Opinion
The evolution of workplace wellbeing: It’s more than words, it’s a leadership practice
Back in the 1980s, it was all about toughing it out. Now, workplace wellbeing means so much more. Dr Lesley Aitcheson looks at how mental, emotional and physical health became business priorities. She explains why leaders make the real difference, and why it’s time to stop talking and start doing As a middle manager in the 1980s, I quickly learnt to acclimatise to the prevailing workplace ethos: tough it out, whatever the personal cost. Vulnerability was rarely welcomed. Admitting to…
Making skills shareable: The rise of digital credentials
Digital credentials promise to make skills easier to prove, harder to fake and quicker to share. But old habits die hard. What’s holding things back? And how can open-source platforms help? Sergiy Movchan digs into the perks, pitfalls and practicalities of swapping paper for a smarter way to record achievements In the past, printed certificates were considered the gold standard of credentials, with learners waiting weeks to receive physical proof of education, completed courses or training. Losing one of these documents,…
Psychological safety for neurodiversity: One size does not fit all
Psychological safety is the secret sauce of brilliant teams, but how does it actually play out, especially when neurodivergent minds are in the mix? We explore what it means to feel safe, seen and supported at work, and why listening better might just be the leadership superpower we all need Psychological safety has become a cornerstone for effective, innovative, high-performing teams. But what is it actually like in practice? And how can we recognise its presence, particularly in environments where…
The myth of leadership versus management: Why the best managers do both
Too often, leadership and management are treated as opposing forces. But what if the real value lies in knowing how and when to switch between them? Paul Matthews explores how modern managers can blend both to get results without the drama, and why clinging to old distinctions just doesn’t work We often hear that leadership is somehow superior to management – as if one is purely about vision and inspiration, while the other is only about checklists and control. But…
Clear, kind and real: How to make communication count
Your communication skills can go from clunky to clear with just a few tweaks. From knowing what kind of chat you’re really having to handling tricky moments with empathy, it’s all about keeping it real and human. Jo Henwood explains how to keep your cool and make your message land Recently, I delivered back-to-back sessions on wellbeing, communication, coaching and feedback. While these were separate sessions, there are themes across all the topics that can make our communication more impactful. …
Beyond push-back: 5 modern truths about change resistance
Change at work feels harder than ever. But there’s more going on than people simply digging in their heels. Simon Phillips unpacks what’s really behind the push-back, from stress and burnout to wanting a proper say in decisions, and shares smart ways to help make change feel better for everyone The old wisdom about change resistance needs updating. Our post-pandemic world has transformed how people respond to workplace transformation, particularly with mental health challenges now taking centre stage in every…
The future of L&D: Focusing on potential to grow skills continuously
Rethinking hiring and learning? You’re not alone. Mark Thompson explores why a tick-box approach is out, and how spotting potential and weaving learning into everyday work can future-proof your business. From agile assessments to leadership-led learning, it’s time to invest in people who grow as fast as the world changes For years, hiring decisions have been shaped by rigid qualifications – degrees, CVs and checklists of experience. But as the workplace evolves, so must our collective hiring mindset. What if…
Think you’re ‘good’ at AI? It’s not automation, it’s augmentation that matters
Let’s bust a myth: AI isn’t just about ditching tasks, it’s about supercharging what people can do at work. In this eye-opener, Joshua Wöhle breaks down why augmentation, not automation, is where the real magic happens, and how it’s reshaping productivity, potential and even what your job might look like Many organisations are approaching AI with a fundamental misunderstanding. I’m seeing plenty of enthusiasm for AI adoption, but there’s a concerning pattern: companies are focusing on building systems that automate and remove…
Unlocking productivity: How gamification transforms the workplace
Get the impression your people are bored of the daily grind? Gamification could be your secret weapon for sparking energy and engagement in the workplace. Marisa Pereira shares smart, practical tips for making work more interactive, rewarding and fun, without losing focus on performance, collaboration and what really drives motivation In today’s increasingly remote work environment, companies are exploring innovative ways to boost employee motivation and productivity. Gamification – the integration of game-like elements into work processes – is gaining…
Why AI coaching for soft skills fails without the right data
AI coaching sounds clever. But most tools fall flat when it comes to soft skills. Why? As Petr Kanaev explains, it’s not just about algorithms, it’s about data. Without context, outcomes and expert input, the feedback fails. The good news? With the right foundation, AI can help your employees grow AI-powered coaching tools are gaining traction in workplace learning – especially as organisations seek scalable ways to develop soft skills in hybrid and remote settings. From conversational agents to automated feedback platforms,…
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