Half of UK businesses to increase e-learning spend in 2009

Brightwave survey finds increased focus on measuring results will be key as e-learning spend grows in 2009, whilst traditional training is axed

A new survey released today by workplace e-learning specialist, Brightwave, has revealed that almost 60 % of UK learning and development professionals are under more pressure to measure the impact of e-learning. At the same time, half of organisations are expecting their e-learning spend to rise, whilst 80 % of total training budgets are likely to be cut or stay the same.

Commenting on the results, Brightwave's Director of Learning Services, Lars Hyland, said: "The training world has to get real and acknowledge the elephant in the room - most training activities are hopelessly inefficient with little proof of their effectiveness. However, at Brightwave, we have found that investing in engaging, integrated and goal-driven e-learning which supports employees whenever and wherever they need it does prove effective and delivers results."

In response to the increasing demand for efficient yet effective e-learning solutions, Lars Hyland will present the background and need for Mission Critical e-learning in his seminar at Learning Technologies, London Olympia, 28 January 2009 at 1.15. The seminar will address how engaging, high impact and innovative use of learning technologies is key to driving change and improving performance in order to help organisations adapt and survive in the economic downturn.

As the UK's leading workplace learning specialist, Brightwave uses its results driven methodologies and imaginative design to increase the efficiency of training and employee engagement. Its effective, high impact e-learning solutions are helping organisations reduce costs through better efficiency and performance, solve difficult compliance challenges, as well as improve customer service.

"As organisations change to survive the current climate, people also need to change. Looking ahead, e-learning will be critical to the way we support employees in the workplace. It's no longer a novelty. Instead it needs to drive people strategy and performance towards a more agile model," Lars concludes.

Brightwave, a sponsor of Learning Technologies, will demonstrate its award-winning e-learning programmes on stand 16, which are designed to help organisations respond to critical business needs. For more information and demonstrations call 01273 827676.

* Brightwave survey polled e-learning and training specialists within large UK organisations (5000 plus employees) between October 2008 and December 2009.