Utilization of the education assistance program

[Guest lembarry]

I am working on bring to life a basically non-existent education assistance program (tuition reimbursement).

I am building models but the one ingredient I do not have is the percent of employee utilization. We have an education assistance program in place but the way it is written no one uses it or can use it. Over the last 3 years only 9 employees of the 2000+ employees that are eligible for the benefit have used the program.

What is the percent of utilization of the education assistance program at your company? Do you have plan in place that you are proud of and are will to share? I would like to hear from people in the retail industry but any information on utilization, no matter what industry would be helpful.

Thanks

[Guest laurenzotz]

Have you looked at the actual number of individuals who are furthering their education beyond the number of who has requested education assistance. The percentage will probably be a lot better, knowing that not all people are interesting in obtaining higher education. Though you may still need to modify your current policy, you could look at the policy and ask "what are the top three specific reasons that employees who apply are denied this benefit", then ask, "why are there not more people applying for this benefit".

Perhaps this will help, granted you have not attempted these ideas already.

Thanks!