The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook. This week: Skills shape job choices, face-to-face learning resurges, safety goes viral on TikTok, Gen Z’s financial fragility exposed, small firms AI lag, compliance reframed as opportunity, and leaders train instincts through immersive crisis learning.
New data: 1 in 3 workers would take a pay cut to fix their commute – can HR afford to ignore it?
New research from BHN Extras reveals just how far UK employees are willing to go for a better commute, this includes taking home less pay. The findings highlight the mental, financial and physical toll of the daily journey to work, and why cycling could be the key to a more positive commute experience.
Fed up with delays, costs and crowding, UK employees are ready to make sacrifices. Over a third (34%) of UK workers say they would accept a pay cut for a shorter commute. This sentiment is strongest in Greater London (39%), an estimated 3.84 million people say they’d take a pay cut for a shorter commute. That compares to 34% in Scotland and 40% of younger workers nationwide.
AI at Work: New global study links AI to greater happiness
Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, today released the results of new research exploring whether AI can do more than just improve efficiency. This global study conducted in partnership with The Happiness Research Institute examines the connection of GenAI with wellbeing at work, and in everyday life. The data shows that while much of the conversation about AI has centred on efficiency, the real opportunity may lie in something far more human: happiness.
The study, Work and Wellbeing in the Age of AI, surveyed over 3,700 knowledge workers1 across 11 countries and provides a first-of-its-kind look at how the growing use of AI tools is influencing job satisfaction, stress levels and life happiness.
Lawsuit alleging failed access to training seeks damages and more
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged in a June 27 lawsuit that Pearson Education, Inc., failed to provide equal access to training for employees with visual impairments. The lawsuit seeks equal access and reasonable accommodations, such as technological fixes and third-party vendors with accessible portals, as well as damages.
AI readiness tool for L&D teams
Ross Stevenson, founder of learning consultancy Steal These Thoughts, has released an AI readiness assessment aimed at learning and development professionals.
The free tool benchmarks L&D teams against four stages of AI maturity: awareness, exploration, adoption and scaling, based on their current level of knowledge and application. Respondents answer six questions covering use of AI in learning initiatives, from early experimentation to organisation-wide integration.
Skill development opportunities influence job choices, survey shows
Job seekers increasingly expect skills-building opportunities and continuous learning from their employers, which is affecting job choices, according to a June 24 report from Aerotek, a workplace solutions provider in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance.
Nearly three-quarters of job seekers responding to a survey said they expect employers to provide opportunities to learn new skills, the report said. In addition, more than a quarter said they’ve left a job due to lacking skill development.
Face-to-face learning growing in importance as organisations realise its vital role
“Face to face learning is growing again,” says Richard Smith, chief commercial officer of Wyboston Venue Management, “as organisations find that it delivers better engagement and complements online training.” This is one of the key observations in ‘The Role of Face-to- Face Training in a GenAI World’ a research report published by Wyboston Venue Management sharing valuable insights and opinions from Learning & Development industry experts.
Safety training goes viral on TikTok
A radically different approach to safety training has gone viral – in the form of a sound-alike MC Hammer song. The animated video, created by Acteon, has captured the attention of a whole new audience on TikTok – five years after it was first commissioned.
The consensus from viewers is that more companies should create training like this to get people actually wanting to complete mandatory compliance training – which is usually incredibly yawn-worthy!
New research warns Gen Z employees financially fragile and under-rewarded
New research from Boostworks, a leading provider of employee reward, recognition, and benefits solutions, has revealed that Generation Z workers are facing significant financial strain, and they are increasingly turning to their employers for practical support.
The nationally representative survey of over one thousand 18–28-year-olds found that nearly half (44%) of Gen Z employees say financial worries distract them at work, while 19% admit they worry constantly and struggle to concentrate. Nearly 11% report having missed work altogether due to financial stress.
AI readiness divide revealed: Small businesses at risk of being left behind
New research from the Institute of Coding, based on a survey of 500 SME leaders across sectors from manufacturing to human health, reveals a stark and growing divide in the UK’s AI readiness. While larger SMEs are embracing AI confidently, micro businesses and sole traders are lagging behind—risking their ability to compete in an AI-powered economy.
The data reveals a striking pattern of AI confidence that correlates directly with business size. While 82% of medium-sized businesses and 73% of small businesses believe their organisations have the skills to take advantage of AI opportunities, the overall average across all SME categories is just 37%.
Compliance an opportunity – report available
A Skillcast report, The Cost of Compliance (and Missed Opportunity), frames compliance training, not as a cost to the business, but an opportunity. As well as protecting firms from fines and bad press, there are a wide range of indirect benefits too – everything from employee engagement to innovation. Skillcast look at how you can deliver training efficiently and effectively, even as budgets shrink, to unlock the compliance advantage.
Public leaders rely on muscle memory in a crisis – how do we train that muscle?
Whether it’s handling a major crisis, navigating complex geopolitics, or cultivating a shift in organisational culture, working in government is demanding, with decisions that have real consequences for citizens. Interactive and immersive training can help civil servants at all career levels rapidly sharpen their leadership skills through the case method, a training technique already used by law and business schools across the globe.
Read more from our sister publication Civil Service World.
