Have you ever noticed how HR and IT are often working on the same problems… but from opposite ends of the building?That’s changing fast. Across the UK, companies are starting to merge their HR and IT departments, and the results are reshaping how businesses deliver learning and development solutions.

The story driving this trend

In the last week alone, UK business media has been alive with examples. Moderna made headlines when it announced that its Chief People and Digital Technology Officer oversees both HR and IT, training every employee in AI tools and redesigning jobs from the ground up. Covisian merged its HR and IT in 2023, creating a new internal jobs tool that doubled internal applications. Bunq plans to automate 90% of operations by the end of 2025, without cutting staff, by aligning HR and IT strategy.

This isn’t just about tech. It’s about giving people the tools, knowledge, and workflows they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Why it’s happening now

According to BM Magazine, 64% of senior IT leaders at large companies expect HR and IT functions to merge within five years.The drivers are clear:

• Artificial Intelligence is transforming how work is done, blurring the lines between people management and technology enablement.

• Hybrid and remote work make digital experience a core part of employee engagement, onboarding, and retention.

• Skills gaps require faster, smarter digital learning solutions, often powered by tech platforms IT already manages.

  
  

The benefits companies are seeing

When HR and IT work as one (or at least hand-in-glove), the gains are huge:

• Turbocharged productivity – 93% of IT leaders say merging improves productivity, engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

• Faster digital transformation – 85% report fewer delays in rolling out new tools; 94% see better project outcomes.

• Smoother onboarding – 95% say merge means faster, more effective onboarding experiences.

• Integrated learning ecosystems – LMS, microlearning, mobile learning, and custom eLearning content all work together seamlessly.

• Innovation in employee learning – From AI-powered skills mapping to personalised training paths, HR and IT together can deliver smarter learning and development solutions.

  
  

A note of caution

As David D’Souza from the CIPD warns, there are risks. HR and IT bring distinct expertise, and a merger done badly can dilute both.

The solution?

Strong cross-functional leadership, shared KPIs, and a commitment to keeping specialist skills sharp.

Why this matters for L&D leaders

This shift isn’t just an organisational chart change, but a chance to supercharge learning.

When instructional design services, training needs analysis, and learning impact evaluation are linked directly to the technology that delivers them, L&D can move faster, adapt quicker, and prove ROI more clearly.

Imagine:

• Onboarding journeys that blend HR process, IT access, and role-specific learning into one seamless flow.

• AI-driven content recommendations that update as business priorities change.

• A single source of truth for employee skills, mapped against current and future roles.

  
  

That’s the real story here. Merging HR and IT doesn’t just change who reports to whom. It changes what’s possible.

The takeaway

The most effective corporate training solutions come when HR and IT work as one. Whether you merge fully or build deeper collaboration, aligning these two powerhouses accelerates productivity, innovation, and learning impact.

If you’re a C-suite or L&D leader, now’s the moment to ask: Are we building this bridge? Or are we waiting until we’re forced to?

Popcorn Learning Agency helps organisations turn that bridge into a competitive advantage. From digital learning solutions to custom eLearning content and blended learning solutions, we design training ecosystems that connect people, technology, and purpose, delivering measurable business results.