Opinion
Keeping an organisation and people safe – the critical role of L&D
How L&D professionals can help businesses mitigate complex security risks through effective training and leadership – with insights from Richard Mackintosh and Sarah Keeling It is widely acknowledged that the world is more dangerous than at any time since 1945. Recent disruptions to world IT systems, caused by a patching update, are a stark warning of the risks we run because of our interconnectedness and dependencies. Instability in Europe and the rise of China, all underpinned and dependent upon emergent…
The art of keeping in touch: Advice for managers and expectant parents on getting the communication balance right
Whether you are returning from parental leave or a manager, Beverlie Wilkinson has some advice As an executive coach who has worked with countless managers and returnees, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that arise when team members embark on maternity leave. While companies often provide support through their People teams, successfully re-entering the workforce after maternity leave wholeheartedly relies on a proactive and positive relationship between the manager and the team member. I always emphasise the importance of addressing several…
Fostering a culture of motivation in the workplace to help employees and organisations thrive
Thriving organisations start with inspired people. Empower employees by listening, learning and creating meaningful culture – Grace French explains People development professionals and business leaders alike face an extraordinarily challenging landscape, battling stubbornly high inflation, interest rates, skills shortages and the looming threat of insolvency or liquidation. In England and Wales, more companies went bankrupt last year than during the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting the severity of the current economic climate. The impacts of major events such as Covid-19, Brexit, ongoing…
An exploration of soft skills
Soft skills are essential for professional and social success – Professor Rao reveals their transformative power The importance of soft skills is increasingly recognised across global educational institutions, where they enhance employability, and within organisations, where they drive productivity and performance. Despite their importance, soft skills remain an under-researched area. Several myths surround soft skills because the field is still evolving. They are often confused with other concepts, such as: Researchers, scholars and educators struggle to agree on a universal…
Data as your mentor: Helping people help people
Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a mentor that helps set direction and drives better decisions – Mike Mair explains how to reap the benefits Effective leaders create outstanding teams; outstanding teams create the culture; and no business can be sustainably successful without engaged and connected people. The key to unlocking true organisational potential lies in harnessing the power of data In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding your people is more critical than ever. In recent times, every organisation has…
Why suicide prevention training is needed now more than ever
Equip teams with the skills to spot warning signs and save lives, urges Ellie MacDonald ONS figures released recently show that suicide rates are the highest they’ve been since 1999. We lost a staggering 6,069 people to suicide in the UK alone in 2023 and this has a detrimental impact not only on people’s lives but economically, costing employers billions of pounds each year in employment productivity losses. Next time something feels off – a colleague doesn’t seem themselves –…
Enterprise has a problem with AI training. How can it be personally applicable and scalable at the same time?
Organisations face a false choice between reach and relevance when it comes to AI training – Josh Wöhle reveals why this challenge extends beyond business efficiency to broader societal impact AI is the new Microsoft Office in the workplace. It’s a must-have. The World Economic Forum predicts that 75% of companies plan to adopt AI technologies by 2027. But – and it’s a big but – there’s a significant gap between what people learn about AI in theory and how they actually…
Do we need to professionalise the L&D industry?
Is L&D truly a profession? Experts highlight the need for strategic action to elevate impact At the Learning Network’s Connect 2024 conference was a panel discussion on what professionalising the Learning and Development (L&D) industry entails. It revolved around several core themes, with panellists offering diverse perspectives based on their experiences. Audience questions and comments were also part of the exploration. I don’t think I’ve ever met an unprofessional L&D person Jane Feilden Panellists: Kim Ellis (far left) is CEO…
ADHD in the workplace: Challenges, misconceptions and the path to inclusion
With a few practical adjustments, organisations can create workplaces where employees with ADHD truly thrive – Nicole Nadler explains If you’re an employer or manage a team, odds are someone in your organisation may have ADHD. While the disorder impacts everyone differently, knowing the symptoms and how they present themselves is vital. ADHD can be categorised as inattentive, which involves difficulties in maintaining focus, organisational challenges and/or forgetfulness. There is also hyperactive, which is traditionally seen as being unable to sit…
How to showcase the value of L&D to C-suite leaders
Savvy learning leaders align L&D with strategic business objectives to maximise its impact on organisations – Collin Poage explores how to effectively demonstrate L&D’s value to leadership The role of L&D is changing. According to Gartner: “Learning and development functions face growing pressure to deliver critical skills in an environment of fast-changing skills needs, heightened employee expectations, and economic uncertainty.” Learning leaders need to answer the question: “How does learning help advance our entire organisation?” How can your company cope?…
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