The latest learning news and research personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Only 2% of Large Businesses Aware of EU AI Act
A new survey reveals a crack in business preparedness for the upcoming EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. The survey exposes alarmingly low awareness among larger organisations, with only 2% of large companies reporting a full understanding of the Act.
While the EU AI Act is not yet formally passed (expected to come into force in 2025), it’s anticipated to significantly impact organisations operating in the EU. The Act aims to regulate the development, deployment, and use of AI to ensure it’s fair, safe, and trustworthy.
Non-compliance can lead to substantial penalties, reaching up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover, whichever is higher.
Egress named 32nd best place to work in the UK by Great Places to Work® 2024
Cybersecurity firm Egress has been ranked the 32nd best large organisation to work for this year’s by Great Places to Work® UK. This marks the third year in a row that Egress has been listed in the prestigious ranking, climbing from 50th last year, and cements its position as a leading employer in the UK.
Key findings from the Best Workplaces™ for Great Places to Work® survey include:
– 92% of people would say this is a great place to work.
– 93% of people feel proud to tell others they work here.
– 97% of people feel they are made to feel welcome when joining the company.
The most frequently mentioned benefit in this year’s survey was Egress’ unique eFlex scheme where employees are encouraged to take two hour-long breaks each week, as well as six half-days a year specifically for their wellbeing. This amounts to 15 additional days of leave on top of holiday allowance and has been instrumental in enhancing flexibility and workplace satisfaction. EFlex has recently been shortlisted for Innovation of the Year at the British HR Awards 2024. You can read about this approach in an article by Laura Probert, Chief People Officer at Egress, that was published recently on Training Journal.
Half of young people from an ethnic minority background face prejudice and discrimination as they enter the world of work
Research from Youth Futures Foundation has found that almost half of young people from an ethnic minority background have experienced prejudice or discrimination when seeking to enter the workplace.
The study, carried out with 3,250 young people, found seven in ten (70%) who have faced discrimination have considered moving jobs – and the majority of young people don’t think that reporting discrimination will make any difference.
In the largest survey of young people from ethnic minority backgrounds carried out in Britain, interviewing 3,250 young people, Youth Futures finds that a third (33%) of young people have experienced racist remarks, jokes, or banter directed towards them in the workplace.
A further two-thirds (66%) have overheard a co-worker or supervisor say racist slurs or make racist jokes, while one in five (20%) have also been referred to in a derogatory manner by colleagues, according to the research.
Economic pressures hit digital learning market
Myles Runham, Senior Analyst at Fosway, joins Learning News with Fosway’s annual report into the digital learning market. It reveals how economic pressures are significantly impacting the sector.
The report explains: ‘It has been a difficult year across the digital learning market. Budgetary pressures have weighed heavily on customer activity as many budgets were reduced or held flat.”
