Employee Learning and Development: A Comprehensive Guide

Businesses need to be able to move with the times and provide learning opportunities in innovative ways. With the cost of living and higher salary expectations a major player in the UK job market, and with resignations within the first 6 months of starting a role a growing trend due to unrealistic expectations, Learning and Development (L&D) represents a key opportunity to build trust and show your employees they are valued and supported in a difficult job market.

L&D teams are critical in creating these opportunities and nurturing company culture. They play a pivotal role in aligning workplace learning and development with overall business strategy, ensuring long-term success. Read on to find out more about Learning and Development, or download our comprehensive PDF guide today to learn:

• What is Learning and Development? 
• What is the role of Training and Development? 
• What is the purpose of L&D? 
• How does L&D impact company culture? 
• How should L&D training be delivered? 
• Should Training and Development be led by HR? 
• What does an L&D manager do? 
• What is the impact of Learning and Development? 
• How can the impact of L&D be measured?
• What is a learning management system (LMS)?
• The best Learning and Development tools 
• Examples of companies with strong L&D offerings 
• Employment Hero’s Learning Management system

Disclaimer: The information in this article is current as at 17 June 2025, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. The Information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising either directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and to seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.

What is Learning and Development?

Learning and development is an important function within a business that is responsible for empowering employees’ growth and developing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities to drive better business performance. The learning aspect is about the acquisition of knowledge, skills and mindsets through experience, study, training or teaching. Development is about broadening and deepening knowledge, often in relation to goals, objectives, or career aspirations set by the employee.

The components of learning and development

Employee training vs. development, what’s the difference?

While often used interchangeably, training and development serve different but equally important purposes. A structured training program typically refers to short-term activities focused on teaching employees how to perform their current jobs more effectively. It might involve technical instruction, systems onboarding, compliance, or customer service skills.

Development, on the other hand, is more long-term and career-oriented. It’s about preparing employees for future roles or expanding their capabilities to tackle broader responsibilities. This might include leadership workshops, mentoring, coaching, or support for further education.

Training helps people do their current job better, while development prepares them for what’s next. By combining these elements, businesses can address skills gaps more effectively and deliver sustainable employee development programs that serve both the individual and the organisation.

The role of corporate learning and development in business growth

A well-crafted development strategy doesn’t just enhance individual performance, but also directly contributes to business performance and growth. Upskilling staff means better results, fewer costly mistakes, and improved service delivery. In knowledge-based industries, continuous learning also helps teams stay ahead of fast-moving trends and technological change.

Strategically, L&D helps align employee growth with business strategy. When people see a clear career path and know their development matters, they’re more likely to be engaged, proactive, and loyal—directly fuelling innovation and productivity.

Also, building a learning culture contributes to greater agility. Businesses with embedded L&D practices are better equipped to pivot in times of change or disruption, thanks to employees who are adaptable, informed, and confident in taking on new challenges.

How HR professionals can build an effective L&D strategy

Start with understanding where your business and workforce stand. Conduct a skills gap analysis to pinpoint development opportunities and future skill requirements. Involve leaders in this process. Their insight can help identify both current performance gaps and future capability needs.

Once you’ve mapped out your needs, build a plan that blends formal training (e.g. workshops, digital courses) with informal learning (mentoring, job shadowing, peer-led sessions).

Be sure to:

• Integrate development into everyday operations like one-on-ones and performance reviews.
• Offer quick wins like webinars or e-modules to make progress while long-term initiatives are in motion.
• Collect regular feedback from employees and managers to refine programs continuously.

Learning and development professionals should also focus on aligning initiatives with key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect both individual and organisational growth.

Benefits of L&D for employees and employers

How L&D enhances employee engagement and retention

L&D plays a crucial role in helping employees feel invested in and valued. People are more likely to stay with a company that’s committed to their growth. Clear development pathways and recognition for learning achievements create purpose and motivation.

Strong L&D programs improve not only employee development but also talent development—retaining your best people and preparing them for expanded roles.

Don’t underestimate the importance of embedding employee learning into day-to-day culture—whether through regular check-ins, informal feedback, or simply encouraging curiosity. This helps reduce burnout, increase engagement, and build loyalty over time.

