Employers spent more on employees than ever before in 2011, according to American Society of Training and Development's (ASTD) 2011 State of the Industry Report. Organizations in the U.S. spent $171.5 billion on employee learning in 2010, up from $125.8 billion in 2009.
Overall, ASTD says, the findings demonstrate "that despite current economic challenges, senior executives understand that a highly skilled workforce is a strategic differentiator and they are investing in the development of their employees." Other key findings"
- 60% of expenditures were on internal expenses ($103 billion)
- Per-employee spending increased 13.5% in 2010 ($1,081 in 2009, $1,228 in 2010)
- There was an increased expenditure on tuition reimbursement.
- About 70% of all training was delivered by an instructor in a classroom, up 3% from 2009; 60% of this instruction was delivered by live instruction
- Technology-based delivery of instruction declined from 36.3% in 2009 to 29.1% in 2010.
- Managerial and supervisory training was the most offered content (12.8%) followed by profession- or industry-specific content (11.3%), and mandatory and compliance content (10%)