As a profession, learning and development (L&D) continues to balance artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, strategic alignment, and employee retention with helping to move the needle on business performance, according to the inaugural State of Learning and Development Report from learning management system provider LearnUpon.
The report draws insights from 600 L&D leaders and practitioners across the U.S., UK, Australia, and New Zealand. There has been a discernible shift in perspectives on the key drivers of L&D, with employee well-being and mental health (44%) emerging as the most impactful factor shaping programs this year, followed closely by AI-powered learning (42%) and microlearning formats (42%). Other key findings include:
• AI disruption and opportunity: Some 43% of L&D leaders believe AI could replace their role entirely, with sectors such as retail, education, software, and technology feeling this threat the greatest. In response, L&D teams are building AI literacy and focusing on enablement versus elimination.
• Measurement confidence is high: More than 9 in 10 L&D leaders say they measure program impact effectively. Some 34% are prioritizing metrics such as skill development and knowledge retention.
• Capabilities for the future: Top skills critical for the year ahead include data analytics and reporting (56%), AI and machine learning in L&D (53%), change management and leadership (52%), and learning technology expertise (51%).
To read the full report, visit: https://www.learnupon.com/resources/ebooks/the-state-of-learning-and-development- in-2025/