7 benefits of employee training in 2025
Discover why employee training is so important to success with the top benefits it can unlock for employers.
Providing comprehensive training to their workforce is increasingly becoming a priority for employers, particularly within the context of skills shortages and technological disruption. Research shows that workers agree, with one report showing that as many as 41% would look for a new job this year if they are not provided with sufficient training opportunities.
And even those that are getting training at work aren’t thrilled with how it has been organised. Many reported it takes up too much time and isn’t engaging enough, with 68% taking up training on a personal basis to improve their skills.
Despite these worrying findings, there’s no need for doom and gloom around employee training. In fact, creating a successful learning and development strategy within your organisation can work wonders, with a host of benefits that will drive your teams forward.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some key employee training benefits that you can unlock with a comprehensive approach to upskilling across your workforce. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Plug skills gaps
A skills gap is the difference between what workers need to know to perform their roles successfully and what they actually know. Recent research shows that 13% of UK businesses have a shortage of workers, while 80% of small businesses have difficulty recruiting candidates with the right skills.
These shortages are a major problem for employers, with an estimated 20% of the UK workforce expected to be underskilled for their jobs by 2030. Around 27% of workers say that right now they lack the digital skills needed to succeed in their roles, while 58% report that lacking digital skills has affected them negatively.
Fortunately, organisations can address these issues through employee training programmes. By investing in learning and development, employers can bridge the skills gap internally. Often, there is a wealth of untapped potential within the existing workforce. Unlocking this potential through targeted training means organisations can build the necessary skills from within, reducing the reliance on external recruitment and the competition for talent.
2. Boost morale
When targeted and delivered effectively, learning and development opportunities can significantly boost workforce morale. That’s because this helps employees feel more valued, seeing it as a sign that their employer is willing to invest in their career goals and professional development opportunities.
In fact, 63% of employees who receive training report feeling valued at work, compared to just 44% who don’t receive training. Remember, valued employees are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their work rather than seeking other opportunities, helping to:
- Boost productivity
- Improve company culture
- Reduce staff turnover
3. Improve employee engagement
A happier workforce tends to be more engaged in their work, thereby contributing significantly to overall organisational success. For instance, engaged teams experience 81% lower levels of absenteeism than less-engaged teams.
The benefits of high engagement also extend beyond absenteeism. Engaged teams see 41% fewer skilled workers quitting and 43% lower overall staff turnover. This allows hiring teams and talent acquisition professionals to focus on recruiting top candidates that add value, rather than constantly working to replace departing employees.
Employee training boosts engagement by showing workers what they can achieve in their roles and providing them with the tools to do so. Proper training also keeps employees feeling challenged yet capable of reaching their goals, hitting the sweet spot for optimal engagement.
4. Increase productivity
By investing in employee training, employers can unlock substantial productivity gains that can benefit their entire organisation. That’s because properly trained employees, who have the technical skills they need to be successful, are more likely to work efficiently and produce high-quality of work, thereby enhancing overall performance.
One study from Gallup even shows that an engaged workforce can be 17% more productive than their less-engaged counterparts. A boost in productivity of this nature can lead to a competitive advantage that significantly impacts overall organisational success, thereby demonstrating the value of employee training programmes.
5. Reduce turnover
Effective employee training strategies can help greatly decrease staff turnover, with research showing that investing in employee development can see a 58% increase in employee retention.
That’s because offering training helps to keep employees engaged and motivated, reducing the chances of them looking elsewhere. This then allows employers to hold on to staff for longer, increasing institutional knowledge amongst their teams and creating a better culture where employees know and understand each other.
Reduced staff turnover also means employers don’t have to dip into their talent pool for new hires. This protects them from dealing with the potential consequences of a bad hire and allows them to reduce recruitment costs, a benefit that should not be overlooked.
Replacing departing employees can cost up to 75% of a departed employee’s salary. That’s down to having to cover the missing staff members while their replacement is sought, either through freelancers, contractors, or shifting staff from another position within the organisation, in addition to associated recruitment costs. Finally, onboarding a new employee means delivering basic training which takes time, money and resources which could otherwise have been spent on helping to ensure that the organisation can remain competitive in a dynamic landscape.
6. Strengthen employer branding
A sometimes-overlooked benefit of employee training programmes is the potential to enhance employer branding. Training and development opportunities are among the most advertised perks in job postings, appearing in approximately 44.7% of them. As a result, jobseekers increasingly expect to see these opportunities to build on their skill sets when considering new roles.
Beyond providing compelling features for job adverts, offering robust training programmes can also help to generate positive testimonials from current employees. These testimonials, which highlight the positive work environment fostered by effective training, can then be shared on an employer’s website and across social media channels.
In addition to this, effective internal training schemes can help to generate positive word of mouth. This is because employees who benefit from these opportunities are likely to share their experiences with friends, family and their wider network. The result is an enhanced reputation for their employer, which in turn helps position them as an employer of choice.
7. Attract top talent
All of the benefits outlined above contribute towards making an organisation a desirable place to work, demonstrating why having a strong employee training programme in place is crucial to the attraction of top talent.
Talented and ambitious workers will always be looking to improve their skills, gain new experience and broaden their perspectives in hopes of furthering their careers. Employers that can offer robust training and development opportunities, while actively fostering a culture that values learning and development, are therefore more attractive to these types of candidates.
As a result, highlighting training and development opportunities is a great way to stand out and attract applications from top candidates in an increasingly competitive market, with 76% of employees saying that they find organisations that offer skills training more appealing. This is particularly true for employers looking to hire younger candidates, with 35% of millennials stating that excellent training and development programmes make employers more attractive to them.
Embrace employee training and drive organisational success
Investing in employee training offers considerable benefits that can contribute to prolonged organisational success. From bridging skills gaps and appealing to top talent to improving engagement, productivity and retention, training is crucial to getting the most out of your workforce. By prioritising employee development, employers can address current workforce needs whilst simultaneously positioning their organisation for long-term growth and competitiveness.