Learning leaders are optimistic about the health of learning in organizations in the first half of 2015, according to ATD Research’s latest Learning Executive Confidence Index (LXCI). Below, we highlight some of the findings from the recently released Q4 2014 LXCI. 

Optimistic Outlook for Learning 

The LXCI assesses the expectations of learning executives for the learning function in organizations for the next six months; the Q4 2014 LXCI reflects expectations for the first half of 2015. 

The LXCI score is 68.2, more than a point higher than last quarter’s score of 66.9 and more than two points higher than the score of 65.7 two quarters ago. The upward trend in the LXCI reflects the healthy growth of the United States economy in the second half of 2014.  Of particular interest to the learning function, new job creation has been high; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 321,000 new jobs were created in November, a number that both exceeded projections and job creation in the previous month. 

The LXCI is a composite score that takes into account four key indicators of how learning executives feel the learning function will change during the next six months. Of the four key indicators, performance improved from last quarter to this quarter for all four: Ability to Meet Learning Needs, Impact on Corporate Performance, Perception of the Value of Learning, and Availability of Resources. 

Strong Expectations for Corporate Performance 

ATD’s survey also asked additional questions to determine learning executives’ outlooks for other measures, providing valuable context for the LXCI. Learning executives were asked about their overall expectations for their organization in six months. About three-quarters of learning executives have positive six-month expectations, which is not surprising given the increased business investments and job creation seen during late 2014. 

Potential to Create New Content but Hesitate to Increase Learning Staff 

Changes in the economy can impact the quantity and types of learning activities that happen in organizations. Learning strategies and spending on learning may be adjusted in response to the economy. Learning executives were asked if they expect the current economic situation to lead to an increase or decrease in various learning activities during the next six months. 

More than half of learning executives think that the current economic situation will lead to an increase in the creation of new learning content, coaching/mentoring, emphasis on learning, and learning services provided. However, less than a third of learning executives believe that they will see an increase in staffing levels for training or travel for training purposes, despite the fact that the majority expect to be providing more learning services. 

The LXCI relies on survey responses submitted by learning executives, and ATD Research is extremely grateful for the continued participation of many individuals. If you are a learning executive interested in participating in the future by completing brief online surveys, please email [email protected].  

ATD publishes the full report online each year in January (for Q4 of the previous year), April (Q1 of the current year), July (Q2 of the current year), and October (Q3 of the current year). The full report is free to everyone.