What’s in and what’s out for L&D leaders in 2025
Degreed's new analysis spotlights the trends reshaping workplace learning priorities this year. Here's what's gaining momentum and what's falling out of favour.
AI is on fire. Learning leaders are embracing generative AI to scale up upskilling, curate content and deliver personalised coaching at speed and scale.
Skills-first development wins. Organisations are shifting from credential accumulation to agile, skills-based learning aligned with real business goals .
Human‑centred approaches rise. Communities of practice, social learning and coaching are increasingly valued.
Too much content loses weight. The ‘more is better’ mindset is criticised: disorganised content dumps frustrate learners and dilute impact.
Neglecting human skills falling out of favour. Top L&D voices stress that soft skills - critical thinking, collaboration, resilience - are non-negotiable, even in the AI era.
Leadership silos are breaking. One-off leadership courses no longer suffice. Ongoing development, real-world practice and coaching are now expected.
Degreed’s review underlines that successful L&D in 2025 blends AI‑driven efficiency with human connection, ensuring training is meaningful. Organisations focusing on integrated skills development, coaching culture and impact metrics are gaining influence and budgets, and those clinging to outdated content-heavy models are losing ground.
✅ In: AI-enhanced learning at scale
Generative AI is taking centre stage, used not only for content curation but also for identifying skill gaps, forecasting talent needs, recommending curated learning paths and delivering personalised coaching. Degreed Co-CEO Max Wessel describes it as 'the world's greatest tutor in the pocket of every learner.' This shift positions AI as a tool for both efficiency and engagement.
✅ In: Human-centred ecosystems
Technology alone isn't enough. The most effective L&D strategies now integrate microlearning, peer coaching and communities of practice to reinforce real-world learning. Structured 'Academies' and peer-led groups are being used to support skill retention and sustain continuous development.
✅ In: Soft-skills and mindset work
As AI takes on more technical tasks, human-centric skills like adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and resilience are in high demand. Degreed calls this shift non-negotiable: organisations that invest here will be better placed to navigate complexity and drive innovation.
❌ Out: Content dumping
Endless learning libraries no longer work. Without curation and relevance, learners are overwhelmed and disengaged. L&D teams are moving away from a 'more is better' mindset towards streamlined, skills-focused learning pathways.
❌ Out: One-off top-down programmes
Traditional cascade models and mandatory training alone aren't enough. Learners now expect personalised, just-in-time experiences with relevance to their roles and growth.
Quick take
- AI + skills-based strategies + social learning = staying relevant
- Fast content fixes, fragmented leadership, and passive learning = falling behind
Implications for learning leaders
- AI integration: Use tools that serve learners and deliver actionable insights, not just automation
- Skill-first curation: Prioritise relevance over volume and track impact
- Human touchpoints: Blend coaching, peer-led learning and social connection into programmes
- Soft-skill focus: Develop adaptability, collaboration and creativity as business-critical skills
2025's winning L&D strategies balance technology with humanity. High-performing teams are investing in AI-enabled personalisation, social learning and soft skills. The outdated models, content hoarding and generic compliance training, no longer deliver. For learning leaders, the path forward is to design experiences that are smart, social and strategic.