91 Key Statistics on Employee Training & Development (2024)

In today's competitive company environment, investing in staff training and development is crucial to achieving short- and long-term success. Companies in 2024 are increasingly realizing the huge return on investment (ROI) from investing in their employees via well-designed training programs. Organizational success and staff retention are influenced by training programs that provide workers with modern skills, boost productivity, and encourage work happiness.

The 91 astounding data on staff development and training shown on this page serve to highlight important tendencies, advantages, and the results of effectively run training programs. These findings demonstrate the substantial importance of training in several industries, from the efficacy of online learning resources to the increasing need for leadership development. By delving into the most recent statistics, you can learn how training tactics are influencing the future of work and how businesses that invest in their employees' growth are succeeding in a dynamic marketplace. Read on to see how these numbers show that training is a worthwhile investment.

Key Takeaways:

• Trends in training include learning hours, focus areas, and online methods.
• US employees value quarterly sessions, self-paced learning, and skill development.
• Job choice and development opportunities are important for 46% of workers.
• Comprehensive training boosts income, and productivity, and engages Gen Z.
• Future jobs demand training: 60% need upskilling by 2027, with $101.6B spent.
• Gen Z workers are more likely to invest in learning if recognized by managers.
• Skills shortages persist, with 57% of employees pursuing self-learning.
• The U.S. manufacturing industry may need up to 3.8 million jobs between 2024 and 2033.
• Effective compliance training boosts engagement, retention, and reduces incidents by 28%.
• 61% of organizations invest in project management training.
• AI is expected to cut 85M jobs by 2025 but create 97M new roles.

Employee Training Practices

The 2019 State of the Industry report by the Association for Talent Development highlights trends in employee training, including learning hours, focus areas, and the use of online methods.

1. Employees engage in approximately 34 hours of formal learning each year, equating to over four full workdays dedicated to training. The Arc
2. A significant portion of companies (32%) primarily utilize computer-based or online learning methods for employee training. The Arc
3. The leading focus areas for training include managerial and supervisory skills (14%), mandatory and compliance training (13%), and interpersonal skills such as communication and teamwork (10%). The Arc
4. A majority of organizations (62%) direct their learning expenditures toward internal services, including in-house development and delivery, while 27% allocate funds to external learning suppliers. The Arc


Employee Training and Development Statistics

U.S. employees value training, with preferences for quarterly sessions, self-paced learning, and skill development.


5. In the US, Only 25% of employees desire monthly training, whereas a greater proportion, 33%, favors quarterly training. SHRM
6. 70% of employees are inclined to quit their current job for a company that invests in employee development. Lorman
7. In the US, 68% of employees feel that the training they receive is sufficient for their position. SHRM
8. 74% of workers are willing to learn new skills or retrain to remain employable. Lorman
9. In the U.S., the primary learning and development goals for companies are enhancing the employee experience (92%), fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace (88%), and boosting employee engagement (87%). SHRM
10. In the US, 76% of employees view training as vital to their job effectiveness. SHRM
11. 54% of employees would dedicate more time to learning if they received targeted course recommendations to help them meet their professional goals. LinkedIn
12. In the U.S., 70% of employees favor online self-paced courses as their preferred learning method, with 63% preferring online instructor-led training and in-person sessions, and 62% choosing hybrid learning options. SHRM
13. According to SHRM, 38% of employees in the US expect job-relevant training opportunities, 32% want these programs to be up-to-date, and 31% desire more control over their training options. SHRM)
14. 80% of workers say learning adds purpose to their work. SHRM



Job Choice and Development Opportunities

Employees value tailored training, self-management skills, and development opportunities when choosing jobs.


