10 Best HR Training Programs for 2025
According to LinkedIn, 89% of learning and development professionals agree that building employee skills will help organizations navigate the evolving future of work.
One of the most effective ways to impart skills is through human resource training, a continuous learning process that provides employees with the necessary tools to achieve goals and remain competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Investing in your workforce through HR training pays big dividends in the form of employee engagement, which has a direct impactOpens in a new tab on your organization’s success.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best HR training programs to equip your employees with the skills they need to succeed. We’ll also take a glance at the future of HR training to see upcoming trends for 2025 and beyond.
The need for HR training
Human resources plays a vital role in achieving organizational objectives and cultivating a high-performing workforce. The responsibilities of HR include hiring the right people for the right roles and fostering a company culture that empowers everyone to reach their full potential.
The purpose of human resource training programs is to fill gaps in HR professionals’ existing capabilities and equip them with essential skills to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning report reveals that 82% of global leaders believe that the HR function is more critical nowadays than it has ever been, highlighting the increasing demand for effective training.
Some of the core human resources skills to train for include:
- Employee relations management
- Onboarding for new employees
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Project management and scheduling
- Human resources information software
See also: Benefits Certifications for HR Professionals
Benefits of HR training
Investing in your employees’ growth and development promotes a culture of learning that ultimately benefits your entire organization.
Human resources training can contribute to the success and well-being of your workforce and workplace in the following ways:
1. Stimulates creativity and innovation
The skills and knowledge that your employees acquire through HR training empower them to think creatively in the face of modern problems and come up with innovative solutions.
Whether it’s redesigning a product or inventing a new line of service, training sets the stage for your workforce to not just survive, but thrive amidst challenges.
2. Boosts engagement and productivity
Regardless of company size, industry, and economic conditions, engaged employees always produce better business outcomes, as shown by Gallup research.
The same study identified training and development as a key driver of employee engagement, productivity, profitability, and product quality.
3. Builds an adaptable and competitive workforce
HR training programs prepare your workforce to take advantage of opportunities in today’s rapidly changing market and adapt to new customer demands.
Organizations that can quickly switch gears to provide new products and services have a major competitive edge, while companies that lack adaptability fall behind.
4. Improves recruitment and retention
It’s no surprise that offering opportunities for advancement attracts high-performing and high-potential employees to your organization and encourages them to stay and grow with you.
In fact, 70% of employees Opens in a new tab would consider leaving their current job for another company that will invest in their training and development, and 86% would remain if their employer provided enough training opportunities.
Challenges of HR training
The success of your organization’s learning and development programs depends on how well you navigate common challenges in HR training, such as:
1. Budget constraints
Some organizations may hesitate to enroll employees in certification programs or purchase third-party training solutions, as they can be costly and put a strain on the company’s budget.
Fortunately, more affordable and accessible training alternatives are available. They include free online courses, on-the-job training, and in-house coaching, among others.
2. Diverse learning needs
Every employee learns differently, and your workforce may consist of individuals with different languages, cultures, generations, and backgrounds.
To provide personalized training to everyone, your organization can conduct a learner analysis and offer a tailored training path for each type of learner. Another option is to use adaptive training software that customizes the learning experience based on an individual’s preferences.
3. Time limitations
Scheduled training programs or courses that have a specified deadline for completion can be an issue for HR professionals with limited time or busy schedules.
A potential solution to this is to offer self-paced online courses that employees can access anywhere and anytime that they want, and provide incentives to those who complete training.
4. Lack of engagement
For training to be effective, you need to gain the interest of your employees and encourage them to make the most of the experience.
One way to engage employees even before the start of training is by collecting suggestions on their preferred HR topics and skills. Including games and interest-based activities in the program can also boost employee participation.
Types of HR training
Gallup research shows that dynamic, interactive, and cooperative courses work best when it comes to employee training and development.
It also revealed that the best training method for adult learners is neither online courses nor instructor-led programs but a combination of both, also known as “blended learning.” Additionally, the "train the trainer" model, where experts train others to become trainers themselves, can enhance this approach by ensuring consistency and scalability in training delivery.
Here are five types of training to fit the varying needs of your HR teams:
In-person events
In-person events, such as HR seminars, conferences, and workshops, allow your employees to fully immerse themselves in training while connecting with peers and professionals face to face.
This type of training often involves traveling to new destinations, which can be highly engaging to employees. However, the cost of flights and accommodation is an additional thing to consider.
