Why immersive learning is a smarter and more human way for teams to learn

Across the UK, many businesses are under constant pressure to train better, adapt faster and build cultures that actually stick. Whether it’s compliance, safety, leadership or inclusion, most teams are tired of passive training sessions that feel like a tick-box exercise (and let’s be honest, there is a lot of that out there).

That’s why so many companies are turning to immersive learning -  a training approach that drops employees into realistic, emotionally engaging scenarios that mirror their real working world. It’s hands-on, memorable and incredibly effective for behaviour change - which is crucial for creating a long term solution. 

In fact, a recent study by Moldstud found immersive training increases knowledge retention rates up to 75%. This is far higher than typical rates for traditional classroom or lecture‑based methods, which often lead to under 20–30% retention after some time.

WHY DOES IT WORK?

You might be wondering why it works so well. Well that’s simple. Immersive learning gives teams a safe, realistic space to practise high stakes situations without real world consequences. From frontline staff in transport or construction, to managers navigating sensitive conversations, immersive scenarios help people act under pressure and learn through experience.

Because these scenarios feel real, the lessons land deeper. UK organisations that face regulatory demands (like health & safety, safeguarding, compliance or ESG commitments) benefit hugely from training that sticks and reduces risk in day to day operations.

And if you’re not convinced the stats speak for themselves. Did you know that research shows that immersive learning can boost workplace performance by over 60%* and dramatically improve retention and real-world skill transfer? [source: Journal of Applied Psychology]

SUPPORTING CULTURE AND INCLUSION

UK companies are increasingly focused on creating fairer, more inclusive workplaces. Immersive training is particularly powerful here because it allows people to step into situations they may never have personally experienced. This creates genuine empathy, reflection and mindset shifts which goes far beyond what a slide deck or online quiz could ever achieve.

DELIVERING STRONG ROI

We can’t deny that designing and activating immersive training requires investment. But the return offers so much more. Businesses often see a clear return through fewer safety incidents, better decision making under pressure, stronger leadership capability, faster onboarding and improved culture.

There are many sectors where behaviour matters just as much as knowledge. For sectors like healthcare, transport, construction, emergency services, hospitality and retail, immersive learning delivers measurable impact.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT?

People engage more when training feels real, relevant and human. Immersive learning delivers that. It turns training from ‘something you have to do’ into an experience people talk about, remember and apply.

And our immersive training at Cadent Gas was no different.

If you’re looking to strengthen culture, improve performance and reduce operational risk, our immersive experiences offer something rare. It’s  learning that doesn’t just inform, it transforms. For more information head to our immersive training page.