The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook. This week: AI is reshaping industries, skills gaps in financial services and Gen Z’s surprising email habits. From remote work paradoxes to burnout, this round-up explores the human factors driving change in work and learning.
Skills shortages are a major barrier to AI-driven growth
The significant growth opportunities of artificial intelligence can only be unlocked if financial services firms address the sector’s skills gap, according to a new report from the Financial Services Skills Commission.
The report – ‘Unlocking AI’s potential: The skills that matter’ – shows that amongst all UK industries, financial services will be the sector most impacted by AI, with disruption likely in the form of tasks, and roles, either being replaced or enhanced.
Colossyan report reveals AI avatars revolutionising work, education and everyday life
91% of U.S. workers believe artificial intelligence (AI) avatars can enhance productivity and efficiency at work and 88% see the potential for AI avatars to create more knowledgeable workers by providing instant access to information. This is according to the Colossyan State of AI Avatars Report, which explores the impact and future potential of AI avatars in work and life.
76% believe that using AI avatars for tasks like writing emails and managing schedules would enhance their performance. If given the opportunity, workers would use AI avatars to create customizable Excel spreadsheets (84%) or PowerPoint presentations (81%), summarize meetings (80%), produce learning and training videos for customers/employees (78%) and reply to emails that do not require human attention (62%).
Email is here to stay – just ask Gen Z
Iced coffees in hand and TikTok notifications pinging, Generation Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – is bringing fresh habits and mindsets to the workplace. But what does that look like in practice?
- Do they still rely on email – or is it fading in favour of instant messaging?
- How much AI do they really use?
- What makes them happiest in their careers?
Zero Bounce surveyed nearly 1,400 Gen Zers across the US, Canada, the UK, and other European countries to understand how this generation uses email and what truly makes them tick – like whether email hinders their productivity or if salary matters more than purpose.
The remote work paradox: Higher engagement, lower wellbeing
Globally, fully remote workers are the most likely to be engaged at work (31%), compared with hybrid (23%), on-site remote-capable (23%) and on-site non-remote-capable (19%). That’s according to the latest State of the Global Workplace report, which tracks how employees worldwide are doing in their work and lives.
Employee engagement measures the enthusiasm workers feel for their work and their attachment to their team and organization, and it directly affects team performance and business outcomes. Remote workers may be more engaged because they have more autonomy in their work. This freedom allows them to play to their strengths, reach a flow state more easily and use their time more efficiently.
Researched data to see where in the world workers are the happiest with their roles
In recent years, job seekers have put a greater focus on job satisfaction to protect their mental health while earning their wages. Striking a good work-life balance and finding a role that provides strong benefits can lead to more motivated workers and can influence workers to stay at their companies for longer.
New research from iSelect compared Australia and counties in Europe, and U.S states, to find out where workers are the happiest in their careers. They analysed data such as job security, work hours, workplace culture and more, to then assign each area a score out of 100 to find the hotspots for job satisfaction.
After-hours check ins, holiday emails and no post-work pints, UK workers risk being frustrated and burnt-out
A new study by, reveals that Britain’s workforce is at a breaking point. As nearly half of employees admit to checking in during their holiday, and social lives evaporate, one question remains: Is Britain really happy at work?
- Nearly half (48%) of UK employees have responded to work messages during annual leave
- 39% of UK employees have responded to work messages whilst off sick
- 80% of employees say their work-life balance hasn’t significantly improved in the past five years
- 46% of employees avoid socialising after work in favour of personal time
- 75% of junior management employees say their burn out levels have not improved after 5 years
Financial literacy for employees to reduce stress
60% of UK employees report their financial situation is damaging their health, according to new findings from nudge’s 2025 Global Financial Wellbeing Report. The study reveals money worries are systematically undermining the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the UK workforce.
The annual report, which surveyed over 11,500 employees worldwide including 2,102 UK workers, highlights the widespread health consequences of financial instability while also highlighting the positive outcomes strong financial literacy can have on workforce wellbeing and overall health.
New campaign to “get the nation learning” – Channel 4, Make UK and the National Housing Federation join together
A coalition of organisations including broadcaster Channel 4, manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, and the National Housing Federation have pledged to “get the nation learning” as a new report demonstrates that when adults learn, our society and economy thrive.
Led by the independent policy and research organisation Learning and Work Institute (L&W), the Get the Nation Learning campaign has been launched to make and win the case for lifelong learning. At the heart of the campaign sits the Get the Nation Learning Charter, signed by a growing number of key players—including employers, membership bodies, and community organisations.
