Six Corporate Learning Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2025
The only constant in life is change, and corporate learning is no exception. We’ve seen many changes over the last year in the workplace, a lot of which will continue to grow or spawn new changes as we move forward in 2025.
Six of these trends we’ll address in this blog post include:
- AI-driven learning
- Focus on soft skills
- Microlearning
- Learning in the flow of work
- Data-driven learning
- Personalized learning at scale
Let’s dive into the details.
1. The Rise of AI-Driven Learning
When it comes to learning in the workplace, AI can be your friend. Aside from the way AI can reduce the amount of manual tasks your staff may take care of, it’s also a powerful tool when it comes to enabling personalized learning at scale.
The right upskilling platform can use AI to build your company a skills matrix—a list of the skills utilized in all roles at your company. These skills can then be automatically mapped to open roles to improve internal mobility or to create personalized career paths for your staff. Any gaps can be addressed by the right educational opportunities, to get your employees where they want to go.
AI isn’t going anywhere, and its abilities will continue to thrive as we cruise into the new year.
2. Increased Focus on Soft Skills Development
While learning in general has positive intent, targeting specific skills for your employees can make your team stronger. Research shows that 91% of L&D professionals say human or soft skills are increasingly important.
In 2025, the emphasis on developing soft skills in the workplace will continue to grow. These are more human skills, like emotional intelligence, leadership or communication skills.
These skills will make your team more well-rounded, able to execute role-specific tasks while also building soft skills that can be transferrable to any role.
And did we mention AI? Putting an emphasis on human skills will also be crucial in helping employees differentiate themselves and rise above the basic tasks AI can help with.
3. Microlearning
Not every employee is going to have time or desire to complete a full degree—that’s where microlearning comes in. These are short, bite-sized courses that can be completed in less time.
With the flexibility microlearning offers staff, you can expect to see this type of learning trending upward in the new year.
For employees with busy schedules, microlearning can provide the perfect scratch of their learning itch. These shorter courses can also yield better knowledge retention and flexibility for those with busy lifestyles.
Some of these shorter courses are also stackable, meaning several of them can be combined into a certificate or other credential.
4. Learning in the Flow of Work
This trend fits hand and hand with the popularity of building a culture of continuous learning in the workplace. It also breaks down learning into even more digestible segments than microlearning.
Learning in the flow of work means embedding learning right into daily tasks, allowing for it to happen naturally. For example, joining an online community hosted in Slack or another tool already used regularly at work.
This trend also lends itself to higher knowledge retention, as new concepts are applied and tied directly to employees’ work.
Making learning accessible to employees will also stoke the coals for a continuous learning culture, spurring this trend into 2025.
5. Data-Driven Learning and Skill Analytics
Leveraging data analytics to measure learning effectiveness and identify skills gaps is quickly becoming a key trend.
As businesses increasingly prioritize data-driven learning, they are using AI and skills analytics to create targeted, evidence-based learning programs tailored to employee needs.
By tracking progress, predicting future learning requirements and customizing development plans based on data insights, organizations can ensure their training initiatives are not only relevant but also aligned with both individual career growth and broader business objectives.
This data-centric approach helps bridge skills gaps more effectively and optimize employee development, positioning companies to stay competitive in 2025.
6. Personalized Learning at Scale
This year, personalized learning at scale is set to be a game-changing trend. Organizations are increasingly tailoring learning experiences to individual employees’ needs, roles and career paths.
This approach not only drives higher engagement by delivering more relevant content but also supports better skill development and contributes to improved employee retention.
By leveraging tech like AI, companies can ensure that learning is both scalable and personalized, creating a more motivated and skilled workforce.
Preparing for the Future of Corporate Learning
Looking ahead, the corporate learning landscape looks familiar with nuanced trends being spun out of its continuous evolution. Trends like AI-driven learning, soft skills development, microlearning, learning in the flow of work, data-driven learning and personalized learning at scale are reshaping how organizations develop their talent.
For businesses, adopting these trends is key to staying competitive. By leveraging AI, prioritizing continuous learning and focusing on both hard and soft skills, companies can build a more adaptable and motivated workforce. As 2025 approaches, those who embrace these shifts will enhance retention, improve skill development and position themselves for long-term success.