Artificial intelligence is shaking up the world of learning and development (L&D), with new research showing nearly half of L&D leaders believe their jobs could be entirely replaced by AI in the coming years.
According to a study by LearnUpon, a provider of learning management systems, 43 percent of L&D leaders think artificial intelligence could take over their roles altogether, while a further 40 percent expect at least some disruption to how their work is carried out. The findings come from a survey of 600 L&D leaders across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand, and point to a sector on the brink of major transformation.
The report, released this week, highlights a profession at a “tipping point”, with L&D teams shifting from back-office support to strategic drivers of business performance. AI disruption is one of several powerful forces at play. Just three percent of those surveyed said they expect AI to have no impact on their jobs.
While artificial intelligence is causing anxiety, L&D leaders are also under pressure to prioritise employee wellbeing and mental health. Forty-four percent of respondents said wellbeing was the most important factor shaping their programmes this year, which was more than AI-powered learning (42 percent) or microlearning (also 42 percent).
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Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, L&D budgets are rising, with 70 percent of UK learning leaders, 66 percent in the US and 84 percent in Australia and New Zealand saying their budgets will increase in 2025. This signals growing recognition of L&D as a strategic investment, not just a cost centre.
Measuring impact and proving value
Confidence in measuring the impact of L&D programmes is high, as 91 percent of teams said they track effectiveness well. The focus is moving from simply counting course completions or learner satisfaction scores. According to the report, an equal share of leaders now prioritise bigger-picture measures such as skill development, knowledge retention and improved business performance.
“Today, L&D leaders are being asked to do much more than just onboard new hires or fill knowledge gaps. Effective learning programmes are now an opportunity to reshape the employee experience, drive performance, and create a greater sense of stability across the business,” LearnUpon’s CEO, Brendan Noud, said.
“Progress comes from making the right moves in the right order — investing in your team’s skills and agility, choosing technology that truly works together, and measuring what matters for better buy-in. Do that, and today’s constraints quickly turn into tomorrow’s advantages for employees, leaders, and the business.”
The new skills agenda
As AI and digital tools reshape the workplace, learning leaders say their top priorities include building data analytics capabilities, understanding AI and machine learning in L&D and developing change management and leadership skills. These areas were named by more than half of survey respondents as essential for the year ahead.
But the path is not without obstacles. Many teams say attracting and retaining talent remains a key challenge, while nearly a third report difficulty keeping pace with rapid change, particularly around new technologies. Aligning L&D with broader business strategy, as well as demonstrating return on investment, are ongoing concerns for a significant share of leaders.
Wellbeing in the spotlight
One of the standout findings of the research is the growing focus on employee wellbeing and mental health. The report found this was the top factor shaping L&D programmes this year, ahead of even AI-powered learning. Flexible and personalised approaches, including microlearning and hybrid delivery, are becoming the norm as organisations look to support staff in new ways.
Analysts suggest that the combination of rising budgets, advanced technologies and a wellbeing focus is creating new opportunities for learning professionals, but also new pressures. The expectation is that L&D teams will deliver measurable results, drive culture change and help staff adapt to uncertainty, all while managing their own potential disruption from AI.
LearnUpon’s research, conducted in partnership with polling firm Censuswide, shows a profession facing both risk and opportunity. With artificial intelligence now seen as a genuine threat to traditional roles, L&D leaders are working to build new capabilities and focus on what technology cannot replace: supporting people, building skills and helping businesses thrive.
