Learning & Development
Driving profitability by reskilling and upskilling employees to meet future business needs.
2026 TRENDS
The Rise of Upskilling in 2026
Traditional training isn’t cutting it — real-time upskilling is the new standard. In 2026, HR leaders will revamp L&D strategies to enable continuous skill development, empowering employees to grow throughout their careers. Discover the skills-first approach and explore all seven 2026 trends to stay ahead.
Continuous learning is no longer optional — it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that invest in employee development reduce skills gaps, improve retention, and accelerate innovation. Every dollar spent on training yields measurable returns in productivity and engagement. HR leaders who prioritize L&D create agile organizations ready to respond to market shifts.
Want to close skills gaps or measure training ROI?
Ask a SHRM Knowledge Advisor for guidance on effective L&D strategies.
Key Data Trends
Companies that invest in employee development reduce skills gaps, improve retention, and accelerate innovation.
Every dollar spent on training yields measurable returns in productivity and engagement.
Continuous learning is no longer optional — it's a competitive advantage.
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Certification Preparation
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Latest News
Lawmakers praise the role of career and technical education in closing skills gaps but disagree over the recent shift of CTE oversight to the Department of Labor.
Every HR professional has a few horrifying workplace tales to make your hair stand on end — including these 13 stories submitted by our Honest HR podcast audience.
Unlock hidden leadership potential with intentional development, inclusive pipelines, and measurable succession strategies to build future-ready organizations.
Learn what a pragmatic and operational workforce planning process should look like — and gain access to tools and strategies for responding to workforce gaps.
Close Skills Gaps. Drive Growth.
SHRM membership helps you upskill your workforce, measure ROI, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
Become a SHRM Member and power your organization’s growth through learning.
Member Resources
GenAI is disrupting entry-level roles and career paths in highly skilled professions. Get insights into designing a workforce strategy for alternative pathways.
Upskilling starts with understanding skills gaps. Explore how to conduct a needs assessment to empower employees and align their growth with business goals.
Advance your workforce planning and improve retention with structured career development. Review HR best practices, legal considerations, and ways to track success.
Understand how career lattices help fill key roles, support employee growth, and attract top talent. Develop a strategy that benefits organizations and teams.