Opinion

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Taking a results-based approach to L&D investment

Aisling MacNamara

As businesses tighten belts and talent gaps widen, L&D really has a chance to shine—not with attendance stats, but by proving real impact. Aisling MacNamara calls for a smarter, outcomes-led approach that aligns learning with organisation strategy, speaks the language of business, and turns development into a competitive edge In today’s results-driven business world, demonstrating a clear return on investment is expected for virtually every initiative. Yet, learning and development has too often been the exception. For years, success in…

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Could financial wellness be the workplace benefit your employees need?

David Banaghan

As rising costs bite for individuals, financial wellness is moving from a ‘nice to have’ to an absolute business essential. David Banaghan explores how forward-thinking organisations are tackling money stress at work and supporting their staff—boosting morale, retention and productivity along the way. Empower your people, strengthen your business As the cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate headlines, more businesses are stepping up to support their employees’ financial health. Financial wellness programs, once a niche offering, are now becoming a cornerstone…

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How to create a deaf-friendly workplace (it’s easier than you think)

Anna Park

To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5 to 11 May), Anna Park reveals just how easy it is to create a deaf-friendly workplace. From clear communication tips to clever office layout tweaks, small steps can make a huge impact. Inclusion doesn’t have to be hard, and it starts with awareness. #DeafAwarenessWeek2025 One in three adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. This striking statistic underscores a crucial need that businesses and organisations cannot ignore. With this in mind, it…

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How to avoid a workplace at war: Transforming conflict into collaboration

Carole Gaskell

Workplace rows? They don’t have to end in tears (or tribunals). With the right nudge from learning and development, leaders can turn tension into teamwork. Carole Gaskell shares actionable insights to help your organisation swap awkward silences for honest chats, and build a culture where conflict fuels connection, not chaos  Conflict at work is inevitable, but left unmanaged, it can become one of the most costly, draining, and disruptive forces in any organisation. According to the CIPD Good Work Index…

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How to AI-proof your career

Paula Fryer

Just started on your L&D career but worried the robots are coming for your job? Relax! You don’t need to outsmart the tech, just out-human it. Paula Fryer reveals how to future-proof your career with a few smart shifts, some people-first skills and a mindset that’s more curious than cautious AI isn’t replacing you. At least, not yet. But with the speed at which artificial intelligence is advancing, it’s understandable to feel uneasy. According to Resume Builder, 37% of companies…

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The future of technology: Empowering today’s female leaders? 

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

As tech reshapes the world of work, Adeolu Adewumi-Zer explores how female leaders can thrive 🚀 if L&D professionals act now. 💡From digital literacy to AI ethics, the right programmes will unlock a powerful future where women lead innovation, shape strategy and drive real change across industries and organisations 🌟 The landscape of leadership is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the relentless march of technology. It is imperative to examine how this technological evolution will uniquely impact female leaders and…

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Re-thinking ROI: How to secure Learning and Development’s seat at the table

Frédéric Hébert

Traditional metrics aren’t cutting it. In a shifting job market, time to skill could be the KPI L&D needs to speak the boardroom’s language and increase contribution to the bottom line. Frédéric Hébert unpacks how this approach connects learning with tangible business outcomes — and why now’s the time to act The job market is changing fast – faster than ever. With automation, AI and new technology shaking up almost every industry, entire professions are expected to disappear while new…

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The dark side of feedback: How to break free, and thrive in a continuous feedback culture

Srideep Sarkar

Continuous feedback should drive growth and development—not anxiety. But when handled poorly, it can trigger rumination and stall progress. Srideep Sarkar and Anu Sarkar explore how to shift from emotional overload and anxiety to intentional growth with strategies that reset thinking patterns and foster a healthier relationship with feedback Is feedback helping you grow, or is it keeping you stuck in rumination? Continuous feedback is the new reality and feedback for everyone, irrespective of seniority, is the new norm. Deloitte…

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Bring the joy: how fun fuels learning and is key to getting serious work done

Laura Thomson-Staveley

Fun isn’t a distraction – it’s a powerful enabler of deep learning, collaboration and creativity. Laura Thomson-Staveley shares how creating joyful, inclusive environments helps professionals feel safer, think more openly and bring their best selves to work – a little joy can go a long way in transforming workplace learning experiences As a leadership coach and trainer with 25 years of experience, I’ve noticed a fascinating shift in workplace dynamics over recent months. More and more participants in my workshops,…

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The Ethics of AI in Learning & Development: What L&D specialists need to know 

Harikrishna Kundariya

From bias-busting to protecting learner data, ethical AI in L&D is essential. Harikrishna Kundariya explores the foundation of how professionals can champion transparency, fairness and human insight whilst also embracing the tech shaping tomorrow’s learning. This will give you a great starting point to research more for your organisation AI has a major role to play in almost every sector and industry today. Be it healthcare, IT or finance, AI can help in automating repetitive tasks and simplifying complex challenges.…