Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
I have to ask, was the company that you were working for a money losing organization. Was it entrusted with effectively spending someone elses money? Did you poop can more important and needed programs to keep the PD days?
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Of the 3 organizations I referred to: one was (and still is) the largest privately owned company in the world, I assume they were making enough money to justify their policies on a widespread basis. All my certifications, except my air-brake endorsement came through them, paid on company time. None were related to the position I held when I took them, and most were not (directly) related to any position I ever held within the company.
The second, was a small business that ultimately stopped operation when work dried up due to the economic collapse, as its success was tied closely with the construction industry being very busy.
The last, which I currently work for, that provides 5 'PD' days a year, is a non-profit organization, and that may skew it a bit, just due to it being somewhat of a 'touchy feely' type place to work. We have policies which prevent us from going over budget and as I understand it the majority of our funding is provided by organizations such as the United Way or FCSS (Ironicly enough, a City of Calgary Division). As an organization, they understand that a happy, well trained employee is more productive when they are part of a close knit team. I know when the recession hit there were lots of cuts to be made, since funding dries up hardcore in times like this, and they made the choice to keep the PD days rather than hire additional staff or expand existing programs. They are certainly not elaborate, high cost endeavors from what I have seen. No glossy booklets or fancy venues, however occasionally they do involve some seemingly pointless exercises like motivational speakers, laughter therapy or group yoga.
Not sure if that answers your questions, but there's the facts.