Features
Is goal setting really necessary?
Are you an expert in goal setting or do you prefer to freestyle? Thom Dennis explores the pros and cons of both Goals can guide how we behave and influence a number of factors from performance level to degrees of conflict to the success of leaders. If goal setting helps us to identify what we want to accomplish, create a plan of action, and monitor our progress towards a desired outcome, is there really a downside? Almost certainly a more…
Challenger banks leading the way in sustainability
Glenn Gillis looks at the role challenger banks have in the search for a greener world and the role gamification has in changing attitudes Concerns about climate change are influencing consumer choices more than ever, with nearly three-quarters of Britons anxious about global warming. As sustainability becomes a top priority for customers, 92% of them are more willing to trust a business that supports action on environmental issues. This is shaping trends in the financial sector; a recent report found…
The impact of positive workplace culture
Luke Smith looks at boosting productivity and customer experience by focussing on organisational culture A strong workplace culture is key to the long-term success of your business. A recent survey by McKinsey even found that businesses with strong, positive cultures yield 60% higher returns than their peers. The same report also found that companies with a positive workplace culture are more adaptable. This is particularly important today, as fast-paced markets are changing rapidly in the face of a global economic…
Embracing discomfort in difficult work conversations
Bridging the gap in difficult conversations is tough. Here Sara Hope and Emily Cosgrove offer ways to make it a little less painful Difficult conversations are a part of being human. This remains as true in work as it does outside. The challenges we all face as we navigate our way through life can be seriously tough. Whichever side of the conversation we may be standing, talking with another person (or people) involved in, for example, behavioural issues, redundancy, bereavement, or…
The importance of purpose to Gen Z
Camilia Miccolis on why meaning matters in the retention of Gen Z staff and how L&D can help With Gen Z making up around 20% of the global workforce, and growing year on year, employers cannot ignore what this age group values most in the workplace. As a generation of entrepreneurial, digital natives, they are not typically swayed by salary alone, nor the hollow ‘perks’ of pizza parties and beanbags in a modern office. Instead, some things appear to drive…
Time for a reset on managing teams – Part 2
In the second part of an article on teamwork, Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook look at HR and L&D’s role in ensuring managers are ready for these new ways of working In the first part of this two-part article we considered today’s changed team environment: in a typical hybrid work environment, functional teams are no longer the single norm. Virtual working is commonplace, and cross functional project or task force teams with diverse members from different countries and cultures are…
Time for a reset on managing teams
In the first of a two-part article on teamwork Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s environment Working in teams today presents substantial challenges, but also big opportunities. People professionals can do much to strengthen how teams can face the changing world with confidence. There is a need to change the emphasis of approach to developing and sustaining high-performance teams in today’s environment, which is undergoing significant change. Modern teams are increasingly operating across the…
The power of reciprocal mentoring
Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope on deepening trust and belonging through reverse mentoring Editor’s note: This article was first published by TJ in December 2021 To do our best work, we all need to feel included and valued. And to retain and grow our talent, this is just as true. If we don’t feel included and valued, why would we stay? Turning up to work in an environment where our colleagues are interested in who we are, the real person that…
Moving workplace celebrations from tipsy to temperate
As Alcohol Awareness Week draws to a close, TJ’s regular contributor Luke Smith weighs up the pros and cons of alcohol at work events As a business leader, you hold significant responsibility for shaping the culture within your organisation. Your approach to planning work functions can have an impact here. One element that has long been ingrained in the social fabric of work functions is the presence of alcohol. Whether it’s a holiday party, a team-building event, or a client…
The rise of the Skills-Based Organisation
Conor Gilligan on unlocking success in the age of skills-based organisations As the job market grapples with a major shortage of skills and workers, Britain’s near record low unemployment poses a deep problem, as reported by the Financial Times. Surprisingly, compared to G7 peers, the UK spends just half the EU average per employee on training. To address this challenge, proposals have emerged for developing higher-level technical skills qualifications and providing financial incentives for ongoing learning beyond the age of…
Want smart, useful L&D insight in your inbox (without the fluff)?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for Editor-only commentary, and exclusive insight that isn’t published anywhere else online.
If you want a quick roundup of what matters, fresh ideas you can use, and the best new reads from Training Journal, this is where it lands
It’s free, only takes a minute, and you can unsubscribe any time.
