Research finds 55 percent of organizations say learning and development has improved employee engagement

New research from Rise Up, an online learning platform, has found that a majority of organizations believe learning and development has improved employee engagement.

For its 2025 State of Learning report, Rise Up surveyed 300 senior learning and development professionals in the UK. Despite demonstrating results, 40 percent of those surveyed said less than half of their initiatives receive board approval.

Many leaders also reported reduced budgets, with one respondent stating: “Tough times in the industry, increased costs because of National Insurance hikes, a close eye on resources and costs means that any substantial new spend for training and development is on the back burner.”  

However, the report did also find that 48 percent of leaders now believe learning and development is central to their business strategy, up from just seven percent in 2024.

“When done right, L&D is not a cost centre, it is a growth engine,” explains Frédéric Hebert, CPO at Rise Up. “The evidence is clear: investment in learning drives engagement and innovation, future-proofing your business performance and enhancing your competitive advantage. But, are L&D leaders being equipped for success? Too often they face stalled budgets, delayed board approval and patchy buy-in from the top. Underinvesting in learning doesn’t just risk losing talent, it also jeopardises a company’s competitive edge.” 

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.