KPIs, ROI, and Learning, Oh My!

I recently spoke with a learning manager who discussed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for company-wide learning. At first, I was excited–finally, a company that wants to measure the impact of learning! 

But as they described the metrics—the number of training hours per employee per month and 100% completion–my excitement faded. These numbers seemed arbitrary, disconnected from business goals, learning practices, and long-term skill development. They didn’t account for different roles, employee growth, skill gaps, or strategic priorities. They were just numbers. 

The Problem with Arbitrary Learning Metrics

This scenario is all too common. Many organizations apply the same measurement mindset to learning as they do to sales or finance. But learning isn’t binary–it’s complex. It involves individual growth, neuroscience, adult learning theory, and business strategy. 

When KPIs for learning aren’t thoughtfully designed, they become impossible to meet. Learning teams waste time chasing meaningless targets. Leadership questions the value of learning. Budgets shrink. And, the real goal–building a skilled, engaged workforce–gets lost in the process.

A Better Way to Measure Learning

The good news? Some organizations get it right. In these cases, learning metrics are:

• Strategic: Aligned with business priorities and employee development needs

• Impact-Driven: Focused on measurable outcomes like skill application, productivity gains, and performance improvements

• Realistic and Meaningful: Designed with complexity in mind, considering different roles, learning styles, and business goals

When learning KPIs are intentional and connected to real outcomes, training provides a clear Return on Investment (ROI) that supports business growth.

Let’s Build Learning Strategies That Work

I know this approach works because I’ve built learning departments and partnered with organizations to design strategies that drive lasting impact. 

If you are a:

• Leader frustrated with investing in learning that doesn’t deliver results,

• Learning manager struggling with unrealistic KPIs, or

• Business looking to implement an effective learning strategy…

Let’s chat! 

At Nicole Brooke, we specialize in customized learning strategies that create real employee growth and measurable business impact. Aligning learning initiatives with business priorities is the key to building a motivated, skilled workforce that drives success.

Ready to transform learning in your organization? Connect with us today!