15. 46% of workers consider development opportunities important when choosing a workplace. SHRM
16. According to SurveyMonkey, 59% of employees believe that training has a direct positive impact on their performance. Survey Monkey
17. In the US, 81% of employees are interested in self-management training, which could cover topics such as goal setting, self-motivation, stress management, and accountability. SHRM
18. 76% of Gen Z learners consider continuous learning crucial for a successful career. LinkedIn
19. In 2024, 80% of U.S. employees are craving learning experiences tailored to their unique goals, with 68% also seeking well-being-focused training beyond just work skill. Talent LMS
20. 92% of employees consider L&D opportunities when deciding between job offers. People Management


Business and Economic Impact of Training

Comprehensive training boosts income, productivity, and engages Gen Z, highlighting its business value.


21. Companies with comprehensive employee training programs have 218% higher income per employee than companies without formalized training. Forbes
22. Globally, companies that offer training to engaged employees experience a 17% increase in productivity. Gallup
23. Gen Z is significantly more inclined to interact with training materials, acquiring 50% more learning content than their predecessors.This trend underscores the importance of customizing training methods to the learning preferences of the newest workforce members. McKinsey & Company's 2016 results,


Training Investment and Time

Future jobs demand training: 60% need upskilling by 2027, with $101.6B spent and Gen Z eager for recognition.


24. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum predicts that 60% of workers will need further training by 2027. World Economic Forum
25. 44% of workers' skills will be disrupted in the next five years. World Economic Forum
26. U.S. training expenditures totaled $101.6 billion in 2022. Training Magazine
27. Employees engage in approximately 34.7 hours of formal learning each year. eadX
28. 44% of Gen Z workers are more likely to invest time in learning or training if recognized by their managers, versus 21%of Boomers. Deloitte


Skills Gap, Upskilling, and Reskilling Requirements

Skills shortages persist as 57% pursue self-learning, with reskilling key to filling 1.9M manufacturing jobs.


29. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 57% of employees pursue learning opportunities independently, driven by a desire to learn new things and develop skills. SHRM
30. 25% of employed Americans are concerned about job security, with 32% worried they lack the necessary skills to remain competitive. New York Post
31. A study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projects that the U.S. manufacturing industry may need up to 3.8 million jobs between 2024 and 2033, with up to 1.9 million potentially remaining unfilled due to skills shortages. Investopedia
32. An analysis released by the Learning and Work Institute, a think tank, revealed that the number of adult learners decreased by 47% from 2010-11 to 2022-23, reaching 1.2 million, which led to a shortage of 7 million qualifications. Financial Times
33. In the U.S., the primary approach to addressing the skills gap is through reskilling, with 37% of companies offering reskilling programs, and 36% providing upskilling opportunities. SHRM
34. According to a workplace research by the Wall Street Journal dated July 28, 2022, 85% of corporate leaders intend to enhance organizational agility, necessitating continuous learning. Deloitte


Learning and Development Budgets and Investment

U.S. firms invest heavily in training, averaging $1,299 per employee, with large companies spending $20M annually.


35. According to ATD research, the average direct learning expenditure per employee was $1,299 in 2018, reflecting a commitment to employee development. TD.org
36. The International Labour Organisation reports that, on average, US organizations dedicated 1.2% of their income to direct learning expenditures in 2018, reflecting the financial significance attributed to learning and development. TD.org
37. In 2020, large organizations in the US (10,000+ people) spent an average of $20 million for training, mid-sized companies (1,000–9,999 employees) invested about $808,355, and small companies (100–999 employees) spent around $506,819. As per the 2020 Training Industry Report:Quantic School of Business. Quantic School of Business


Technology and Digital Learning Adoption

eLearning booms, driving 900% growth, $350B market by 2025, and boosting retention and cost efficiency.


38. In the K-12 education sector, digital learning adoption increased by 75% from pre-pandemic levels, according to recent U.S. Department of Education data. ed.gov
39. According to the World Economic Forum, global edtech investments reached $18.66 billion in 2019, with the online education market projected to reach $350 billion by 2025. World Economic Forum
40. In higher education, learning management systems (LMS) have become nearly ubiquitous, with 99% of colleges and universities reporting their use. Among faculty, 87% utilize LMS platforms, finding them beneficial for enhancing teaching and student learning. EDUCAUSE Research
41. eLearning is the fastest-growing segment in the education industry, experiencing an impressive 900% growth rate since 2000. KPMG
42. Switching from physical classrooms to corporate e-learning tools allowed Dow Chemical to save $34 million, cutting their training costs per learner from $95 to just $11. Belitsoft
43. Implementing e-learning led to revenue increases for 42% of companies. Shift
44. Companies using education platforms tailored for multiple audiences see improved employee retention rates (62%) nearly twice as often as those using platforms focused solely on employees (30%). Intellum


