The power of ongoing training to build connectivity and drive business results
To stay competitive in today’s landscape, ongoing training has evolved from a “nice to have” into a true strategic advantage. Research shows that employees who engage in ongoing training are not only 47% more likely to be engaged and 37% more productive – they also report being happier and healthier at work¹.
This is particularly true in the pharmaceutical and specialty care industries, where change has become the norm and complexity continues to grow. From rapidly evolving scientific knowledge to frequent regulatory updates and shifting market dynamics, staying informed, adaptable and agile is essential for success².
Improved staff performance and satisfaction
Reinforcing and contextualising learnings through ongoing training helps with retention of information and skills. The impact of this on performance is significant, with organisations that invest in it reporting up to 17% higher productivity and 21% greater profitability³.
Ongoing training is also closely linked with employee satisfaction and, ultimately, retention. 76% of employees say they are more likely to remain with organisations that offer continuous development opportunities – this contributes directly to long-term organisational stability and growth⁴.
Strengthen communication with HCPs
In medical and specialist roles, the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and confidently is fundamental; healthcare professionals expect up-to-date, clinically relevant information that aligns with their practice.
Ongoing training enables teams to refresh their knowledge, adapt communication strategies and respond effectively to clinical developments or stakeholder objections. The result is more credible and confident engagements with HCPs, KOLs and colleagues⁵.
Measuring metrics that matter
To fully realise the value of ongoing training, organisations must also rethink how they measure training effectiveness. Rather than traditional completion metrics, new key questions are emerging:
- Are teams accurately applying new scientific data in the field?
- Are HCP engagements becoming deeper, more relevant and more confident?
- How quickly are teams adopting updated guidance, tools or digital platforms?
- Is there measurable improvement in prescribing behaviours or market access outcomes?
Measuring the effectiveness of training helps organisations understand what is working, where gaps remain and how learning is being applied in the field. The ongoing evaluation allows teams to adapt their training strategies and materials to keep pace with changing needs, ensuring that learning remains relevant, actionable and closely tied to performance in real-world settings.
Ongoing training at Cognite
At Cognite, we believe great training doesn’t just inform – it transforms. It shapes how teams think, communicate and deliver value every day. That’s why we developed our unique SOAR approach (Strategy, Optimisation, Application and Refinement) to create learning experiences that are practical, targeted and built for long-term impact.
We help our clients bring their training to life by focusing on what matters most to pharmaceutical teams, from pivotal study training and belief mapping to building confidence through coaching, storytelling and engaging HCP conversations. SOAR is delivered through a thoughtful blend of formats, including self-paced modules, videos, live Q&As, peer learning and digital prompts that support lasting learning.
To find out more about our SOAR approach and how to bring your training to life, contact Ellie Hodgson, VP Client Services, at [email protected] .
References
- Career Concepts. Why Is Continuous Training Important in the Workplace? 19 November 2024. Available at: https://www.careerconcepts.com/why-is-continuous-training-important-in-the-workplace [Accessed September 2025]
- Dukart H, Patel P, Telpis V, Yngve J. Pharma operations: Creating the workforce of the future. McKinsey & Company. 9 April 2020. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/pharma-operations-creating-the-workforce-of-the-future [Accessed September 2025]
- Mike Harry. Top-notch 10 Statistics That Highlight The Significance Of Continuous Training. Training Industry. Training Industry. 21 August 2024. Available at: https://trainingindustry.com/articles/performance-management/top-notch-10-statistics-that-highlight-the-significance-of-continuous-training/ [Accessed September 2025]
- Perna MC. Why Learning & Development Is Now A Competitive Differentiator, And How To Get On Board. Forbes. 12 April 2022. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2022/04/12/why-learning–development-is-now-a-competitive-differentiator-and-how-to-get-on-board/ [Accessed September 2025]
- Maennicke S. How Continuous Learning Transforms Pharmaceutical Roles. Pharmuni. 13 June 2024. Available at: https://pharmuni.com/2024/06/13/continuous-learning-transforms-pharmaceutical-roles/ [Accessed September 2025]
