From Compliance to Capability: Why Upskilling Defines L&D in 2025

2025 marks a turning point in workplace learning. For years, compliance training dominated L&D agendas, but now the focus is shifting. According to this year’s LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, almost half (49%) of L&D professionals say executives are concerned about employees lacking the skills needed to deliver business strategy. As such, organisations are responding by prioritising upskilling and reskilling over compliance.

From Compliance to Capability

At the recent Learning Technologies Conference in London, David Perring and Myles Runham presented insights from the Fosway report. For the first time, upskilling and reskilling topped the list of learning priorities, overtaking compliance training. Only 13% of L&D teams believe their current strategies are effective at building skills, and 69% are focusing on upskilling subject matter experts to drive initiatives forward.

This shift highlights a critical gap: business change is moving faster than learning strategies can keep up.

Why Upskilling Matters

Artificial intelligence and technological advancements are transforming how work is done – and what skills matter most. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will require reskilling by the end of this year. While automation reshapes roles, people of course remain at the heart of organisational success. Alongside this, research is showing that employees don’t just want training; they want progress and growth opportunities. If they can’t see that path in their current workplace, they’re prepared to leave for one that invests in their development.

• 94% of employees say they’d stay longer if their employer supported learning and growth.
• Lack of career development is the number one reason people quit, according to LinkedIn.

Upskilling meets these expectations by offering pathways to new projects, roles, and skillsets – boosting retention, motivation, and performance.

The Business Case for Upskilling

While employee demand drives the upskilling agenda, the business benefits are undeniable:

• Reduced employee turnover – employees who see a future in the business stay longer.
• Greater agility for change – skilled, adaptable workforces can respond faster to change.
• Better internal mobility – transferable skills give employees the flexibility to move across roles.
• Stronger leadership pipelines – succession planning becomes easier with clear development paths.

Organisations that commit to upskilling not only keep pace with change – they create a competitive edge. A culture of continuous learning attracts top talent, accelerates innovation, and drives long-term growth.

How InfoAware Moodle Supports the Upskilling Era

L&D teams are moving away from rigid training models, instead seeking tools that enable continuous, flexible, and personalised learning. InfoAware Moodle is designed for exactly this purpose. It helps you develop your workforce by combining targeted upskilling with personalised learning:

• Competency-based learning – rack skills and create role-specific learning paths to build the skills that matter most.
• Personalised learning plans – allow learners to follow customised plans and progress at their own pace.
• Digital badges and certifications – recognise achievements and make progress visible.
• Collaborative tools – forums and messaging support mentorship, knowledge sharing, and engagement.
• Data-driven insights – monitor progress and skill development to align training with organisational goals.

Why Compliance Still Matters

While upskilling has overtaken compliance as the top L&D priority, compliance training remains the foundation of a safe, ethical, and legally sound workplace. It’s still essential employees understand non-negotiables like health and safety, data protection, and security protocols.

The real shift is in balance. Compliance keeps the business protected, but upskilling drives it forward. Together, they form the pillars of a resilient, future-ready workforce. Platforms such as InfoAware Moodle make it possible to deliver both seamlessly: ensuring compliance requirements are met while embedding continuous learning into the culture.

To find out more, you can contact us via our contact form, or email us at info@infoaware.com.