Learning Management Systems (LMS) Usage, Adoption, and Benefits

LMS adoption thrives, with 75% student satisfaction and a projected $82B market by 2032, driving innovation.


45. Approximately 75% of students report being satisfied or very satisfied with their institution's LMS, reflecting the system's effectiveness in enhancing the learning experience.EDUCAUSE
46. Over 90% of higher education institutions in the U.S. now use learning management systems (LMS) for course delivery and administration. EDUCAUSE
47. 40% of Fortune 500 companies use Learning Management Systems to maintain their competitive edge. Finances Online
48. The worldwide learning management system (LMS) market was estimated at USD 20.33 billion in 2023 and will grow from USD 23.35 billion in 2024 to USD 82.00 billion by 2032, with a predicted annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0% throughout the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights

Compliance Training Gaps and Employee Engagement

Effective compliance training boosts engagement and retention by 50%, and reduces incidents by 28%, driving success.


49. 91% of respondents rated "meeting legal and regulatory requirements" as important or very important in their R&C program's decision-making process. Ethics Resource Center
50. 49% plan to provide training on bribery, corruption, fraud, and financial integrity in the next 2-3 years. Ethics Resource Center
51. Employees who perceive their compliance training as meaningful are 2.5 times more likely to feel engaged at work. Devlin Peck
52. Compliance training that incorporates real-life scenarios can boost employee engagement by 43%. Skillsoft
53. Companies that implement continuous compliance training report a 50% higher employee retention rate compared to those offering annual training only. Devlin Peck
54. Organizations with high employee engagement in compliance training experience 28% fewer compliance-related incidents. Devlin Peck
55. Inc. reports average engagement levels among Baby Boomers (36%), Gen X (31%), and Gen Z and Millennials (35%). Inc
56. Gallup's employee engagement data shows that hybrid (35%), remote (33%), and on-site (25%) work locations have varying levels of engagement. Gallup
57. Gartner's research indicates that engaged employees are 31% more likely to stay with their company, exceed expectations, and contribute more than their coworkers. Gartner
58. According to a Business Insider, employee disengagement is estimated to result in an annual economic loss of nearly $2 trillion. Business Insider


Importance of Learning Technology and Digital Learning

E-learning grows 15% annually, reaching $50B by 2026, saving time, and expanding digital education globally.


59. By 2026, the global corporate e-learning market is projected to reach $50 billion, reflecting a 15% annual growth rate from 2020. E-Student
60. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 31% of school-age children worldwide could not be reached by remote learning policies due to lack of access to radio, television, or the internet. UNICEF Data
61. E-learning can reduce learning time by 40% to 60% compared to traditional classroom settings, making it a time-efficient option for learners. E-Student
62. Digital learning is the quickest growing market in the education industry, with a whopping 900% growth since 2000. KPMG
63. 32% of companies primarily utilize computer-based or online learning methods for employee training. Teach for America


Project Management Training Statistics

Project management training boosts success, with 61% of organizations investing and PMP-certified managers earning 23% more.


64. According to PMI, project management training is provided by 61% of organizations. PMI
65. Globally, project-led industries currently employ 90 million project management-oriented professionals. PMI
66. According to Team Stage, 83% of high-performing organizations consistently invest in project management training. Team Stage
67. 2.3 million project management-oriented positions will need to be filled annually through 2030. PMI
68. Over 1.5 million professionals worldwide hold a PMP certification. PMI
69. The PMP exam's success rate is below 70%. PPM Express
70. According to PMI, 46% of project professionals' professional development time is dedicated to technical skills. PMI
71. 68% of project professionals identify communication as the most essential skill to develop. PMI
72. 48% of organizations have made investments in accredited project management training programs. Wellington
73. According to ProofHub, PMP-certified project managers earn 23% more than their non-certified peers. ProofHub


Leadership Training

Leadership development, a $366B industry, sees 54% of firms prioritizing it, with 86% viewing it as crucial.


