Training and work-life balance: two key benefits in 2026

In 2026, nurturing talent is no longer measured only by salaries or basic benefits. The most competitive companies know that investing in lifelong learning and facilitating work-life balance makes a difference: not only improves productivity, but also increases the satisfaction and well-being of professionals. These two benefits have become strategic allies in attracting and retaining talent, while strengthening corporate culture and innovation.

Find out in this article how two key benefits should be a part of your Flexible Remuneration budget.

Continuous corporate training: a driver of talent and growth

Entrepreneurial training is much more than a professional requirement: is an investment in people's potential and in the company's competitiveness. In an ever-changing world, where digitalisation and automation are transforming workplaces, updating skills and knowledge has become essential.

Benefits of training for professionals

Professional developmentAccess to courses, workshops and refresher programmes enables professionals to keep up to date in their sector and improve their employability.
Motivation and commitmentThe opportunity to learn and grow creates a greater sense of belonging and job satisfaction.
Flexibility in learninge-learning and microlearning allow you to study at your own pace, without affecting your daily productivity.

Benefits of training for the company

Increased productivity and innovationThe best trained professionals provide the most creative and effective solutions.
Talent retention: offering continuous training reduces turnover and strengthens loyalty.
CompetitivenessCompanies with highly qualified staff adapt more quickly to market changes.

Trends 2026 in business education

Learning is no longer linear or uniform: companies and professionals are looking for solutions that adapt to their needs and to the speed of market changes. Trends in 2026 reflect a more flexible, personalised and technological approach:

Personalised competence-based trainingAdvanced platforms use artificial intelligence to identify the skills that each employee needs to strengthen, offering specific courses and tailored learning paths. This ensures that the time spent on training has a real impact on their daily performance.
Gamification and immersive learningThe incorporation of game elements - such as challenges, points and rewards - and augmented or virtual reality increases motivation and knowledge retention. A practical example is virtual simulators for technical training that allow for risk-free practice.
Microlearning and just-in-time learning“Short, precise training capsules allow professionals to learn exactly what they need to learn, just when they need to learn it, without interrupting their working day. This boosts productivity and reduces the feeling of overload.
Integration with daily workby 2026, training systems are expected to be fully integrated with work tools, such as management software or collaboration platforms, so that learning and applying knowledge becomes a natural process.
Social and collaborative learningThe professionals also learn through internal communities, forums and digital mentoring, sharing experiences and practical solutions that reinforce the corporate culture.

Work-life balance: the balance between work and personal life

The work conciliation has become a key indicator of well-being and productivity. Organisations that allow their professionals to balance their personal and professional responsibilities achieve a more engaged, healthy and motivated team.

Benefits of work-life balance for professionals

Reducing stress and improving well-beingFlexible working hours, teleworking and adapted leave time reduce daily pressures.
Increased satisfaction and quality of lifebeing able to attend to personal needs without sacrificing work creates emotional balance.
Mental and physical healthAn environment that respects work-life balance prevents burnout and promotes sustained productivity.

Benefits of work-life balance for the company

Reduction of absenteeismmore satisfied and balanced professionals miss fewer days of work.
Increased commitment and loyaltyflexible working environment strengthens the bond with the company.
Positive corporate reputationbeing recognised as a company that takes care of its professionals attracts talent and clients.

Work-life balance trends 2026

Work-life balance has evolved into a holistic concept that combines flexibility, well-being and external support, becoming a pillar of mental health and productivity:

Hybrid and flexible modelsTeleworking and flexitime are not optional, but standard expectations in 2026. Successful companies allow professionals to decide where and when they work, as long as they meet targets, favouring autonomy and efficiency.
Wellness days and digital disconnectionBeyond holidays and leave, companies are implementing specific days dedicated to mental rest, physical health or personal training. For example, “Wellness Fridays” or weeks without meetings reduce accumulated stress.
Family and personal support servicesThe following are part of the work-life balance policy: childcare, assistance for the elderly, home care services or even support in managing day-to-day business (e.g. paying for childcare). This allows professionals to focus on their work without sacrificing personal responsibilities.
Financial reconciliation and flexible benefits: tools such as transport tickets y meal tickets, as well as the childcare vouchers are integrated into welfare plans, offering solutions that ease the financial burden and facilitate personal planning.
Organisational culture focused on balanceThe work-life balance ceases to be an isolated benefit and becomes part of the company's philosophy, promoting trust, open communication and reducing burnout.

How to combine training and work-life balance to maximise impact

The real competitive advantage is found when companies integrate training and reconciliation in their social benefit policies. For example:

Flexible trainingallows professionals to train without interfering with their personal schedules.
Customised development programmesThe programme combines mentoring, microlearning and adaptable schedules, enhancing both professional growth and quality of life.

This integration not only improves productivity, but also strengthens corporate culture, promotes employer branding and generates measurable results: higher retention, positive work climate and motivated professionals.

Edenred's training and work-life balance solutions for 2026

Edenred supports companies and professionals by offering benefits solutions that boost both the lifelong learning as the conciliation. Your Edenred Flex platform allows:

Access to vocational training programmes through the Flexible Remuneration.
Services that facilitate work-life balance, such as childcare support.

Thanks to these tools, companies in various sectors have seen improvements in the engagement of their professionals, increased productivity and reduced talent turnover.