7 shifts that will define the future of workplace learning

TAMPA & DERRY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 — The world of workplace learning is changing fast - and our new research shows just how quickly.

The report, Workplace Learning 2030: The Seven Shifts Reshaping How We Learn at Work, reveals that the future of L&D isn’t coming—it’s already here. Powered by AI, driven by employee expectations, and under pressure to deliver measurable business impact, learning is moving from the sidelines of work into the very heart of business strategy.

Based on extensive research, customer insights, and industry data, the report highlights seven major trends set to reshape how organisations design, deliver, and measure learning:

1. AI and automation

AI is no longer future theory—it’s transforming learning by automating content, identifying skills gaps in real time, and freeing L&D teams to focus on strategy.

2. Skills development and internal mobility

Skills are the new currency: companies are moving toward skills-based models, enabling personalised development paths and internal career mobility.

3. Evolving learning expectations

Employees expect learning to be personalised, purposeful, and embedded in daily work—learning is now part of the employee value proposition.

4. Changing use cases impact delivery

Learning isn’t just for desk-based employees anymore. It’s becoming experience-led and outcome-driven, reaching people wherever they are—whether in the office, on the frontline, or working remotely—with different audiences, technologies, and goals across the enterprise.

5. Integration, simplification, and ecosystem thinking

The age of the all-in-one platform is giving way to a new era of connected learning ecosystems that integrate tools, automate workflows, and make learning seamless and accessible.

6. Business impact and analytics

Learning measurement is moving beyond completion metrics—organisations now use data to link learning to real behavioural change and measurable business outcomes, optimising impact and efficiency.

7. Compliance and regulatory learning evaluation

Compliance learning is becoming targeted, adaptive, and efficient, using AI and data to personalise training while balancing risk, relevance, and business impact.

Benoit de la Tour, CEO of Learning Pool, commented: “Workplace learning is entering a new era. It’s no longer just about delivering courses—L&D is now a strategic engine for business growth, agility, and resilience. Our research highlights how organisations that embrace these changes can close critical skills gaps, boost performance, and engage employees, partners, and customers more effectively.”

The report doesn’t just describe the challenges that L&D faces in the coming five years—it offers guidance for action, with strategies for leaders to:

• Embed learning seamlessly into the flow of work
• Personalise experiences with adaptive, AI-driven platforms
• Focus on behavioural impact and measurable business outcomes
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, growth, and resilience

Workplace Learning 2030 makes one thing clear: the organisations that embrace these shifts today will be the ones that thrive tomorrow.

Download the full report to explore the seven shifts transforming workplace learning.