Gallup recently published the results of the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey. The data is clear - engagement is low. Only 30% of respondents strongly agreed that someone at their company encouraged their development. That is only 1 in 3 people.
When employees feel as if their development matters, it shows in the engagement data. For companies that take the time to invest in learning programs, professional development, and leadership development, the value of those programs shows up in improved productivity, reduced turnover, and higher customer satisfaction. The data shows that investing in employee learning programs is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it is a strategic necessity.
Why Employee Learning Programs Matter
Employee learning programs serve as the foundation for cultivating an engaged and skilled workforce. When companies invest in professional development, they signal to their employees that their growth and success matter-that they matter. This leads to higher engagement, reduced turnover, and greater productivity.
In fact, recent research from Better Buys shows that employees with professional development opportunities have a 34% higher retention rate. When employees see clear pathways for growth and development, they’re more likely to stay, contribute, and develop a sense of ownership in the organization’s success. The result? A workforce that’s not only motivated but also highly skilled in the latest industry tools, techniques, and best practices.
Measuring the ROI of Learning Programs
The value of a learning program comes down to measurable returns. Learning programs can be seen as a cost center - there are often large upfront investment costs, but the long-term gains of such programs—financial, cultural, and operational—far outweigh those initial expenses.
For example, companies that prioritize upskilling and reskilling employees often report significant cost savings from internal promotions rather than external hires. They also find that more skilled employees reduce errors, improve project outcomes, and streamline processes.
A well-trained workforce can lead to higher customer satisfaction. Customers value interacting with employees who understand the company’s products, services, and values. This ultimately drives revenue and retention.
Consider the impact of a comprehensive onboarding program. With the right training plan in place, new hires reach productivity faster, ramp up sooner, and help the company achieve operational goals more quickly.
The ROI becomes clear when you compare the time and resources spent on high-quality training to the costs of frequent hiring cycles, lost productivity, and disengaged employees.
Aligning Learning Programs with Business Goals
To unlock the business value of employee learning programs, companies must align them with broader strategic objectives.
For instance, if a company is focused on improving customer satisfaction scores, training sessions might emphasize soft skills, product knowledge, and problem-solving techniques. If reducing turnover is a top priority, learning programs should target leadership development, new hire onboarding, career development, and employee engagement strategies.
Aligning learning initiatives with business goals also allows for more targeted metrics. Instead of simply tracking training completion rates, organizations can measure how learning efforts have directly contributed to key outcomes—whether that’s increased revenue, improved efficiency, or greater employee satisfaction.
At Gaitway Learning, we are passionate about helping businesses turn learning into a strategic advantage. We align programs to company goals through a data-driven approach that measures impact and garners true results. Interested in learning more? Schedule your discovery call today.
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