Top Learning Trends for 2023 [Infographic]

Employee Burnout and Belonging

Employee belonging, burnout/stress, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) are all interconnected, and they deeply impact how employees engage with their work and learning experiences. These aspects do not operate in isolation but overlap in ways that directly influence each other. In our latest research on learning and talent development, we explored how employee demands are evolving, with a clear shift in what workers expect from their organizations.

It’s no longer just about offering training to help employees improve their job-specific skills. In the current environment, where frontline roles are facing significant talent shortages, employees are asking for more comprehensive support—particularly in managing stress, preventing burnout, and creating a truly inclusive workplace culture.

The challenges employees are facing are multifaceted. For example, the rise in mental health issues, such as stress and burnout, is increasingly linked to workplace demands and the general pace of work. At the same time, there’s a growing need for companies to implement DEI practices that go beyond just recruitment and focus on retention, promotion, and support for a diverse workforce.

As employees seek not just professional growth but emotional and psychological well-being, companies must adopt a more holistic training approach that addresses all these dimensions.

Here are some key insights from the study that reflect these shifts:

• 98% of employers agree that training has a direct impact on employee well-being, signaling the growing recognition that development programs should not only build skills but also support mental health and workplace culture.
• Women are more likely than men to report a lack of mentorship and feel uncomfortable discussing career advancement with their supervisors. This highlights a gap in leadership support that can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder career growth.
• Employees with a high belonging score are 7.5 times more likely to feel that their employer is open and transparent, emphasizing the crucial link between a sense of belonging and organizational transparency in fostering trust.

These factors—belonging, burnout, and DEI—are often treated as separate conversations, but they are inextricably tied. For example, creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued is directly linked to their sense of belonging at work, which in turn impacts their stress levels and overall job satisfaction. Similarly, offering training programs that focus not only on skill-building but also on stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness can go a long way in addressing burnout and supporting a diverse workforce.

Part 1 of the Research

The infographic below, from Lighthouse Research and Advisory, illustrates how these elements intersect and emphasizes the importance of understanding their interconnectedness in developing effective training programs. By taking a more holistic approach that integrates employee well-being with DEI initiatives and professional development, organizations can create a more supportive and sustainable work environment that meets the diverse needs of their workforce.

In the second part of the research we punlich also the infographic from Lighthouse Research and Advisory, “What Learners Want Most in 2023.”