Workplace Learning

Multiple trends in workplace training and education have become apparent in recent years, and the need for it is stronger than ever. Companies are wanting to understand how an employee functions (including what knowledge they possess to do their job), and how the company can make their employee have a "competitive advantage" through education. Companies are looking for the correct method of introducing a new employee to their job. Companies are also looking to their employees for assistance in figuring new ways to do their job, in a more efficient, cost effective manner.

New ideas and methods of training and educating people have become prevalent in today's workplace, as technology has opened the doors to new ideas and concepts. According to one research paper entitled "Corporate Blended Learning Techniques", Western countries are earlier adopters of newer methods/technology when it comes to workplace learning. However, it was discovered that Eastern countries were more likely to stick with the newer program and "embrace" it before their Western counterparts.

Competition from rising countries in Asia such as China and India, are proving the US based companies are falling behind in their education, according to a recent publication in CXO. They also made an interesting note how the well known MBA is over 100 years old at this point, but the necessary curriculum to be completed for the degree has adapted to the changes in the business world. Since 1995, according to an issue of Business Week in 1996, spending for corporate education has increased 16% in one year. Companies are realising the need for training and continuing education in the workplace, and have placed funding for in-house education, consulting firms, tuition reimbursement for employees, etc. The focus today is seen more in competency and communication according to SmartBusiness Online.