Unlocking Growth: Tackling the Real Obstacles to Employee Development

Reported by: Nurul Addina Azime

In today’s fast-paced business world, fostering employee growth isn’t just a noble goal, it’s a strategic imperative. Based on my reading from Gallup, many organizations still struggle with surprising and persistent hurdles, even though the benefits of development are crystal clear. At 57Network, this resonates deeply with us as we believe that growth and learning should be embedded in the flow of work, not treated as an afterthought.

Why Development Still Lags — Even When It's Within Reach

Gallup found that in 2024, less than half of U.S. employees (45%) participated in job-related training or education. Even among those eyeing a new role within the next year, only 32% strongly believe they have what it takes to excel in that next chapter. 

And here’s the kicker: Gallup’s meta-analysis projects that simply doubling the share of employees who feel they have opportunities to learn and grow could yield an 18% boost in profit and a 14% spike in productivity. The numbers don’t lie—development pays dividends.

The Number-One Barrier? Time. But There’s More to the Story
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Unsurprisingly, everyone agrees on the biggest roadblock: time away from job responsibilities.

• 89% of CHROs
• 37% of managers
• ​41% of employees

This reveals a systemic flaw: development is often seen as extracurricular instead of an essential part of the job. But while time is the most cited reason, it's not always the most dangerous one. More on that soon.

Weaving Learning Seamlessly Into Work

What if learning was simply part of your workday—built into schedules and woven into projects?

To change the narrative, companies must:

1. Embedded Development: Make learning part of the role—not an after-thought. Small micro-learning opportunities, coaching moments, or project-based training within working hours help normalize growth.
2. ​Managerial Support: Leaders play a critical role in creating time and space. If managers actively champion learning, it becomes part of the team rhythm—not an extra task.

Innovative organizations reimagine workflows so training happens within the work—not instead of it.

But Wait… The Hidden Barrier Might Be Even Bigger

While time adjustments are essential, the article hints at a deeper hurdle though it doesn’t name it outright. Based on broader research and workplace trends, this likely includes:

• Lack of Manager Capability: Many managers lack training to coach, develop, or facilitate growth. When time is tight, managers won’t prioritize development they don’t feel equipped to deliver.
• Culture and Expectations: If success is only measured by output and deadlines, development becomes sidelined. Without a culture celebrating learning, employees feel they can't afford the pause—even briefly.
• Access and Relevance: Employees may not see the pathways if programs aren’t clearly connected to goals or opportunities, they’re less likely to engage, even if time is made available.

A Dynamic Blueprint for Smarter Development
Here’s a fresh framework to turn intent into action:

Why This Matters — Now

• Engagement Is Stagnating: Only 32% of U.S. employees are actively engaged mid-2025.
• Manager Burnout Is Real: With manager engagement dropping to 27% globally in 2024, stress, lack of mentorship, and insufficient training are taking a toll.
• Performance Hinges on Culture: Development isn’t optional, it’s the culture that shapes productivity, retention, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Invest in embedded, meaningful development not as an HR checkbox, but as the muscle that powers growth, morale, and innovation. Remove the barriers, equip the leaders, and watch your people and organization thrive.
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At 57Network, we see this first-hand. As a solutions provider, we work closely with organizations navigating transformation, and one theme always stands out: when employees are given the right tools, coaching, and space to grow, they not only perform better but also stay more engaged and committed. That’s why we emphasize embedding learning opportunities into the flow of work whether through smarter systems, project-based collaboration, or leadership support. 

You can read the full article here. Read here.

Also at 57Network, we know today’s workplace can feel overwhelming with endless tools, risks, and changing demands. That’s why we focus on making work easier, safer, and more collaborative for you. Think of us as your partner in simplifying challenges and unlocking new opportunities.
​Ready to transform the way you work? Connect with us today.

References

• Gallup (2024). Workplace Training & Development Statistics. Gallup.com
• Gallup (2025). Employee Engagement Insights. Gallup.com
• The Wall Street Journal. Workplace Culture and Development. WSJ.com​