the managers themselves.
“Some also say that the courses devised or delivered by managers are more relevant and tailored to the organisation’s needs, as managers have a good understanding of its culture, structure and language.”
However, some measures introduced to cut costs had less encouraging results, such as reducing the use of external providers. This was implemented at 58% of organisations, but only 1% voted it as the money-saving change that had the most positive results.
The full findings of the XpertHR learning and development training survey are available here.
For guidance on employers’ training obligations, view the XpertHR FAQs.
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