Training is most valuable when employees apply what they learn.

In a study of 217 Italian employees, more hours of formal training were associated with a more positive evaluation of that training, which in turn was associated with greater use of new knowledge and skills at work. This link was stronger among employees who also learned informally by seeking feedback, reflecting, and learning through experience.

The findings suggest that useful training and everyday learning work well together.

Gemmano, C. G., Manuti, A., & González-Romá, V. (2026). Employee exposure to HRD and training transfer: The mediating role of formal training evaluation and the moderating role of informal learning behaviors. The Learning Organization, 33(7), 92–111.