The impact of corporate L&D

When L&D is part of the company’s DNA, the results are measurable: higher performance, lower turnover, and greater innovation. Businesses with active learning cultures reported seeing increased participation in training, stronger internal mobility, and readiness for change.

Workplace learning and development initiatives also drive measurable outcomes against key performance indicators — including improvements in efficiency, employee satisfaction, and internal promotion rates.

Even better, when managers and leaders actively champion and participate in development, the entire organisation follows suit. Learning becomes not just a function, but a shared value.

The role of training and development in employee career growth

Career progression is one of the most powerful motivators for today’s workforce. An effective L&D programme equips employees with the tools to grow—whether through technical skills, leadership development, or cross-functional opportunities.

Job shadowing is a key tool in career development. These initiatives provide real-world learning, strengthen relationships across departments, and create natural leadership pipelines — especially when guided by clear goals, feedback loops, and open communication.

For learning and development professionals, it’s essential to link these activities to tangible outcomes like career advancement, internal promotions, and leadership readiness.

How does L&D impact company culture?

In an ever-more competitive employment market, one of the best ways you can stand out from the crowd is through a well thought out and engaging Learning and Development function. One of the biggest benefits of this is the effect L&D can have on your company culture. Some reasons for this include:

• It creates a values-based culture: By investing in your employees’ development, you are showing them that they are valued and respected as individuals and beyond just a number in a spreadsheet.
• It improves employee engagement: Employees who are challenged and stimulated mentally through training and learning opportunities often feel more engaged with their entire job role and more enthusiastic about their career at your company.
• It encourages feedback and new ideas: L&D provides a sometimes rare opportunity for employees to discuss their ideas and experiences, and to come up with new ways to improve ways of working in your organisation. Feeling like they have a stake in the work environment and their opinions are valued, is another way to encourage engagement.
• It can improve individual performance: For those who may need a little more help with training or who may otherwise become a drain on higher-performing staff through asking more questions, or making more mistakes at work, additional regular upskilling through L&D can help those individuals improve and contribute equally to the workload. This grows the confidence of these staff, and allows top-performers to focus on their own development rather than fire-fighting.
• It can reduce absenteeism: Enforcing mandatory L&D training where all employees are expected to contribute ideas and take part, can help to improve employee engagement and prevent some staff going under the radar and not living by your company values.
• It can increase productivity: By training employees more effectively to help them improve their skillset, knowledge, and behaviours in the workplace, your productivity will naturally increase. In-line with this, staff will feel less stressed or overwhelmed if they have been taught ways to improve efficiencies in their work
• It can help attract and retain talent: Through L&D programs, top talent can be attracted to work at a company that values progression and staff can enjoy better internal progression opportunities once they have joined your company. Staff often feel the short-end of the stick when employees leave or when you have a high-turnover and this can lead to higher stress levels, burnout, and dissatisfaction among remaining staff.

Should training and development be led by HR?

More often than not, L&D is led by the Human Resources (HR) department. This is because HR are usually best placed and have the best experience to be able to lead this work effectively. There are a lot of overlapping responsibilities between HR and L&D for example with onboarding staff and performance management.

The HR teams are also already used to working with all departments across the business and know the needs of each team well. And more generally the aim of staff Training and Development correlates directly with HR’s main function; to create a skillful, productive, and engaged workforce. That said, it’s not essential that HR lead the Training and Development program at your company, and there can be benefits to other departments taking charge, or outsourcing some training responsibilities to external experts.

If certain teams have very specific needs and it is a specialism where only an expert within the team would be able to help upskill the wider team, this could be a time when it’s beneficial to delegate responsibilities. However, make sure you are providing the relevant time, support, and resources to ensure your teams are able to do this important role. Having HR leading the program and then delegating responsibilities and helping sub-leaders within their specialisms lead the training would be a good way to ensure you get the balance right.

Types of learning and development programs

On-the-job training and workplace coaching

On-the-job learning allows employees to build skills directly within their current roles. It’s practical, immediate, and helps reinforce formal training. Coaching, whether from managers or peers, adds value by providing feedback and personal guidance.

