New ATD Research Highlights the Importance of Data in TD

In the modern business world, data has become a highly valued asset. When used strategically, it enables organizations to make decisions grounded in evidence rather than preference or an organization’s previous practices.

In November 2025, ATD Research published Data Analysis: The Future of Decision Making in TD. Three hundred thirteen TD professionals answered questions about their skill level in data analysis, how they develop their skills in this area, and how they leverage data to influence the learning function and their organizations.

TD functions have access to a variety of data sources, and this study found that they most commonly collect data from HR management systems and employee surveys. Seventy-four percent of organizations reported collecting data from HR management systems, and 69 percent indicated that they also collect data from employee surveys.

In her book Data & Analytics for Instructional Designers, Megan Torrance explains that HR management systems are helpful for analytical projects because they store employee demographic data, which includes salary, gender, job function, organization unit, and more. This data can be used to differentiate employees and perform group comparisons.

Torrance also shares that employee surveys are popular tools for collecting data because they are inexpensive and easy to administer to a large audience. TD functions can use several types of surveys, such as course evaluations, needs analyses, net promoter scores, and employee engagement surveys.

In TD, data can be used for a range of purposes. Lori Niles-Hofmann, EdTech and AI consultant at 8Levers, uses the analogy of flying a plane to explain the importance of leveraging data: “Without data, we’re flying blind. Picture yourself flying an airplane without navigation tools. You have no contact with air traffic control. You’re basically just looking out the window. You don’t even see a map. To me, data should inform the decisions that we make about learning.”

ATD Research found that 76 percent of TD functions utilize data to analyze performance gaps, and the same proportion uses data to inform training design. Many TD functions also use data to demonstrate the effect of training on learning and business outcomes. When TD professionals use data effectively to showcase results, they’re more likely to gain stakeholder support, secure additional budget and resources, and design learning programs that drive measurable performance improvements.

For additional insights and an action plan, check out ATD’s latest research report, Data Analysis: The Future of Decision Making in TD.