7 benefits of employee training in 2026

Providing workforce training is an increasingly priority for employers. This is particularly true within the context of skills shortages, technological disruption and the fact 36% of employees unsatisfied about applying their skills cite no opportunities for professional development.

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In fact, implementing a successful learning and development strategy can work wonders, with a host of benefits that drive teams forward. In this article, we’re taking a look at some key employee training benefits that you can unlock with a comprehensive approach to upskilling.

1. Plug skills gaps

Totaljobs research shows that 70% of recruiters have difficulties finding candidates with the right skills, while 58% cite increased skills requirements as a challenge, highlighting the skills gaps many employers face.

Unfortunately, with the rise of new technologies, this may just be the start. A recent survey found that 52% of UK tech leaders are struggling to fill AI-related roles, for example.

However, by investing heavily in learning and development, employers can bridge the skills gap internally. There is often a wealth of untapped potential within the existing workforce that requires additional support to maximise its potential.

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

Our research shows that, of the workers currently unsatisfied with applying their skills in their current role, 36% cite a lack of opportunities for professional development of further training.

Implementing effective and targeted trainings helps employees feel more valued, seeing it as a sign that their employer is willing to invest in their career goals and growth.

In fact, 63% of employees who receive training report feeling valued at work, compared to just 44% who don’t receive training.

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. Engaged teams also 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 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. In fact, 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.

This allows employers to:

• Hold on to staff for longer, increasing institutional knowledge amongst teams and creating a culture where employees know and understand each other
• Avoid the costs of replacing employees and the potential costs of bad hires when replacing former team members

Replacing employees can cost up to 75% of their employee’s salary, as employers have to cover the missing staff members while their replacement is sought, either through freelancers, contractors, or shifting staff from another position, in addition to recruitment costs. Onboarding a new employee also means delivering basic training which takes time, money and resources which could be spent on critical activities.

6. Strengthen employer branding

A sometimes-overlooked benefit of employee training programmes is the potential to enhance employer branding, with training and development opportunities 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.

Effective internal training schemes can help to generate positive word of mouth, with employees who benefit from these opportunities likely to share their experiences with friends, family and their wider network.

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.

With 35% of millennials stating that excellent training and development programmes make employers more attractive to them, comprehensive upskilling initiatives are a great way to appeal to young talent.

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 in this way, employers can address current workforce needs whilst simultaneously positioning their organisation for long-term growth and competitiveness.