Think of a classroom where the teacher uses smart tools but still cares about each student’s hopes and growth. That’s how L&D (learning and development) is evolving. According to the 2025 L&D report, 91% of L&D teams say they already measure how their programs impact things like skills, performance and retention. Also, many are embracing AI in learning and development to help tailor experiences while still keeping humans at the center.  

This means two big shifts: 

• AI adoption is real and growing. 

• The focus is on people—on growth, careers, and well-being, not just ticking boxes. 

What’s changing in the “future of workplace training” space 

The survey finds that L&D teams are doing more than running courses. They’re tying learning to business results, to people’s careers, and even to employee retention. 

Here are some key stats: 

• Less than one in three L&D teams rate their strategy as “”advanced”—meaning many still see big room to grow.  

• The top trends: linking learning to business strategy (36%), building learning ecosystems (34%) and using data-driven decisions (34%).  

• 42% of teams say they are using AI-powered learning tools or making AI part of their learning strategy. 

So when you hear “AI in learning and development”, what does that mean? It means smarter tools, personalised paths, and data to check what really helps people learn and grow. 

If you’re curious about how AI supports continuous education programmes, you might enjoy this suggestion: Future of Continuous Learning: AI Training Programs 

People matter just as much as tech — “human-centred AI L&D” in action 

It might sound odd: using advanced tech while putting people first. But that’s exactly the point. The report shows L&D leaders are serious about careers, wellbeing and human growth. For example: 

• Employee well-being and mental health surfaced as a top driver of L&D programmes (44%)—ahead of many tech themes. 

• L&D teams are shifting from “complete this course” to “what did you learn, how will you use it, and where can you go next?”  

• AI isn’t replacing people; it’s being used to help personalise learning and free up humans to focus on connection and deeper growth. 

Because of this, you might like this next read: 6 Must-Try AI Activities Educators Can Use Today 

Upskilling with AI trends: What L&D teams are doing now 

The report also reveals what skills L&D teams are prioritising and how they are operating. Here are highlights in simple terms: 

• Around 56% say data analytics and reporting are top skills for the coming year. 

• 53% say AI and machine learning in L&D are crucial skills. 

• Despite this pivot, measuring return on learning and linking it to business outcomes remains a challenge for many (~30%). 

And here’s something to explore if you want to dig further: Explore How AI Educators Are Revolutionizing Education 

Why L&D leaders are saying “yes” to both AI adoption & people 

You might ask: “Why does this matter?” Here’s why: when L&D leaders adopt AI and keep people in focus, the whole organisation benefits. Things like employee retention improve, internal mobility increases, and skills gaps shrink. The report points out that learning tied to business outcomes beats doing just generic training.  

Here are three simple reasons L&D leaders are on board: 

1. Better measurement – Most teams now track impact beyond attendance and completions. They track skills, retention, and performance.  

2. Stronger link to business – Learning aligns with goals like sales growth, customer service, and retention.  

3. More human focus – Learning is being created for real people with real career paths, not just training for training’s sake. 

If you work in HR or learning, or just want to understand where workplace training is headed, you might enjoy Certification Opportunities for Aspiring Teachers with AI Educator 

What does this mean for you? 

• For organisations: Investing in “AI in learning and development” means you can build a workforce ready for change. You get better retention, better performance, and better alignment. 

• For individuals (employees, learners): You get training that matches your role and career. You get learning experiences that feel personal, useful, and linked to your future. 

And for learning leaders, it means thinking in a “growth mindset”: how will this training help someone move ahead, not just complete a course? 

If you want one more read, here’s a suggestion: AI Educator: How to Create an Engaging AI Curriculum  

Final Words 

The 2025 L&D report shows that learning & development is becoming a strategic partner in business and not just support. It’s using AI, focusing on people, and measuring impact. If your organization or you as an individual want to stay ahead, this is the moment to embrace “upskilling with AI trends” and “human-centered AI L&D”. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider getting certified. The AI CERTs offers a certification focused on AI learning & development, equipping professionals with tools, frameworks and the mindset to thrive in this landscape.  

Download the Program Guide 

Whether you’re an L&D leader, HR partner, or just want to build AI-aware learning skills, this kind of certification can help seal the gap between training and true business impact. 

So go ahead: say “yes” to AI and “yes” to people. Enroll Today! 

Recent Blogs