Opinion
Coaching at a crossroads – how AI is transforming the support we give at work
With demand for personalised coaching soaring and the growing need in our changing world, human capacity is being stretched thin. Laurel McKenzie explores how AI can support – not replace – human coaches, helping organisations scale development efforts ethically while meeting the needs of hybrid workers, Gen Z employees and career changers. The demand for personalised learning and development tools has surged as the workplace evolves. With hybrid working, a growing Gen Z workforce, and frequent career transitions, organisations are…
AI in the Civil Service: opportunity, risk and the future
AI is reshaping how the Civil Service works—but how do we harness its power without losing sight of critical human-centred governance? Sam Isaacson explores the risks, rewards and responsibilities of integrating AI into public sector practice ahead of his session at the Transforming L&D in the Public Sector conference. The wheels of politics are famous for turning at a speed all their own. Whitehall corridors buzz with discussions about the flavour of the month, but the distance between that and…
How to handle difficult conversations without losing learner trust
Training and coaching can surface emotions, resistance, and of course, personal baggage. But with curiosity, empathy, and assertiveness, learning professionals can turn tension into transformation—and build deeper trust with their clients. Cliff Lansley explores three types of empathy and advises on how the learning professional can implement this approach. Training and coaching individuals and teams in organisations isn’t easy – whether as a learning and development professional working within an organisation, or as someone serving external clients. The learning and…
Influence or manipulation? Why mindful manoeuvring is a leadership skill no one’s teaching
Influence happens—intentionally or not and it’s the engine of modern leadership. Caitlin Collins unpacks the line between guiding and manipulating at work, revealing why leaders need more than authority to truly move people. This is the leadership skill hiding in plain sight—and it’s time we made it teachable. When a former tech executive recently shared that she had used “manipulation” to pivot her career, the reaction online was swift—equal parts shock and curiosity. The word “manipulation” triggered something. And rightly…
We should all be training our teams in the use of AI – the why and the how
With US public institutions stepping up AI training, it’s time for businesses to ask: why aren’t we doing the same? This piece by Grant Polachek explores why interest in AI is high but usage is low — and what leaders must do to close the training gap and build AI-ready cultures Last year multiple states including Connecticut, California, Mississippi, and Maryland announced plans to help facilitate AI training for workers. Connecticut has gone the furthest – launching a free Citizens…
In-house training vs. outsourcing: A breakdown of pros and cons
Should you keep training internal to the organisation or bring in the experts for an objective approach? Mia Barnes weighs up the practical, cultural and financial trade-offs that shape effective learning strategies – and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to developing confident, capable teams that deliver on performance Organisations want well-trained staff, and employees want to feel confident about stepping into a new role. Deciding whether to provide in-house or outsourced training is a key step in…
Taking a results-based approach to L&D investment
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…
Could financial wellness be the workplace benefit your employees need?
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…
How to create a deaf-friendly workplace (it’s easier than you think)
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…
How to avoid a workplace at war: Transforming conflict into collaboration
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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