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If you want to hold onto your best people, you need to invest in their future.
That’s the big takeaway from LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2025 titled The Rise of Career Champions, which makes a compelling case for why career development is no longer just a perk, but a business imperative.
And yet, only 36% of organizations have fully embraced career-driven learning. The rest? They’re playing catch-up.
The report, based on a survey of learning and development (L&D) professionals, data from LinkedIn’s billion-strong user base, and insights from HR leaders, shows that the companies leading the way in workplace learning (those so-called “career development champions”) are outpacing their peers in profitability, talent retention, and even artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
For employees, the message is clear: career progress is the number one motivation to learn. If they don’t see a path forward within their organization, they’ll find one elsewhere.
The rise of career development champions
So, what sets these high-performing companies apart? According to the LinkedIn report, those career development champions invest in leadership training, mentorship programs, and internal mobility initiatives. They also track success through key metrics like internal promotions and new skills acquired.
The stats say companies with mature career development strategies are 42% more likely to be at the forefront of AI adoption, 75% more confident in their ability to attract qualified talent, and 67% more optimistic about retaining that top talent. In contrast, organizations that neglect career-driven learning are struggling with skills shortages and higher attrition rates.
Josh Bersin, a global HR analyst featured in the report, says: “Employees are saying, ‘I expect you as an employer to help me keep up, and If not, I’m going to go somewhere else’.”
The skills crisis and AI’s role in learning
One of the most pressing concerns for HR leaders today is the widening skills gap. Nearly half of those surveyed in LinkedIn’s report said their executives worry that employees lack the skills needed to execute business strategy.
AI is both a disruptor and an opportunity here. Career development champions are 42% more likely to invest in AI-driven learning programs than others, using technology to personalize training, automate skill assessments, and support career mobility. The report highlights how companies like IBM and McDonald’s are using AI and microlearning to guide employees toward relevant learning opportunities and upskilling pathways.
Data from LinkedIn’s Career Development Index shows that companies with strong career development programs see higher rates of engaged learners, more promotions, and an increase in leadership development. Those that prioritize internal mobility and continuous learning are better positioned to navigate market changes and retain institutional knowledge.
But AI alone won’t solve the problem. The most in-demand skills, according to the report, are business strategy, strategic planning, and sales management - skills that require human experience, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Career development as a business priority
Simply put, companies that fail to prioritize career development are at risk of losing their best talent. Employees are looking for more than just a job; they want a career path, opportunities for growth, and a workplace that invests in their future.
HR and L&D teams need to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, embedding learning into everyday work rather than treating it as an afterthought, which means working closely with managers to ensure employees have access to skill-building opportunities, career coaching, and internal job mobility.
According to the report, employees who feel supported in their career development are significantly more engaged and less likely to leave their roles. Companies with structured leadership training and mentorship programs report higher retention rates and stronger talent pipelines.
Yet, barriers remain. The report notes that 50% of managers lack the proper support to drive career development within their teams. Meanwhile, 45% of employees say they don’t receive enough career guidance, and 33% of talent teams feel under-resourced.
While leadership teams largely recognize the value of workplace learning, many organizations struggle to put the right structures in place.
Building through upskilling
Many leading organizations are using upskilling initiatives to bridge talent gaps. Companies investing in AI training, cross-functional projects, and mentorship programs are seeing better business outcomes.
Walmart, for example, has implemented career pipeline programs to move frontline employees into higher-paying roles, including truck drivers and technicians, areas that are facing widespread labor shortages. Similarly, Amazon’s Career Choice program has helped over 200,000 employees access higher education and professional certifications, creating a more agile workforce.
Leadership training is another key driver of career development, with 71% of organizations offering structured programs. Other successful initiatives include internal job postings, peer learning groups, and job rotation initiatives designed to expand employee skill sets.
The link between learning and profitability
While career development is often seen as an employee benefit, it’s as much of a benefit to employers too.
LinkedIn’s data suggests a strong correlation between learning investments and business success. Career development champions are significantly more confident in their profitability and ability to attract and retain talent.
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Companies with high Career Development Index scores report more engaged employees, a higher rate of promotions, and a greater ability to navigate industry disruptions. Internal mobility is particularly valuable, as it allows companies to retain institutional knowledge while providing employees with growth opportunities.
Moreover, organizations that measure the impact of learning programs are better positioned to align career development with business goals. Metrics such as employee engagement, retention rates, and skill acquisition help HR leaders demonstrate the ROI of workplace learning.
A call to action for HR leaders
The message from LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2025 is clear: career-driven learning is essential for business success. Companies that invest in upskilling, mentorship, and internal mobility will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.
With AI reshaping the workforce and employees demanding more career growth opportunities, organizations need to move beyond one-off training programs towards continuous career path learning.
The future belongs to companies that embed learning into their culture, empowering employees to develop skills that drive both personal and business success.
The question isn’t whether to invest in career development. It’s whether you can afford not to.
