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.
Member OnlyWant 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
Advance your career and your organization’s impact with SHRM’s expert-led certification prep programs.
Latest News
A new study found that talent development practitioners believe performance-based assessments are more effective at measuring employee learning outcomes than knowledge tests.
What are essential AI skills and how do you identify them in job candidates and develop them in yourself and non-technical colleagues? Here's how workplace leaders answered those questions.
It’s likely that there are employees in your midst with the skills and potential to step into AI-related roles, if they are given the right training and coaching.
Remote workers are more susceptible to their jobs being replaced by automation due to their tasks being digital and thus more easily automated. However, reskilling these workers in generative AI (GenAI) could help them see huge productivity benefits.
Week one plays a critical role in how new hires perceive your organization. This culture first onboarding guide shares practical ways to create a first-week experience that builds connection, confidence, and belonging, starting day one.
Stay informed about the latest labor trends, regional variations, and skill demand shifts as the market adapts in 2026.
Corporate sabbaticals boost productivity, well-being, and talent in companies. Learn how planned breaks can rejuvenate employees and strengthen teams.
New Workforce Pell rules will allow federal grants for short-term job training programs tied to in-demand industries starting July 1.
Learn four tips from industry leaders which you can implement to improve your skills-first hiring plan, increasing your HR value-add on company investment.
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
Get ahead in HR with certifications, e-learning, and networking tips that build skills, expand connections, and support career growth.
Gain a step-by-step framework for conducting a skills gap analysis that empowers HR leaders to align talent strategy with business goals and drive results.
Elevate your workplace by shaping a cohesive workplace culture. Find practical steps for HR leaders to assess, align, and sustain a positive environment.
HR leaders face common pitfalls in learning and development. Find actionable solutions for engagement, return on investment, alignment, manager support, and more.