2024 L&D Trends Report cover

2026 Learning & Development Trends Report

Turning uncertainty into opportunity 

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Discover what’s next in leadership, learning, and human-centered performance. 

The Blanchard 2026 HR and L&D Trends Report reveals how organizations are navigating transformation, talent retention, and the disruptive force of AI, while recognizing that leadership capability is the lever that drives performance, engagement, and adaptability in uncertain times. 

Across industries, companies are facing rapid change and resource constraints. Yet one truth stands out: 

Leadership is the multiplier. 

Use our Trends Discussion Guide to gain insights, benchmarks, and actions to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

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Top Organizational Priorities

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Leadership Capability

Identified as the #1 factor influencing all other outcomes, like change agility, engagement, and retention.
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Adaptability and Change Agility

36% cite the need to transform faster and build resilience into culture and systems.
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Talent Retention

83% say retention will remain a challenge, citing limited growth paths and leadership quality as key drivers.
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Employee Well-being and Culture

Psychological safety, trust, and inclusion emerge as strategic differentiators.

Strategic Alignment

HR and L&D leaders continue to balance ambition with limited resources and growing expectations.

Key Findings

6.5%

anticipated increase in training budgets for 2026, reflecting cautious optimism despite economic pressure.

55%

of organizations plan to build leadership development programs in-house; 45% plan to buy external solutions.

59%

prefer customized programs, signaling a demand for relevant, culture-aligned learning.

41% / 29% / 30%

split between in-person, virtual, and self-paced learning, showing a stable hybrid delivery model.

Only 24%

report strong application of new learning, revealing the ongoing gap between training and real-world impact.


Action Steps for 2026

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Invest in leadership as a system, not a series of programs.

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Link learning directly to business outcomes.

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Personalize and curate learning to prevent content overload.

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Support skill transfer with coaching, feedback, and accountability.

Integrate well-being and inclusion into leadership culture.

Webinar hosts Jay Campbell and David Witt

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Hear from Blanchard thought leaders as they unpack the findings, share implications for 2026, and discuss how organizations can future-proof their leadership pipelines.

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About the Research

The 2026 HR and L&D Trends Survey reflects responses from 808 professionals across HR, L&D, and executive functions, spanning industries from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education.

Enabling Future-Ready Transformation

Whether you’re looking to provide guidance and support to new managers, or to help your experienced leaders create a more engaged and productive culture, we can help your organization reach its goals.

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