Financial report context:
operating expenses operating expenses were $ 2.9 billion , an increase of 8% ( 8 % ) over 2000 . adjusted for the formation of citistreet , operating expenses grew 10% ( 10 % ) . expense growth in 2001 of 10% ( 10 % ) is significantly lower than the comparable 20% ( 20 % ) expense growth for 2000 compared to 1999 . state street successfully reduced the growth rate of expenses as revenue growth slowed during the latter half of 2000 and early 2001 . the expense growth in 2001 reflects higher expenses for salaries and employee benefits , as well as information systems and communications . o p e r a t i n g e x p e n s e s ( dollars in millions ) 2001 2000 1999 change adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ) .

Financial table:
( dollars in millions ): salaries and employee benefits; 2001: $ 1663; 2000: $ 1524; 1999: $ 1313; change 00-01: 9% ( 9 % ); adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): 11% ( 11 % )
( dollars in millions ): information systems and communications; 2001: 365; 2000: 305; 1999: 287; change 00-01: 20; adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): 22
( dollars in millions ): transaction processing services; 2001: 247; 2000: 268; 1999: 237; change 00-01: -8 ( 8 ); adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): -7 ( 7 )
( dollars in millions ): occupancy; 2001: 229; 2000: 201; 1999: 188; change 00-01: 15; adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): 16
( dollars in millions ): other; 2001: 363; 2000: 346; 1999: 311; change 00-01: 5; adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): 7
( dollars in millions ): total operating expenses; 2001: $ 2867; 2000: $ 2644; 1999: $ 2336; change 00-01: 8; adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 ): 10
( dollars in millions ): number of employees; 2001: 19753; 2000: 17604; 1999: 17213; change 00-01: 12

Additional report context:
( 1 ) 2000 results adjusted for the formation of citistreet expenses related to salaries and employee benefits increased $ 139million in 2001 , or $ 163millionwhen adjusted for the formation of citistreet . the adjusted increase reflects more than 2100 additional staff to support the large client wins and new business from existing clients and acquisitions . this expense increase was partially offset by lower incentive-based compensation . information systems and communications expense was $ 365 million in 2001 , up 20% ( 20 % ) from the prior year . adjusted for the formation of citistreet , information systems and communications expense increased 22% ( 22 % ) . this growth reflects both continuing investment in software and hardware , aswell as the technology costs associated with increased staffing levels . expenses related to transaction processing services were $ 247 million , down $ 21 million , or 8% ( 8 % ) . these expenses are volume related and include external contract services , subcustodian fees , brokerage services and fees related to securities settlement . lower mutual fund shareholder activities , and lower subcustodian fees resulting from both the decline in asset values and lower transaction volumes , drove the decline . occupancy expensewas $ 229million , up 15% ( 15 % ) . the increase is due to expenses necessary to support state street 2019s global growth , and expenses incurred for leasehold improvements and other operational costs . other expenses were $ 363 million , up $ 17 million , or 5% ( 5 % ) . these expenses include professional services , advertising and sales promotion , and internal operational expenses . the increase over prior year is due to a $ 21 million increase in the amortization of goodwill , primarily from acquisitions in 2001 . in accordance with recent accounting pronouncements , goodwill amortization expense will be eliminated in 2002 . state street recorded approximately $ 38 million , or $ .08 per share after tax , of goodwill amortization expense in 2001 . state street 2019s cost containment efforts , which reduced discretionary spending , partially offset the increase in other expenses . state street corporation 9 .

Question: what is the growth rate in the number of employees from 1999 to 2000?
Answer: 2.3%