Read the following texts and table with financial data from an S&P 500 earnings report carefully.Based on the question-answer history (if provided), answer the last question. The answer may require mathematical calculation based on the data provided.

Text: 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 ) . <table class='wikitable'><tr><td>1</td><td>( dollars in millions )</td><td>2001</td><td>2000</td><td>1999</td><td>change 00-01</td><td>adjusted change 00-01 ( 1 )</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>salaries and employee benefits</td><td>$ 1663</td><td>$ 1524</td><td>$ 1313</td><td>9% ( 9 % )</td><td>11% ( 11 % )</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>information systems and communications</td><td>365</td><td>305</td><td>287</td><td>20</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>transaction processing services</td><td>247</td><td>268</td><td>237</td><td>-8 ( 8 )</td><td>-7 ( 7 )</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>occupancy</td><td>229</td><td>201</td><td>188</td><td>15</td><td>16</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>other</td><td>363</td><td>346</td><td>311</td><td>5</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>total operating expenses</td><td>$ 2867</td><td>$ 2644</td><td>$ 2336</td><td>8</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>number of employees</td><td>19753</td><td>17604</td><td>17213</td><td>12</td><td>-</td></tr></table> ( 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 was the number of employees in 2001?
Answer: 19753.0
Question: and in 2000?
Answer: 17604.0
Question: and the difference between these two years?
Answer: 2149.0
Question: and the number in 2000 again?
Answer: 17604.0
Question: so what was the growth rate between these two years?

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