This approach is a key part of talent development, particularly for SMEs where informal learning opportunities may carry greater weight.

E-learning and digital training solutions

Digital training makes learning accessible, flexible, and scalable. Self-paced modules, short quizzes, or recorded webinars fit easily into the workday, and into different learning styles.

Webinar speakers mentioned tools like GO1 and Employment Hero Learning, which provide pre-loaded or customisable content and track progress easily. These are great options for time-poor teams that still want to foster continuous development.

When used effectively, digital learning tools can also help close skills gaps by targeting specific areas of weakness with tailored content.

Leadership and professional development programs

Leadership development is vital, not just for today’s leaders but also for building tomorrow’s. Mentoring, coaching, and formal development programs help employees build confidence, communication skills, and soft skills development.

Importantly, don’t limit leadership development to senior management. Equip team leads and emerging leaders with the tools they need early. Involving them in initiatives like mentoring others or participating in cross-departmental projects can build real leadership capability in a practical context.

What are the best practices for implementing L&D at work?

Creating a culture of continuous learning

To build a learning culture, L&D must be visible and valued at all levels. That starts with leaders role-modelling learning behaviours — sharing what they’re working on, being vulnerable, and inviting feedback.

Create safe spaces where questions and experimentation are encouraged. Integrate development conversations into regular one-on-ones, celebrate learning milestones, and recognise participation.

A small but impactful step? Start with one initiative. One training session, one mentorship, or one shared article can be the spark for broader cultural change.

Promoting a learning culture also supports business performance by creating engaged, growth-oriented teams.

Personalising learning for different roles

Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. Use insights from performance reviews, career planning, and team feedback to create learning pathways tailored to each employee.

This is where tools like skills gap analysis become invaluable, allowing HR teams to prioritise the right content for the right people.

Mentoring and shadowing are especially impactful when matched to career interests or cross-functional goals. Likewise, offering a mix of formats — digital modules, peer learning, live sessions — helps engage a wider range of learners.

Measuring the success of employee L&D initiatives

To ensure your efforts are paying off, evaluate your programs using a mix of tools:

• Reaction surveys: gauge immediate feedback and satisfaction.
• Learning assessments: check how much was absorbed.
• Behaviour change reviews: see if new skills are being applied.
• Manager and peer input: add context to the data.

Tie program success to your company’s key performance indicators. That could mean improved retention rates, increased internal hires, higher productivity, or stronger customer satisfaction metrics.

Overcoming challenges in employee L&D

Addressing budget constraints in small businesses

L&D doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Low-cost options like webinars, peer mentoring, internal lunch-and-learns, or free e-learning content can still deliver impact.

Also, consider partnering with platforms that offer ready-made resources, or tapping into industry networks and government grants.

These options still support comprehensive workplace learning and development without requiring a significant investment.

Encouraging employee participation in learning programs

Participation thrives when employees have autonomy and ownership. Let them select learning goals, tie those goals to real career outcomes, and offer recognition or rewards for effort.

Crucially, managers must lead the way. Employees are more likely to engage in programs that their leaders openly support and actively discuss in team meetings or one-on-ones.

Keeping up with emerging trends in corporate learning and development

Staying current means staying curious. Keep up with new formats like microlearning, gamification, or AI-driven platforms. But don’t just jump on trends, pilot them in small ways, get feedback, and scale what works.

Also, build the habit of learning into your own routine. Subscribe to newsletters, attend professional webinars, and model lifelong learning in your leadership.

What is a Learning Management System?

A learning management system, or LMS, is a software app that helps companies create, manage, and track their Learning and Development programs. There are a large range of companies which offer LMS tools, and all will have their own pros and cons, so it’s worth putting in some time to research which tool will fit your company’s needs best.

Use Employment Hero to get started with employee learning and development

Still not sure where to start? Get in touch with one of our experts, and discuss your business’s unique needs to find a tailored development plan for your team. Our L&D platform makes it easy to assign, track, and evaluate learning programs across your entire organisation — whether you’re delivering compliance training or building custom development pathways.

With features like learning libraries, custom course creation, and progress tracking, you’ll have the tools to embed L&D into your culture, not just as an initiative.