New research from Emergn reveals that professional development has become one of the strongest predictors of workforce loyalty, with 89% of respondents saying they would be more loyal to an employer that actively invests in their upskilling.
The findings point to a decisive shift in how people evaluate employers: learning is no longer a perk or a retention programme, but a baseline expectation. As AI reshapes roles and raises the bar on capability, workers are increasingly judging organisations on whether they will help them stay relevant or leave them to fall behind.
The study, drawing on insights from 751 CEOs, CTOs, COOs and other senior leaders across the UK and US, highlights a workforce increasingly sensitive to learning, management quality, and progression with key findings including:
- 70% say the rise of AI has made them pay closer attention to the training programmes employers offer
- 81% believe it is the employer’s responsibility to upskill staff
- 64% would be discouraged from applying to organisations that lack adequate training
- 50% would consider leaving their job because of a manager with poor leadership skills
- 43% say a lack of management training is directly contributing to lost productivity
- 32% report they have not received enough training to keep up with AI-driven change
- 27% say training gaps are already reducing productivity in comparison with competitors
The research also reveals that weak management capability is compounding the problem. With 68% agreeing their manager would benefit from additional training — and 28% reporting insufficient leadership development opportunities — organisations are facing a double risk: disengaged employees and underperforming teams. Training is no longer a support function but a competitive advantage that directly influences loyalty, capability and delivery.
“Technology can accelerate, but people create meaningful change. Today’s best talent expects continuous learning and growth, and organisations that invest in it will be more resilient and achieve stronger outcomes,” said Alex Adamopoulos, Chairman and CEO of Emergn.
About the Study:
Emergn’s 2025 Global Intelligent Delusion Study was conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 751 global organisations. Respondents included CEOs, CTOs, COOs and other senior leaders involved in operational change. All had at least five years’ tenure at companies with more than 1,000 employees and annual revenue exceeding $500 million.
