TalentLMS has released its 2026 Annual L&D Benchmark Report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. employees and 101 HR managers. The findings confirm that employee training has become a core retention driver, with 73% of workers stating that access to development opportunities would make them stay longer at their company.
After dipping to 24% last year, the percentage of employees willing to leave without training opportunities has risen sharply to 35%. Meanwhile, 73% explicitly link continued tenure to meaningful development programs, underscoring that learning is now a business-critical retention tool rather than a perk.
HR leaders overwhelmingly expect AI to create new positions (70%) while automating others, yet nearly half acknowledge their current AI training focuses on roles that may eventually be replaced. A significant disconnect exists between HR’s confidence in AI training delivery and employees’ perception of its quality and relevance.
Rising performance demands are crowding out development: 65% of employees report increased expectations over the past year, and more than half say heavy workloads leave no room for learning. This creates a vicious cycle where the need for upskilling grows exactly when time for it shrinks.
Dimitris Tsingos, CEO of Epignosis, parent company of TalentLMS: “The data sends a clear signal that employees want employers to invest in learning and development. That requires top-down strategies and learning that empowers everyone — from the receptionist to the CEO — to help people grow, and build AI competencies that keep companies and talent ahead of innovation.”
The 2026 report signals an urgent call to action: organizations must protect dedicated learning time, align AI training with long-term career growth, and close the perception gap between leadership and employees to remain competitive in an AI-driven talent market.
TalentLMS is the easiest-to-use learning management system (LMS) for companies that want to launch training quickly, prove value sooner, and turn learning into a driver of success. Designed for growing businesses, it combines simplicity with AI-powered tools, a complete set of course content options, and built-in reporting — putting impactful learning within reach for all. Trusted by over 22 million learners in 12,000+ organizations worldwide, TalentLMS helps companies train employees, partners, and customers — fueling growth for your business at every step.
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