5 Ways Training Leads to Employee Retention
It’s an all too familiar scenario: a new employee shows up for work and is thrown into “on the job training” from day one without any foundational formal training for their role. However, instead of efficiently learning on the fly, many employees find themselves fumbling through the day, providing incorrect information to customers, and feeling the frustration of both guests and coworkers. Eventually the stress of the shift becomes too much to bear and the employee quits within a few short months—not because they dislike the job, but because they were never set up for success.
This cycle of hired-struggle-burnout-quit isn’t unique. Many employees leave roles not because they dislike the job, but because they don’t feel adequately prepared or supported. According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2025, 88% of organizations are concerned about employee retention—and for good reason. Turnover is expensive, disruptive, and damaging to company culture. Yet, one of the most powerful ways to keep employees engaged and committed is also one of the most overlooked: training and development.
Investing in learning doesn’t just benefit employees—it’s a game changer for businesses. Here’s why:
Deloitte Insights found that organizations with a strong learning culture are 92% more likely to develop novel products and processes, 52% more productive, 56% more likely to be first to market, and 17% more profitable than their competitors. Even more compelling, these companies see 30–50% higher employee engagement and retention rates.
According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees say they would stay longer if their company invested in their career development.
86% of workers said they’d switch companies if they were offered more professional development opportunities within their new role, according a 2019 Hiring Outlook report published by The Execu|Search Group.
So how can businesses overcome this challenge and use training as a tool for retention? In this guide, we’ll explore five key reasons why investing in employee training not only improves performance but also keeps employees engaged, motivated, and loyal for the long haul.
1. Training builds competence and confidence.
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, especially when employees are expected to perform complex tasks with little to no guidance. Without proper training, even the most enthusiastic hires can quickly become frustrated, second-guessing their abilities, and struggling to meet expectations. On the other hand, employees who receive thorough training feel more confident, capable, and prepared to handle their responsibilities.
One of the most effective ways to reinforce training and build confidence is through a digital training platform. Having training materials accessible on-demand allows employees to revisit key information whenever they need it—whether they need a refresher on a process or guidance in a real-time situation. Instead of feeling stuck or waiting for a supervisor’s help, they can quickly find answers at their fingertips. In today’s digital age, employees are already accustomed to looking up solutions on their phones or computers, making self-directed learning an essential skill. Providing a digital training platform not only supports this habit but also empowers employees to take ownership of their learning, increasing both confidence and long-term success in their roles.
Eliminating uncertainty through training—especially when reinforced with easily accessible digital tools—leads to higher job satisfaction. Employees who feel competent in their roles are more likely to take pride in their work, contribute positively to their team, stay engaged, and ultimately stay committed to the company long-term.
2. Strengthens employee-manager relationships.
A strong relationship between employees and their managers is a key factor in job satisfaction and long-term retention. When employees feel supported, valued, and heard by their leaders, they are far more likely to stay engaged and committed to their roles.
One of the best ways to foster this connection is through structured training and ongoing development. When managers take the time to train their employees, they demonstrate investment in their growth, making employees feel respected and empowered. Here are a few ways training strengthens the employee-manager relationship and helps with retention:
Encourages open communication. Training provides opportunities for regular check-ins between employees and managers, creating a culture where questions, feedback, and concerns can be openly discussed. This builds trust and makes employees feel comfortable seeking guidance.
Shows commitment to employee growth. When managers invest in training and development, it signals to employees that their career progression matters. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that actively supports their learning and growth.
Reduces frustration and conflict. Clear, consistent training prevents misunderstandings and mistakes, which can often lead to friction between employees and managers.
Creates a collaborative work environment. Training fosters teamwork by aligning employees and managers on expectations, best practices, and company values.
Boosts employee confidence in leadership. When managers provide hands-on training and ongoing support, employees see them as knowledgeable and dependable leaders. This trust enhances job satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of employees seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Employees who feel guided and valued by their leadership are not only more likely to succeed in their roles but also more likely to remain loyal to the company for the long haul.
3. Employees feel valued.
When employees see that their company is willing to dedicate resources to their development, they feel like they matter—not just as workers, but as integral parts of the team. This sense of value directly translates to greater job satisfaction. Feeling respected and supported in their professional growth strengthens employees’ connection to the company, which encourages loyalty and commitment.
Ongoing learning opportunities also demonstrate that the company is invested in long-term growth, not just short-term results. Employees who have access to continuous training and development opportunities understand that their employer is not just thinking about the present but also their future within the organization. This fosters a sense of career progression, which helps employees envision a longer tenure and reinforces their desire to remain with the company.
4. Creates a productive—and positive—work culture.
A well-trained workforce is a productive workforce. When employees have the right tools and knowledge to perform their tasks efficiently, they can focus on getting the job done without unnecessary delays or confusion. Proper training can:
Increase efficiency. Proper training ensures employees know how to perform tasks correctly and efficiently, reducing the time spent troubleshooting or making mistakes, which leads to faster, smoother workflows.
Boost confidence and motivation. When employees feel competent in their roles, they’re more likely to take initiative and contribute to team goals, increasing overall productivity and morale.
Reduce time spent on supervision and corrections. Well-trained employees require less oversight and are less likely to make errors, allowing managers to focus on higher-level tasks rather than constantly addressing mistakes or clarifying instructions.
Plus, productivity can lead to a more positive work environment. When employees know what’s expected of them, there’s less room for tension or frustration. A team that communicates well, collaborates effectively, and supports one another is more likely to maintain a positive atmosphere.
5. There are clearer paths to career growth.
Finally, one of the most effective ways to retain employees is to show them that there is room for growth within the company. When employees see a clear path for advancement, they’re more likely to stay motivated and committed to their roles.
Offering training and development opportunities enables employees to acquire the skills needed to move up within the organization, making them feel like they have a future with the company. Plus, upskilling employees not only helps them advance in their current roles, it also keeps them engaged and invested in the business. When employees can see that their hard work and training can lead to career progression, they’re less likely to look elsewhere for new opportunities. This creates a sense of loyalty and reduces the need for companies to hire externally, which can often be a costly and time-consuming process.
Take, for example, a frontline employee at a retail store who starts out as a cashier but, through training, moves up into a management role. By investing in that employee’s development, the company not only fills a management position internally, but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and loyalty in the employee. They’re no longer just a worker—they’re a valued member of the leadership team, invested in the company’s success.
When employees know that their training today can lead to a brighter future tomorrow, they’re more likely to remain engaged, productive, and loyal, creating a workforce that is both skilled and dedicated to the company’s long-term success.
Invest in training today to retain your best employees tomorrow.
Employee turnover is a costly and disruptive issue, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Often, employees leave not because they dislike their job, but because they feel underprepared, unsupported, or unclear about their role and future with the company. Investing in training and development is one of the most powerful ways to retain employees.
One of the most effective ways to provide continuous support and ensure that employees are set up for success is by using a digital training platform. With a digital training solution, you can offer employees the flexibility to access training whenever and wherever they need it—empowering them to stay engaged, grow their skills, and thrive in their roles. This not only boosts performance but also strengthens loyalty, reduces turnover, and increases retention.
Don't let your employees fall into the cycle of frustration and burnout. Investing in a digital employee training platform is one of the smartest moves you can make to create a supportive, productive, and loyal workforce. Ready to take your employee engagement and retention to the next level? Explore our digital training platform today and start setting your employees—and your company—up for long-term success!
