Workplace Learning in 2025: Employees want more AI, Soft Skills, and Leadership Training
February 9, 2025
According to the TalentLMS Annual L&D Benchmark Report, employees fear their job skills are becoming obsolete, and employers are not providing training fast enough to keep pace with change. The data also reveals significant gaps in workplace learning along generational lines and survey respondents suggest a pressing need for improved leadership and management training.
According to a survey of 1,200 employees in the U.S., 63% of employees believe their current training programs could be significantly improved. Narrowing in on various generations, the findings indicated that Gen Z is the least satisfied with company training programs, while Millennials report the highest levels of satisfaction.
Employees demonstrate a strong desire to adapt and learn, demanding AI-related training. The survey revealed several challenges and opportunities:
- 49% of employees believe AI is advancing faster than their company’s training capabilities.
- Over half of employees (54%) report a lack of clear guidelines on AI tool usage.
- 65% want training on how to use AI safely and ethically.
Despite massive investments in AI tools, the data shows that organizations lack clarity on how employees can leverage these tools. Employees are left to navigate on their own if and how to integrate AI into their work. Even more striking, 11% of surveyed workers say AI tool use is outright forbidden in their companies. On a positive note, 35% of employees are encouraged by their companies to leverage AI tools.
As technological advancements shorten the lifespan of skills 69% of employees emphasize the importance of faster delivery of new training programs.
On specific skills and training topics, the top three requested areas across all age groups included:
“AI is reshaping how we learn and work, and with its rapid pace of disruption, the desire to learn has never been stronger,” said Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, parent company of TalentLMS. “People want to feel confident in their abilities, skills, and roles—and learning is what brings a deeper sense of purpose and meaning to work. The data is clear: employees are eager for development opportunities. By leveraging personalized and flexible learning tools to meet this demand, organizations can close skills gaps, unlock potential within their teams, and achieve greater results.”
The study highlights a significant opportunity for companies to enhance their training programs and empower employees to thrive. With 37% of Gen Zers indicating they may look for a new job in 2025 if their company doesn’t provide adequate training opportunities, organizations that prioritize upskilling can significantly boost talent retention and build a more engaged, future-ready workforce.
Download the full research: https://www.talentlms.com/research/learning-development-research-2025
By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE. Source: TalentLMS
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