Managing learning and development in a recession: the 2009 IRS survey

While many employers have responded to the recession by reducing their training budgets, most have not forgotten the importance of employee development. The 2009 IRS learning and development survey finds that many employers are refining their use of training resources to achieve maximum efficiency, and increasing their focus on leadership development.

On this page:
Effects of the recession on learning
Planning learning and development
Chart 1: Major influences on learning and development planning
Learning priorities in a recession
Chart 2: Priorities for learning and development during past year
Taking responsibility for learning and development
Training methods for leaders and managers
Training for non-management staff
Chart 3: Training activities used by employers
Most effective training methods
Chart 4: Most effective training delivery methods
Recent learning and development initiatives
Learning and development budgets
Training spend per employee
Training budget trends
Chart 5: Training budget trends (2008/2009)
Chart 6: Projected training budget trends (2009/2010)
Time spent on training
Attitudes to learning and development
Room for improvement
Common learning and development issues
Chart 7: Issues relating to learning and development
Planned changes for learning and development
Challenges ahead
Our research
Table 1: Annual allocation for employee training, by sector
Table 2a: Recently introduced/successful learning initiatives in manufacturing and production and private sector services organisations
Table 2b: Recently introduced/successful learning initiatives in public sector organisations
Table 3: Summary of training budgets, by size of organisation
Table 4: Summary of training budgets, by broad sector
Table 5a: Priorities and future challenges in manufacturing and production organisations
Table 5b: Priorities and future challenges in private sector services organisations
Table 5c: Priorities and future challenges in public sector organisations
Box 1a: Changes planned for learning and development in manufacturing and production organisations
Box 1b: Changes planned for learning and development in private sector services organisations
Box 1c: Changes planned for learning and development in public sector services organisations
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