Whether it is starting college, going back to finish college, or getting a second degree, you may see many of your employees taking advantage of this in 2010.  And with good reason...

The Central Penn Business Journal recently shared this information:

Most professionals will also require continuous education over the course of their careers. At present, 73 percent of college enrollments comprise adult learners and/or working professionals, and this segment is forecasted to remain the fastest growing demographic in higher education, according to the University Continuing Education Association...

This means it will be crucial for employers to invest in the training and education of employees despite strong economic challenges. Employers will need to strengthen their corporate curriculum and delivery offerings to achieve the competencies and skills they need in new hires, retrained workers, or advancing professionals. Employers will also need to collaborate with college and university faculty to help shape and deliver programs.

As leaders, it is your responsibility to do what you can to get your employees the education and continual training they need.

And please don't buy into the "take the knowledge and run" concept. 

You know what I mean. 

There are leaders who always say they don't want to train or educate their employees because those employees will take all that information and leave!  The company has invested money in these employees and they take that knowledge and leave.

I've got news for you...

They were leaving anyway!!!!

Don't buy into it.  Use educational and tuition reimbursement to drive technical skill and overall competence, and to build a loyal workforce.

Once this recession is over, those so called 'loyal' employees will start looking elsewhere to a company that WILL invest in them and one that WILL want them to improve.

This is Leadership 101.  Invest in your employees, and they will show a return on investment to you AND your organization!