Learning provides a flexibility and an improved ability to meet customer demands. Learning delivers more value to the customer. A learning business projects an image of forward thinking and not dinosaur thinking. This can have a huge impact on bottom line results. Learning leads to increased skill levels which lead to productivity improvements which lead to higher compensation and higher profits.
Employees are very much interested in the total compensation package.
If you believe money is not important then let me tell you about a bridge I'll sell you in San Francisco. It is much easier to manage a business where employees take an interest in their work and their company. The strategy goes from plugging holes to getting things done. By promoting learning and demonstrating how it can improve productivity an initial momentum will be gained. Good employees get excited about the opportunity to learn.