74. Only 15% of employees believe the training they receive adequately prepares them for the next role. Global Workforce Leadership
75. 63% of Millennials believe their leadership potential is underdeveloped. Deloitte
76. 54% of organizations mandate leadership development programs. Forbes
77. 1 in 5 employees is vulnerable to burnout as a result of poor employee and leadership engagement. GoRemotely
78. The global leadership development industry is valued at $366 billion, with $166 billion spent in the U.S. alone. Forbes
79. According to Gitnux, 44% of CEOs consider leadership development to be their top HR priority. Gitnux
80. More than 50% of leadership training is currently delivered online. NeuroLeadership
81. According to Deloitte, leadership development is rated as an urgent or important issue by approximately 86% of companies globally. Deloitte


Deficiency in Cybersecurity training

Cybersecurity training gaps persist, with 83% lacking AI training, while global demand grows with 1.3M professionals.


82. A 2024 survey of end users and IT security experts globally revealed that computer-based security awareness training was the most favored among respondents. Furthermore, around 37 percent participated in in-person cybersecurity
    training, while an additional 34 percent reported engaging in virtual, instructor-led training sessions. statista.com
83. In the UK, over eighty percent (83%) of the 2,000 employees surveyed had not received cybersecurity training regarding deepfakes and AI. Additionally, sixty percent (60%) had not been instructed on how to ensure cybersecurity while working from home, and fifty-one percent had not been instructed on how to prevent phishing schemes. knowbe4.com
84. Cybersecurity experts say that practical experience in a cybersecurity position (97%), owned qualifications (88%), and the completion of practical cybersecurity training courses (83%) are considered extremely or somewhat significant in assessing a candidate's qualifications. helpnetsecurity
85. A recent survey conducted by cybersecurity firm Hornetsecurity has revealed substantial deficiencies in IT security training, with 26% of companies failing to offer any training to their end-users. hornetsecurity
86. Most of the employees didn't like their company's security awareness training. Only 21% thought it was great, while 27% thought it was boring, 22% thought it was out-of-date, 17% thought it was easy to use, and 15% thought it was slow. knowbe4.com
87. In 2024, the cybersecurity industry employed over 1.3 million professionals globally, with the global market growing due to rising cyber threat awareness. statista


Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Employment and the Labour Market

AI will cut 85M jobs by 2025 but create 97M new roles, with 30% of IT pros using AI for time efficiency.


88. AI is expected to eliminate approximately 85 million jobs by 2025. Nevertheless, the same report determined that AI would generate approximately 97 million new employment within the same timeframe. weforum.org
89. According to IBM, 30% of IT professionals indicate that their coworkers are using AI and automation tools to save time. IBM


The Future of AI in Training

AI adoption varies, with 22% integrating it widely, while 56% use AI for operations, security, and more.


90. 22% of firms are integrating AI across various products and workflows, while 33% are limited in implementation and 45% are still in the exploration phase. connect.comptia.org
91. 56% of businesses use AI tools for improved operations, cybersecurity, fraud management, digital personal assistants, customer relationship management, inventory management, content production, product recommendations, accounting assistance, supply chain operations, recruitment, talent sourcing, and audience segmentation. Forbes Advisor

In conclusion, the 2024 statistics on employee training and development demonstrate the undeniable value of investing in workforce growth. Effective training programs lead to higher engagement, skill enhancement, and long-term retention, all of which are critical for organizational success. As businesses face rapid industry changes and technological advancements, those that prioritize employee development will not only retain top talent but also achieve a stronger, more adaptable workforce. In an increasingly competitive landscape, nurturing employees' growth is not just an investment in individuals, it's a strategic move for a sustainable future.