How should companies prepare for the future of work? We asked employees.

The future of work is unfolding rapidly, and every organization needs to prepare their employees for major changes in the workplace. Meanwhile, today’s employees expect more than ever from their employers in terms of support, training and education. Is your organization upskilling your team for a rapidly changing economy? Are your employees ready and willing to take on the additional education they’ll need? 

To answer these questions and more, Workforce Edge reached out directly to employees in our annual Learner Outcomes Survey. Respondents reported on their experiences, attitudes, career-development milestones, and much more. 

Our latest survey revealed insights, trends, and outcomes that can inform your organization’s talent development– and show you what to expect when you bring Workforce Edge into your organization.  

Check out key takeaways below. But first, let’s get to know our learners. 

About the survey. About our learners.

Learner surveys are fielded each year to Workforce Edge users who have used their education benefit at least once. The sample size of the 2024 survey was 1,034 employees. 

Inside the data: Why are 35 – 44 year-olds the largest group of learners? With up to 30 years of workforce participation still ahead of them, Millennials are using education to either level up within their current careers or shift into a more future-proof field.

A significant number of Workforce Edge learners come from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or economic groups.

With candor and care, employees who used Workforce Edge to go back to school made their voices heard. Here are some important themes that emerged.

Most employees had concerns before starting an education program

Before they enrolled in a learning program, many employees worried about a range of topics – from financial issues to a lack of confidence in their abilities. 

Not surprisingly, cost was an issue for most employees – before they factored in their employer’s education benefits. Also a significant number also wondered whether additional education would be worth the time and effort. 

• 65% of Workforce Edge users surveyed said they were concerned about not being able to afford to go back to school prior to going back to school
• 27% of Workforce Edge users surveyed said they were concerned that they wouldn’t get enough of a salary increase to make the program worthwhile prior to going back to school.

Another area of employee concern was how school might fit into their busy life.

Many employees also expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to complete a program. 

Workforce Edge helped learners overcome their fears

Once learners understood how Workforce Edge could support their growth and development, their concerns eased considerably. 

The majority of respondents felt that Workforce Edge was a difference-maker in helping them address their financial concerns and maximize their employer-sponsored education assistance.

• 69% of Workforce Edge users surveyed agree that Workforce Edge helped them go back to school by taking advantage of their education benefits
• 56% of Workforce Edge users surveyed agree that without Workforce Edge and their employer education benefits, they would not have gone back to school while working

The number of affordable options available through Workforce Edge may be one reason that learners felt reassured about the cost of their education. As of February 2023, 80% of all learner in-network requests through Workforce Edge are skewing toward lower-priced, more affordable programs.

The platform’s expansive choice also helped learners feel good about moving forward.

“Without the Workforce Edge program, I could have never gone back to school to finish my degree. Taking out more student loans was not an option for me, and I am so thankful for this opportunity to grow and keep pursuing my degree and achieving my goals.” 

- Christian Pearson

Learners grew new skills and advanced in their careers

Growth, advancement, and opportunity are key reasons that employees enroll in formal learning programs. After developing their skills through a variety of learning pathways, employees reported career progress across many dimensions.

A majority of respondents said that Workforce Edge helped them feel better about their work.

• 60% of Workforce Edge users surveyed believe going back to school with their education benefits has helped them apply skills they learned to their job
• 54% of Workforce Edge users surveyed believe going back to school with their education benefits has helped them gain confidence in their role

Most also felt that their experience had a positive impact on their career, with some learners reporting promotions, pay increases, or greater responsibilities.

“I am still in the middle of my degree plan, but I am using what I am learning every day in my current role.”

- Kimberly Whitlock

Learners felt engaged, motivated – and likely to stay with their employer

According to a recent survey by McKinsey and Company, 41% of over 13,000 respondents cited lack of career development/advancement as the most common reason for quitting their previous jobs. It’s clear that education benefits can be a powerful way to drive workplace morale and retain talented employees. Our survey results bear this out. 

When it comes to feeling connected to their work and their organization, learners responded positively. 

Strong majorities of employees are looking ahead to a brighter future with their current employer.

Transform your education benefits into a talent mobility engine

As these survey results show, Workforce Edge can help your employees grow their skills to meet your organization’s future needs – while boosting retention and reducing turnover. More than just an education platform, Workforce Edge can be a key part of your workforce planning and a key driver of business goals.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Connect with a talent strategy expert today.