The “State of Learning Technologies 2024” survey report, commissioned by imc Learning and conducted by Research Without Barriers, encapsulates responses from 510 senior decision-makers within UK companies that employ over 250 staff.

It provides a detailed analysis of the current trends and challenges in corporate training and learning development. Key findings from the survey highlight a strong emphasis on job-role-specific training, with 71% of companies prioritising this to align employee skills with organisational objectives.

The report also underscores the growing adoption of blended learning methods, combining face-to-face and digital training, to accommodate diverse learning preferences and improve training outcomes. However, nearly half of the organisations face challenges with using multiple learning platforms, which can affect the consistency and efficiency of training programmes.

imc and Fosway Panel Talk

On 16th May 2024, imc Learning and Fosway Group hosted a live discussion about this survey and its findings:

Key findings from the survey:

Job-Role-Specific Training is a Priority

A significant 71% of companies reported prioritising training that is specific to the job roles of their employees. This approach aligns employee development directly with organisational goals and is even more prevalent in larger corporations, where the figure rises to 78%.

Adoption of Blended Learning

Blended learning formats, which integrate both online and face-to-face elements, have been adopted by 62% of organisations. This method supports a dynamic learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and is particularly favoured by large corporations, 72% of whom employ this approach.

Challenges with Multiple Learning Platforms

Nearly half (49%) of organisations use multiple platforms to deliver training, which can lead to issues with consistency and data management. This fragmented landscape underscores the need for more streamlined learning systems.

Concerns Over Training Quality

Only 53% of respondents believe that the training provided by their organisations is truly beneficial, highlighting a significant gap in meeting the actual training needs of employees.

Usability Issues with Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Just 31% of learners find it very easy to navigate and complete training through their organisations’ LMS, indicating widespread usability challenges.

Translation and Localisation Challenges

The management of training across different languages continues to pose a challenge, with only 37% of respondents finding it easy to administer learning content in multiple languages.

Resource and Budget Constraints

About 46% of learning managers face challenges due to a lack of resources for in-depth training, while 45% are hindered by budget constraints, affecting the quality and expansiveness of training initiatives.

Data-Driven Analysis of Skills Gaps

A proactive 64% of organisations utilise learning data to identify and address skills gaps within their workforce, facilitating targeted and effective training strategies.

Integration of Communication Tools

More than half (57%) of the organisations integrate communication tools such as MS Teams and Slack into their learning platforms, enhancing collaboration and engagement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is employed within learning platforms for various functions: 27% use it for smart search capabilities, 25% for adapting learning paths, 22% for content creation, and another 22% for personalised learning recommendations. However, 26% of respondents indicated that their learning platforms do not currently incorporate AI, suggesting room for technological advancements.

The full report explores how L&D teams can improve in each of these key areas, and is available as a PDF download here.

These findings reveal a complex landscape of corporate learning technologies, where significant opportunities exist for enhancing the effectiveness and user-friendliness of training initiatives.

Where Learning Technology Can Improve

Concerns about the quality and relevance of training content are evident, with only 53% of respondents finding the training offered by their organisations genuinely useful. Additionally, there is a notable difficulty in using Learning Management Systems (LMS) effectively, with only 31% of learners finding it easy to complete training through these systems.

The integration of communication tools into learning platforms and the use of AI for personalised learning paths and content creation are highlighted as positive trends. Yet, there remains a gap in AI integration across learning platforms, with 26% of respondents indicating their platforms do not incorporate AI technology.

The report also identifies a significant need for resources and budget to enhance training quality and depth, alongside the importance of data-driven strategies to analyse skills gaps and tailor training initiatives accordingly. Overall, the survey paints a complex picture of the evolving landscape of corporate learning, emphasising both the opportunities and challenges faced by organisations in adapting to technological advancements and changing workforce needs.

About imc Learning

At Learning Light, we’ve long been admirers of the work of imc Learning as they are leading the way in supporting L&D professionals with innovative, integrated technologies. Their solutions, such as the imc Learning Suite that we have reviewed in the past, are particularly suited to large organisations with disparate teams and complex training requirements.

With over 25 years of experience, employs more than 400 staff across 12 international locations and serves over 1,300 customers worldwide, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to government departments and multinational corporations. Recognised as a leading full-service provider of digital training solutions, imc is dedicated to transforming learning experiences by innovating the way people learn.

Experts in technology, elearning content, and strategy collaborate closely at imc to deliver holistic and customised online learning solutions. The company’s headquarters are located in Saarbrücken, Germany at the Uni-Campus Nord in Scheer Tower. Additionally, imc has established a strong presence globally with offices in countries such as Australia, the UK, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Singapore, the Netherlands, and the USA.

Further information can be found on the imc Learning website.