Outsourced learning and development (L&D) programs offer multiple benefits to organizations, such as cost savings and increased efficiency, to attain a tremendous competitive advantage. Drawn to such benefits, organizations outsourcing L&D programs are expanding slowly but steadily. As a result, the global managed learning services market will witness significant growth with escalated adoption of outsourced learning services.
Based on the market research study conducted by TMR, the market is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2022 to 2031. This growth is expected to lead the market to reach US$ 624.1 billion by 2031. Such outsourced services will include training delivery, learning consultancy, curriculum design & development, and consequential services.
As organizations move into 2026, the shift toward scalable, tech-enabled outsourced learning continues to accelerate. A significant number of organizations report increasing reliance on external learning partners to address skills gaps. This trend highlights how managed learning services are becoming mission-critical for organizations facing talent shortages, digital transformation, and rapid market changes.
The reinvention of working styles: flexible and hybrid
Flexible and hybrid working styles give people more control over their working hours, schedules, and productivity. Trusting employees with flexibility and providing hybrid working environments allows workforces to work more attentively.
In 2026, we will witness immense growth in organizations whose L&D professionals can leverage their workforce’s desire to develop their skills. Additionally, the focus of 2024 will shift toward advancing employees’ careers and working more flexibly simultaneously.
Hybrid learning ecosystems are expected to become even more sophisticated. More organizations are adopting AI-driven personalization and workflow-integrated learning experiences that support employees in the flow of work, improving both accessibility and engagement.
Diversity, equality & inclusion
The need to adopt managed learning services for diversity training grew a few years back. While this movement began in 2020 and 2021 across multiple continents, organizations are expected to increase their investments even further in 2026. With DEI expectations becoming more sophisticated, companies are prioritizing learning resources that are more culturally relevant, data-informed, and aligned with global employee needs. This ensures that training delivery is inclusive, responsible, and sensitive.
New research from McKinsey (2025) shows that companies with strong DEI learning strategies are 47% more likely to report improved innovation outcomes compared to those without formal initiatives (Source: https://www.mckinsey.com). As DEI expectations evolve, organizations are increasingly leveraging managed learning partners to design culturally aware, globally scalable training programs.
Reskilling, upskilling, and cross-skilling
As our working styles and conditions transform, several job roles across multiple industries are expected to experience significant changes.
According to the 2025 LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning report, today nearly half of learning and talent development professionals see a skills crisis, with 49% agreeing, “My executives are concerned that employees do not have the right skills to execute our business strategy.” To address this gap, learning is critical. But new LinkedIn data says there’s also more to it. Learning combined with career development — leadership training, coaching, internal mobility, and more — accelerates the flow of critical skills to keep pace with business needs. Reskilling, upskilling, and cross-skilling are required to ensure that existing workforces work optimally, efficiently, and productively. This trend will improve the functioning of your current workforce and attract highly driven new talent. Additionally, this will develop a culture of personal growth.
By 2026, skills agility will become a top strategic priority. The World Economic Forum estimates that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted by 2027, intensifying the need for rapid reskilling programs delivered through managed learning service partners. Organizations adopting structured reskilling pathways now are already reporting faster productivity gains and improved talent mobility.
Business games and simulations for leaders
The use of simulations and games to deliver training has been suggested by managed learning service providers for a long time. With rapid developments in technology, we can expect growth in the adoption of business games and simulations for training leaders.
Simulations and business games make learning and development activities more effective. This happens by boosting knowledge absorption, critical skills, and learning retention, ultimately improving productivity.
In 2026, leadership simulations will increasingly integrate AI-powered decision modeling, enabling leaders to practice high-stakes scenarios in safe virtual environments. These next-gen simulations help leaders strengthen strategic judgment, emotional intelligence, and real-time problem-solving.
Balanced & inclusive training
In 2026, we can expect education and training in organizations to be inclusive of all employees, irrespective of their positions. This will allow employees to upskill according to their roles and build their potential to drive positive change.
Managed learning service providers can help organizations to tailor training programs according to the requirements of employees. These providers offer training programs for employees in different job roles and levels.
As workforce demographics diversify further in 2026, organizations will be prioritizing learning pathways that support multigenerational engagement—from Gen Z to late-career professionals. Modular, role-specific learning journeys are emerging as a cornerstone of balanced training strategies, ensuring equitable access to development.
Conclusion
Managed learning transformation services have been around for some time and have grown significantly. This growth is steady and indicates significant shifts in business environments. We can expect it to grow even further in 2026.
Managed learning services allow organizations to undertake learning and development initiatives in their organization economically. As a result, the formation of strategic partnerships between managed learning service providers, SMEs & large enterprises is increasing significantly.
With the knowledge of new global managed learning services trends of 2026, organizations can effectively fulfill their learning and development requirements. It will help them undertake relevant initiatives and stay up-to-date with the developments in their industry. It will also give them a competitive advantage in today’s cut-throat market.
As 2026 approaches, organizations that adopt scalable, technology-led managed learning solutions will be best positioned to respond to evolving skill demands and market volatility. Investing in strategic L&D partnerships today enables companies to future-proof their workforce, accelerate transformation, and build long-term competitive advantage.
Here are some of the essential elements of a Managed Learning Services Framework. Please give it a read.