If you’re looking for a transformative in-person experience that will contribute to your employees’ HR toolkit, the Workhuman Live Conference in Austin, TexasOpens in a new tab, is an interactive learning opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Grab the chance to learn from the brightest minds in the HR industry and engage in insightful discussions on HR’s toughest topics. Plus, you’ll get to network with fellow professionals and participate in interactive workshops that train you on how to effectively manage employees.
On-the-job training
Also called OJT, on-the-job training usually takes place in the work setting and is a cost-effective way of teaching employees how to fulfill their daily duties.
One of the main advantages of OJT is it provides your employees with hands-on experience, which is difficult to replicate in other learning environments.
However, this training type can lead to information overload if employees aren’t given the chance to learn at their own pace.
Classroom training
Traditional classroom training allows employees to interact with an instructor who delivers the lectures, engages the audience, and leads the entire learning experience.
The major challenges of this type of training include the inability to match the preferred learning style of each employee and the need for a physical location that’s conducive to learning.
Online training
Online training or computer-based training (CBT) uses multimedia elements, such as graphics, audio, and video, to train employees over the Internet.
The biggest advantage of this type of training is its capacity to adapt to employees’ different learning paces, skill levels, and available time. However, the lack of social interaction, hands-on experience, and high-quality training materials can lessen its effectiveness.
Mentoring and coaching
Workplace mentoring connects employees with a senior or manager who’s willing to impart valuable knowledge, tips, and guidance on how to build a successful career in HR.
Meanwhile, coaching is a more structured approach that encourages employees to set specific goals and equips them with the strategies and feedback that they need to achieve these goals.
The two forms of training can contribute to your employees’ success at work, but both of them require a genuine and positive relationship between all parties.
Top HR training programs for 2025
It’s important to choose a training program that fulfills the needs of your diverse workforce, including their preferred methods of learning. It should nurture the skills that are most valuable to your organization while staying within the limits of your available time and resources.
To guide you in your search, here’s a list of the top-performing training programs for beginners and seasoned HR professionals alike:
1. Human Crapital
Human Crapital is a free weekly email newsletter that delivers informative, engaging, and actionable insights on day-to-day human resource topics as well as humorous tips on how to avoid common HR mistakes.
This platform has been dubbed “the HR professional’s new best friend,” as it aims to provide a safe space for you to learn, connect, and build strong professional relationships with peers. You can access a preview of Human Crapital's first-ever newsletter here.Opens in a new tab
2. HRTraining.com
HRTraining.com is a professional learning platform that specializes in workforce training and compliance. Its video lectures enable employee microlearning through short and meaningful modules that are accessible online or in DVD format.
With topics ranging from workplace ethics to international business and employment law, HRTraining.com can provide you with the necessary expertise for a successful career in human resources. The price of each training course ranges from $195 to $1,497.50Opens in a new tab.
3. SHRM Essentials of Human Resources
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Essentials of Human Resources is a practical and interactive course that provides an overview of key topics, best practices, and fundamental issues in HR.
It’s an introductory level program that’s ideal for small business owners, new managers, beginner HR professionals, and individuals who are interested in pursuing an SHRM certification.
Training can be held in-person or online, with costs ranging from $1,495 to $1,765Opens in a new tab.
4. Academy to Innovate HR
The mission of the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) is to future-proof the field of human resources and to innovate the HR function through online training.
It offers a variety of programs with comprehensive, practical, and hands-on training as well as quizzes and a capstone project to test your skills before getting a certificate.
Certificate programs at AIHR cost $975Opens in a new tab each, while a monthly plan with access to 11 certificate programs costs $165 per month.
5. Coursera
Coursera’s collection of over 5,800 courses and professional certificates has everything you need to advance and accelerate your HR career. The platform even offers online degrees from the world’s top universities and career programs from leading organizations.
HR training programs on Coursera cover a variety of topics, including human resources analytics, conflict management, and strategic leadership. Courses cost an average of $39–$49 per month, while a $399 annual subscriptionOpens in a new tab provides unlimited access to all courses.
6. Alison
Alison is a free and self-paced online learning platform that aims to make education and skills training accessible for everyone. Courses on Alison typically take 10–15 hours to complete and require you to reach a score of 80% and above on every assessment to earn a certificate.
