Personalise learning, engage stakeholders and embrace artificial intelligence to unlock real value, writes Rob Porter
As organisations increasingly invest in training and development to drive productivity and ensure business growth, measuring these programmes’ return on investment has become a critical issue. According to a Gartner report, 55% of HR leaders feel their current technologies do not meet evolving needs, and 51% cannot measure ROI on their HR investments.
AI-powered learning analytics are transforming how organisations evaluate training success
With training programmes often consuming significant resources, understanding their actual impact on organisational goals is essential. To truly unlock value, companies must maximise these programmes’ return on investment. But how can they achieve this in an increasingly complex, digital and fast-evolving business environment? In this article, I explore key strategies and best practices that organisations can adopt to enhance the ROI of their training initiatives in 2025.
Utilising evaluation framework models
One of the most effective approaches to measuring the success of training programmes is through evaluation frameworks such as the Kirkpatrick Model. As one of the most widely recognised, the Kirkpatrick Model assesses four key levels of training impact: reaction, learning, behaviour and results. This model provides a structured approach to evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes from multiple angles. Organisations in the private and public sectors can use the Kirkpatrick Model to assess training in alignment with their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Leveraging tools for tracking and reporting
Accurate ROI measurement requires robust tools that allow organisations to track and report key performance metrics. The development of advanced training platforms has enabled HR departments to collect real-time data on training effectiveness. These platforms offer detailed analytics that can be used to measure a wide range of training KPIs; the use of these tools results in actionable data that HR teams can use to make data-driven decisions about which training programmes are effective and which ones need improvement.
For instance, compliance training platforms can track how quickly employees complete modules and whether they pass quizzes successfully. If knowledge gaps are identified, training content can be modified or targeted in specific areas to improve learning outcomes.
Tying ROI to organisational mission
Training programmes must be aligned with the organisation’s core mission and long-term objectives to have a meaningful impact. Whether it’s improving compliance, increasing productivity, or fostering innovation, training initiatives should be designed to address critical organisational needs directly.
Training programmes must have clearly defined goals to effectively measure ROI that align with the company’s mission. Engaging key stakeholders early in the process is vital for achieving this alignment. Stakeholders such as department heads, subject matter experts, and employees can help shape the content of training programmes to address real business challenges and ensure that the training delivers measurable outcomes.
Achieving stakeholder engagement: A key to success
The success of a training programme is not solely dependent on its delivery but also on how well it engages key stakeholders throughout the process. Engaging stakeholders – including department heads, subject matter experts, managers and employees – is crucial to ensuring that training aligns with the organisation’s needs and the workforce’s capabilities.
Engaging stakeholders early in the planning phase allows for identifying training objectives aligned with organisational priorities and expectations. By soliciting input from those closest to the organisation’s challenges, HR teams can design training that addresses the most critical skills gaps and directly contributes to business outcomes.
Setting realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations is a critical component of measuring ROI. While it’s tempting to expect immediate results after a training programme, the reality is that sustainable change takes time. Measuring ROI requires organisations to establish clear, realistic goals for training outcomes and understand the resources and time necessary to achieve them.
Instead of expecting a drastic increase in productivity right after a training session, focus on incremental improvements. For instance, early goals could include measuring employee engagement or tracking the adoption rate of newly learnt skills in the months following the training. Over time, these smaller milestones will create a clearer picture of long-term ROI.
Convergence of AI in training programmes
As we move through 2025, artificial intelligence is set to revolutionise corporate training and development, becoming a critical driver of employee engagement, satisfaction and ROI. Virtual training is increasingly seen as essential, particularly in tech and manufacturing industries, where it provides a competitive edge by enhancing learning outcomes. Despite calls for return-to-office policies, the trend toward virtual and AI-powered training is expected to persist due to its substantial benefits.
As HR technology evolves, the need for scalable, data-driven solutions that support training effectiveness will only grow. With advancements in artificial intelligence, HR teams can further personalise training experiences, analyse learning outcomes in real time, and link training to business results more effectively. In doing so, organisations will improve their training programmes and ensure they remain competitive and responsive to the ever-changing demands of the workforce.
Amplifying the impact of AI in training programmes
One of the most significant impacts of AI in training is the ability to create hyper-personalised learning experiences. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all models, AI enables organisations to design tailored training programmes that address individual employees’ skill gaps, career goals and learning preferences.
AI tools track progress, adjust content in real-time and recommend resources, ensuring that training is relevant and practical. This personalised approach boosts engagement, knowledge retention and productivity – benefiting organisational performance.
AI teaching assistants are another key innovation. Already in use by primary Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) providers, these assistants offer real-time support to trainers and learners, answering questions and clarifications. As AI technology advances, these assistants will become even more integral, delivering personalised feedback and improving the learning process.
For training companies, AI is becoming essential to stay competitive. It allows for more efficient content creation, enhances scalability, and provides evidence-based insights into training effectiveness. AI-powered analytics enable training providers to measure ROI by linking training outcomes to employee performance and organisational success.
This data-driven approach demonstrates the value of training programmes and helps optimise them for a more significant impact. AI-powered learning analytics are transforming how organisations evaluate training success. By tracking and analysing training metrics, L&D professionals can identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with business goals.
AI also offers predictive capabilities, helping companies anticipate and proactively address future skill gaps, preparing their workforce for emerging challenges.
AI is set to reshape corporate learning and development in 2025. From personalised learning paths to AI-driven analytics, these innovations will drive engagement, improve performance, and provide measurable ROI. Organisations that embrace AI will stay competitive, optimise their training programmes, and foster a more skilled, satisfied workforce.
Maximise your training in 2025
Measuring the ROI of training programmes is essential for organisations to understand the value of their investments in employee development. Companies can achieve meaningful outcomes from their training initiatives by utilising structured evaluation frameworks, leveraging advanced tracking tools, aligning training with organisational mission, and setting realistic expectations.
When organisations take the time to assess the effectiveness of their training programmes and refine them over time, they unlock more excellent value for both employees and the organisation as a whole.
By focusing on continuous improvement, data-driven decisions, and stakeholder engagement, organisations can maximise the impact of their training programmes as they progress through 2025, achieving both individual and organisational growth. AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of training, helping companies achieve measurable results and maximise ROI.
Rob Porter is Head of Market and Business Development for CoSo Cloud
