Features

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When reviews backfire: How smart managers turn damage into growth

Srideep Sarkar

Appraisals gone wrong can leave employees feeling anxious, rejected and disengaged. Drawing on psychological insights, Srideep Sarkar and Anu Sarkar explain how managers can navigate these moments with care. Learn how to rebuild trust, restore confidence and transform even the toughest performance conversations into catalysts for learning, resilience and growth. Performance appraisals are meant to provide clarity, motivation, and a roadmap for growth. But for many employees, they bring frustration, disappointment, and even self-doubt. This is aptly indicated by a…

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Breathe new life into learning with video

Matthew Pierce

Learners crave stimulation and engagement, not repetition. Video can transform dry documents into engaging, memorable experiences, but only when used strategically. Matthew Pierce explains how L&D teams can pinpoint the right text content, craft effective videos, and boost learning retention while building on what already works in existing training programmes. An active brain is closely tied to better memory and sharper cognitive function, and that activity thrives on variety and stimulation. When the mind is fully engaged, learning sticks. But…

Discontent and dissatisfaction causes depression and dismissal of the participant from the group. Mental health. Every fourth. Problems with alcohol and drugs.

Workplace conflict: why we’re trapped in drama and how to stop it

Jane Gunn

Many of us unknowingly fall into dysfunctional roles that quickly escalate workplace conflict, stall progress and can create unrest during our day. Jane Gunn explores Karpman’s Drama Triangle, its impact on teams, and how professionals can move beyond blame and bad feeling towards empowerment, assertiveness and better outcomes for everyone. If you often find yourself walking on eggshells with a colleague, want to rescue a co-worker who is struggling, or feel you often need to give guidance to others who…

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Beyond the badge: Why accreditation is about continuous improvement

Donna Ward-Higgs

From aligning learning outcomes to verification processes, accreditation supports continuous improvement, boosts credibility and ensures impactful, learner-centred programmes that meet industry standards. Donna Ward-Higgs shares insight for practical guidance on designing accredited training that goes beyond compliance and prepares you for accreditation. And it might matter more than you think. As an Approved Accreditation Assessor for EMCC Global (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), and with over a decade of experience designing and delivering accredited training programmes, I’ve seen first hand…

Old vs New, Old or New. An image of a yellow road sign

L&D at a crossroads: Innovate like Netflix or fade like Blockbuster 

Ravinder Tulsiani

Learning and development teams are facing a turning point. Ravinder Tulsiani explains what needs to change to stay useful and effective. From using smart technology to making learning quicker and easier to access, it is time to move on from the old ways and build something that really works today Learning and Development professionals are facing an existential choice – evolve or become obsolete. Just as Netflix revolutionised entertainment by leveraging AI, data and on-demand content while Blockbuster clung to…

A vibrant stack of sticky notes sits on a wooden desk, with a bold Future Proofing note prominently displayed. This image captures the essence of planning and innovation, inspiring viewers to think

Future-proofing with scenario thinking

Steve Macaulay

What if you encountered a Black Swan, a Grey Rhino or a Silver Lining? Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan show how these powerful metaphors for shocks, slow-burning threats and surprise opportunities can help you prepare for the future, not by predicting it, but by staying adaptable and ready for anything In this article, we explore how to anticipate disruption and turn it into an advantage; build resilience to respond with agility; and align workforce strategy with emerging futures to stay…

Unlock your skills concept

Skills awareness: the key ingredient for unlocking success in our future workforce

Emma O’Dell

AI, sustainability and a fast-moving jobs market are reshaping how we work. Emma O’Dell explores why understanding skills, not just job titles, is vital to staying ahead. From reducing bias to building dynamic teams, skills awareness could be the game-changer that UK businesses need to unlock real innovation and growth  Published at the start of this year, LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report revealed the significant changes facing the UK jobs market, as the economic landscape continues to evolve. New job opportunities…

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The role of training in overcoming imposter syndrome

Mike Worley

Self-doubt doesn’t just live in your head, it’s hitting businesses hard. From lost productivity to rising staff turnover, imposter syndrome is more than a buzzword. In this piece, Mike Worley explores how targeted training and development can give employees the confidence and tools they need to overcome it and thrive  Imposter syndrome – the persistent feeling of not being qualified, smart or confident enough for a role – affects nearly a third of employees. While it often manifests as self-doubt, stress, anxiety and burnout,…

Overwhelmed Office Worker at Desk with Papers

Change fatigue: Why L&D should prioritise the human side of change

Steve Macaulay

Change fatigue is feeling weary, indifferent or resistant towards increasing organisational changes. Steve Macaulay explores how L&D can play a pivotal role in tackling this issue by focusing on emotional wellbeing, resilience and communication, ensuring employees feel supported, valued and capable of navigating transitions successfully in today’s fast-paced business environment There is a widespread problem in organisations, manifesting itself as the exhaustion many employees are feeling as they face constant change. Companies often use neutral, even positive, managerial language to describe…

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The enterprise browser: HR’s new secret weapon for compliance 

Jennifer Park

The enterprise browser might sound techy, but it’s quietly transforming how HR stays on top of workplace rules, without the endless IT faff. From smarter shift systems to stress-free policy rollouts, it’s compliance without the chaos. Jennifer Park and Uy Huynh explain how it’s changing the game for people teams  People leaders are facing pressure from labour regulations, and it’s only continuing to grow.  From strict limits on working hours in Europe and detailed wage-and-hour rules in the United States to complex…