Got money left in your learning & development budget? There’s still time to use it.
Can you believe we’re almost done with 2025?? I know. Me neither.
Now’s the time when we ramp up spending – holiday parties, client gifts, splurging on team lunches, fancy coffee dates, bottles of bubbly to celebrate your business wins.... SO many ways that we can liberate dollars from our carefully planned and well-thought-out budgets.
Here’s one more way to spend, friends.
Don’t let that learning & development money go to waste.
You planned that L&D budget line – maybe even fought for it. You allocated organizational funds with the betterment of your team in mind.
And yet, there it sits. Unused.
It’s certainly tempting to think of that as a ‘saving’ for the organization. It’s easy to mask that as a win. But is it really a win? Or is it a costly mistake that’s leaving your team with underdeveloped skill sets that cause them friction, lost time, confusion and ultimately frustration?
When Saving Isn’t Really Saving
We’re all looking for that edge. The balance between being good stewards of our resources and trying to save a buck. But if we look at targeted training as the investment that it really is, we can be both of those at the same time. Good stewards by allocating the funds toward training AND saving a buck when we increase efficiency and productivity by way of that very same training.
The reality is, L&D is an investment, not an expense. Those funds are supporting your most valuable asset: your people. When they are empowered to improve performance, reduce errors and spend their time on value add tasks, you get engaged, strong teams that stay. Retention is a real outcome, and your L&D dollars support it.
You Can’t Take It With You
Remember, unused budget doesn’t roll over. If you don’t spend it, you lose it. And if you fought for it in the first place, which many of us do, why would you ever leave that on the table?
And with the pace of change in technology, processes, and customer expectations, standing still isn’t an option.
The end of the year is the perfect time to double down on development initiatives that prepare your team for what’s next.
Spend it if you’ve got it
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your remaining funds, here are a few ideas:
Targeted Skills Training: Focus on areas that directly impact productivity—whether it’s mastering new tools, improving communication, or refining leadership skills.
Microlearning Modules: Short, focused sessions can deliver big results without disrupting workflows.
Customized Workshops: Tailor training to your team’s unique challenges and goals for maximum relevance.
Repeatable Training Programs: Invest in long-term growth by thinking of the coming year as a whole and asking yourself, how can we stay current and cutting edge? Keeping ahead of the competition is crucial, and with the pace of today’s technology, updates and upgrades, an organization that pours into their team wins. Period.
The good news? It’s not too late!
Yes, the clock is ticking. But there is still time. Waiting until next year isn’t an option because those funds won’t follow you into January. Use what you have now to set your team up for success in 2026.
If you need help planning or organizing training before year-end, we’re here to make it easy. Email us at support@excelandflourish.com to talk through your options and create a plan that maximizes your budget and your team’s potential.
Don’t wait - we’re willing to work with you because we believe in the power of Microsoft Training.
Don’t let your L&D dollars disappear. Spend wisely, invest in your people, and watch the returns multiply.