Why Employers Like Online Continuing Education Programs

Online continuing education programs and tuition reimbursement are being advocated by many employers. One of the reasons for this is it allows for employee advancement on the employee’s time.

Workers are still able to continue to work through the workweek and can complete online continuing education programs after work and on the weekends. Traditional brick and mortar colleges do not offer the flexibility that online courses offer, and employees would have to quit their job or work part-time to further their education.

This results in employees that are more satisfied at their workplace and employers who are more satisfied with their workers. Employees who receive tuition reimbursement often have to commit to staying at least 2 years with their current employer.

Distance Education Prepares You for the Working World

Distance learning students are better able to work remotely and use technology to communicate and collaborate, two skills that are becoming more and more necessary in the working world.

In order to test this, Cisco Systems conducted a research study to test the productivity of employees who work remotely. During the study, Cisco replaced offices and cubicles with comfy couches and quiet lounge areas. Employees were allowed to choose their work space or work remotely, the same choice that distance learning students are faced with. The study showed an increase in productivity and an overall increase in satisfaction among employees.

Distance learners are at an advantage - they already know how to work remotely, use technology for communication purposes and remain productive without direct supervision. Distance learners bring their independence and competence with them to the workplace.

As businesses are becoming more global, many employees are working remotely and communicating with each other using the internet and other technology. Distance learners are one step ahead of the game because these were the same strategies they used and perfected in college.

Continuing Education on Your Time on The Boss's Dime

Nursing, education, IT, business and communications are among the leading fields offering employer paid educational advancement.

Whether in the form of a degree or certificate, these fields are seeing more and more employers footing the bill for their employee's education. Employers in these fields see tuition assistance or reimbursement as a perk which helps career motivation and ensures that employees will stay with the company for years in the future.

The 2009 Employee Benefits Survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 63% of surveyed employers offer undergraduate educational assistance and 59% offer graduate educational assistance. Further, only 7 percent of employers who offer educational assistance plan to reduce or eliminate the benefits in the coming year. This proves that employer funded educational assistance is here to stay. This mutual educational experience leads to more satisfied employees with cutting-edge, innovative ideas which, in turn, benefits the employer.

Online Universities as Credible as Traditional Universities

New research shows that corporations are increasingly hiring applicants with online degrees, indicating that online degrees are being viewed more favorably.

Industry Market Trends recently reported that 76% of Human Resources professionals view online degrees more favorably today than they did 5 years ago, with 58% saying online degrees are equally as credible as degrees from a traditional, brick and mortar university.

This comparison is also evident in employer-funded tuition reimbursements. 95% of these Human Resources professionals noted no difference in tuition assistance for employees attending traditional or online universities.