The platform’s most in-demand HR coursesOpens in a new tab include:
- Fundamentals of Human Resources
- Behavior and Diversity in the Workplace
- Diploma in Modern Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Employee Onboarding and Motivation
7. LinkedIn Learning
80% of Fortune 100 companiesOpens in a new tab use LinkedIn Learning, an on-demand library of video courses covering three main categories: business, technology, and creative skills.
The platform provides personalized course recommendations, allowing you to gain the HR skills and knowledge that are most relevant to your role and industry.
A subscription to LinkedIn Learning provides unlimited access to 21,000 courses and a certificate of completion for every finished program. It costs $39.99 Opens in a new tabper month.
8. Association for Talent Development
The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is an organization that offers training and credentials specifically for talent development professionals or people who foster learning and development in the workplace.
ATD awards two types of credentials:
- Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)
- Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
The cost of ATD certifications ranges from $499 to $1,350Opens in a new tab.
9. Udemy
Udemy is a popular online learning platform with a massive library of courses, including programs for HR professionals of all levels and industries. Learners can access Udemy’s video lectures and interactive quizzes from any device and learn at their own pace.
To ensure a quality learning experience, the platform uses a rating system for instructors and courses. The prices of Udemy courses range from free to around $200 each.
10. HR Certification Institute
The HR Certification Institute or HRCI is one of the most recognized credentialing organizations for human resource professionals worldwide. Its collection of over 200 HR courses covers everything from talent management to strategy and creativity in teams.
HRCI’s programs are multi-sensory, with visual learning, audio narration, and user interaction to engage all types of learners. To earn a certification, you’ll need to pass an exam, which costs $400–$595Opens in a new tab.
Key components of effective HR training
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating the perfect training program for your company, there are a few key components that are vital to successful and effective HR training:
Needs assessment
Performing training needs analysis allows you to identify and fill existing knowledge and skill gaps in your workforce and align your training program with the organization’s objectives.
Developing content
This component involves producing relevant, engaging, and actionable content on a range of HR topics that your employees can easily apply to their daily tasks.
Delivery methods
Providing short and specialized learning modules or “microlearning” to your employees can result in more effective training and greater retention of concepts, according to Forbes.
Evaluation and feedback
Collecting performance data and feedback enables your organization to evaluate the success of your training and make valuable improvements to future programs and HRD initiatives.
Future of HR training
McKinsey recognizes HR as the driving force in building organizations of the future, with the responsibility of harnessing new capabilities to unlock higher levels of career development and growth in the workforce.
When used effectively, remote work, remote workforce accommodations, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technology trends have the potential to reshape human resource training into a more personalized, accessible, and engaging experience for your employees.
FAQ
What is the average cost of HR training?
According to the Association for Talent Development’s 2022 State of the Industry report, organizations spend around $1,280 in workplace learning costs per employee, with the average cost of training amounting to $103 per hour.
In-house coaching, third-party training courses, and tuition reimbursement make up the majority of organizations’ learning and development costs.
What are the top 7 HR tasks?
The human resources (HR) department is responsible for managing all aspects of the employee life cycle, from recruitment to retirement.
Essential HR tasks fall under seven major functions, namely:
- Recruitment and selection
- Training and development
- Performance management
- Employee relations
- Compensation and benefits
- Employee records management
- Employment law and compliance
Is online HR training as effective as traditional methods?
Research shows that 79% of learning and development leaders believe that online training produces superior outcomes than traditional in-person training.
Online human resources training allows employees to learn anywhere, and to choose training times that fit their personal schedule. This type of training can also be customized based on employees’ learning styles, making it more effective and efficient than traditional training.
How often should HR training be conducted?
According to ForbesOpens in a new tab, your organization’s success starts with more frequent employee training.
Setting weekly or monthly human resource training sessions can keep you up-to-date on the latest industry changes while boosting employee focus, efficiency, and productivity. Your training frequency should cater to the unique needs of your business and workforce as well.
What are the top HR certifications in 2025?
The best certificate programs for HR professionals in 2025 include the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD).
Earning these certifications can provide you with broader employment opportunities, higher earning potential, professional development credits, and entry into professional networks.
Conclusion
Change is inevitable for all organizations, and one way to conquer it is through learning and development. With the right HR training and employee engagement activities, your company can nurture a workforce that’s ready to learn, adapt, and perform to the best of its abilities.
Prioritizing your employees’ growth today prepares them to take on higher responsibilities tomorrow and ensures their continued growth alongside your organization.