Where is your attention this year – AI, employee wellbeing, hybrid work, or other organisational value?

For L&D professionals in 2025, several key trends and topics are emerging as particularly important, including the dominance of AI, the resurgence of value-driven approaches, a focus on employee wellbeing, and the importance of onboarding.

AI continues to be a dominant force. AI’s influence is undeniable, with AI getting the most votes in the L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2025. AI is seen as something that “covers all,” similar to how the personal computer was viewed in the 1980s or the internet in the 1990s. Simultaneously, L&D professionals are grappling with how to effectively train people on AI, given that, unlike traditional software, the outcomes of AI learning can be unknown and variable.

Value is making a comeback. “Consulting more deeply with the business, showing value and performance support” are rising in importance for 20252. This renewed emphasis on value may be a response to the transformative impact of AI, prompting L&D to question and reinforce its value within organisations.

Employee wellbeing is a critical focus for HR. A holistic approach to employee health, including mental, physical, and financial wellbeing, is taking centre stage. Prioritising wellbeing is not only an ethical consideration but also a business necessity, leading to higher retention rates, increased productivity, and stronger organisational resilience.

Effective onboarding is crucial. Onboarding should focus on culturally embedding new employees and ensuring they feel comfortable. Teams greatly impact how a new person feels within the organisation. L&D has a critical role in effective onboarding, helping new employees feel comfortable and connected to the organisation’s vision.

Other important trends and topics include:

Hybrid work optimisation: Creating equitable environments for remote and in-office employees is essential, requiring investment in technology and redesigning office spaces.

Upskilling and reskilling for the AI era: L&D needs to equip employees to work alongside AI, fostering adaptability and critical thinking through inclusive initiatives.

Data-driven decision-making: Using data to inform decisions is expanding, with predictive analytics enabling HR leaders to identify trends and address issues proactively.

The talent multiverse: Many talent leaders are using AI to develop cognitive skills in the workforce, prioritising a fluid and flexible workforce, and adopting skills-based models.

Apprenticeships: There is a growing interest in apprenticeships, being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure and rewarding careers.

Workplace Discrimination: New research suggests that many workplaces are a potential hotbed of discriminatory behaviour based on peoples’ age, appearance and gender.

L&D professionals can enhance their impact by understanding their business, sharing success stories, marketing their brand, and investing in their own skills and knowledge. Being present and passionate is also a key call to action. To address barriers to learner engagement, L&D should focus on creating positive change and impacting job performance by designing and delivering appropriate learning interventions.

This is a NotebookLM summary of TJ trend articles this week