Why Training Alone Won’t Keep Employees from Leaving

Despite increased investment in employee training and development, many workers remain open to leaving their jobs. Alma Career’s latest survey of over 11,000 employees across Central and Eastern Europe reveals a clear trend: while employees value meaningful work and skill-building opportunities, they expect more than just training—they want to use what they’ve learned and see clear paths for growth. For employers, this is a wake-up call to turn development programs into real career momentum.

Employees across Central and Eastern Europe are eager to grow—but when they can’t apply what they learn, they’re ready to walk. 

That’s one of the standout findings from Alma Career’s latest international survey, conducted via Paylab among more than 11,000 employees. While 56% of respondents say they’ve received employer-sponsored training in the past six months and nearly 60% describe their work as meaningful, many are still open to jumping ship. In fact, 55% of lower-paid employees and nearly half of higher earners say they’d consider switching jobs if offered an exciting new opportunity. 

There’s a clear disconnect: employees feel engaged by their work, yet that’s not translating into long-term loyalty. 

More than half of survey participants say their jobs are interesting and aligned with their skills—proof that many organizations are succeeding in making work meaningful. But nearly one-third are actively considering a job change, suggesting that engagement alone isn’t enough to retain top talent. 

Higher-paid employees tend to feel more stable in their roles, but even among this group, nearly half say they’d be open to new offers. Among lower-paid employees, 40–47% are actively looking to move. The message is clear: competitive pay and visible growth paths are critical for retention. 

More than half of employees surveyed have received employer-sponsored training in the past six months, and two-thirds are participating in these programs. This signals a clear trend—training is no longer a "nice to have," it’s a core part of the modern employee experience. 

The data also shows that the more educated an employee is, the more motivated they are to pursue further learning. 

For many employees, training isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a personal investment in their future. 

Nearly half of survey respondents say they view development programs as a way to build long-term career skills. This mindset is especially strong in countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where close to 60% of employees actively pursue training to advance their careers. 

That presents a clear opportunity for employers: when companies support this drive for growth, they don’t just boost engagement—they build a more skilled, future-ready workforce. Training, when done right, isn’t just about retention. It’s a powerful engine for business performance. 

To turn training into a retention tool—not just an expense—companies should: 

The survey was conducted between July and August 2025 across 11,399 participants in Alma Career countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. The research was carried out via Paylab, an international salary survey platform that collects data on employee incomes, bonuses, and workplace trends.