eLearning in 2025: Key Takeaways from the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report

Adapted from the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024

As we approach 2025, employee retention remains a top priority for companies around the globe. According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report (LWLR) 2024, 90% of organisations are concerned about retaining talent and view corporate learning as a powerful tool to achieve it.

Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, an eLearning consultancy, believes the right approach to employee development can spark meaningful growth—for individuals and businesses alike. “With the right strategy, employee development enhances performance and drives long-term business growth. Growth energises people and inspires them to stay and evolve with the company,” says Gullan.

Here are the top seven eLearning trends to embrace in 2025:

1. Align Learning with Business Strategy

In the coming year, eLearning will evolve far beyond compliance and onboarding. Companies will start using eLearning as a strategic lever to empower their workforce and external stakeholders—such as distributors, partners, and franchisees.

“The biggest insight for 2025 is this,” says Gullan. “eLearning isn’t just about onboarding anymore. It’s now a strategic investment that, when aligned with your goals, can help you exceed them.”

2. Secure a Seat at the Leadership Table

Learning and Development (L&D) is no longer a side conversation. It’s a boardroom discussion. According to the LinkedIn Executive Confidence Index, 90% of global decision-makers plan to increase investment in L&D over the next six months.

“Leaders are seeing solid returns on eLearning,” says Gullan. “That’s why, in 2025, more C-suite executives will be involved in shaping L&D strategies to drive business growth.”

3. Deepen Connection and Purpose

The 2024 LWLR found that 70% of employees feel learning connects them to their organisation, and 80% believe it gives purpose to their work. In a world of hybrid teams and remote work, learning can play a vital role in enhancing connection, communication, and company culture.

“When people grow, they want to share,” Gullan explains. “Upskilled employees, clear on the company’s mission, are naturally inclined to collaborate and contribute.”

4. Make Learning Dynamic and Future-Ready

Static, one-size-fits-all training is fading fast. Today’s employees want content tailored to their skills, aspirations, and pace. The most effective learning programs are dynamic, personalised, and science-backed, helping individuals build future-facing skills that keep pace with a changing world.

“When learning directly benefits employees’ careers and lives,” Gullan says, “they lean in.”

5. Deliver Coaching and Mentoring at Scale

Coaching is no longer reserved for executives. In 2025, more organisations will use eLearning platforms to deliver mentorship and coaching across all levels—efficiently and affordably.

According to LWLR 2024, 47% of organisations already invest in career mentoring to boost retention. “eLearning makes it scalable,” says Gullan. “You can offer mentoring and real-time support without overwhelming your managers.”

6. Break Glass Ceilings with Internal Mobility

When employees don’t see room to grow, they leave. Gullan advises companies to prioritise internal mobility, enabling team members to stretch into new roles and develop cross-functional knowledge.

“In 2025, expect more organisations to upskill their current talent instead of recruiting externally,” he says. “Don’t wait for a perfect mobility strategy—start with an eLearning program that strengthens your team from within.”

7. Use Analytics to Sharpen Impact

It’s not enough to launch a learning program—you need to measure it. In 2025, real-time analytics and data-driven insights will become essential to optimise learning outcomes and prove ROI.

“You need to know what’s working—by course, by employee, and by business unit,” says Gullan. “Data helps you align learning with performance.”

As Gullan puts it, 2025 is set to be the year eLearning becomes a strategic pillar, not just a support function. With 90% of executives planning to maintain or grow their L&D budgets, the focus will shift to driving measurable value.

Companies that combine smart learning strategies, mentorship at scale, and powerful analytics will be best positioned to thrive. They’ll not only close skills gaps but also create strong, connected teams that are motivated to stay—and grow.

“The possibilities for eLearning have never been more exciting. 2025 is the year we move from training to transformation.” – Michael Gullan