Opinion

Skills

The clock is ticking on obsolescence—are you helping your employees stay ahead?

Sean D’Arcy

People are busy, but some skills are rapidly becoming useless, so what can you do? Sean D’Arcy has some tips! For years, experts have been sounding the alarm about the growing skills gap in the workforce, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies. However, this issue is now no longer simply the concern of L&D professionals. Nearly 3 in 4 employees report worrying about their skills becoming obsolete, and 46% expect their professional skills to be out…

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Six New Year resolutions for a successful people strategy in 2025

Jo Cook

Get insights from six leading thinkers and innovators that ensure your teams thrive amid disruption Another year is on the horizon and yet again economic challenges, a rapidly evolving workforce and new technologies look to disrupt the way we operate. Evolving our people strategies to meet these new challenges will be the difference in being able to seize emerging opportunities or faltering at them. Here are six expert-backed resolutions to help cultivate a future-ready, inclusive people strategy: 1. Develop courageous…

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Top blogs of the year: From storytelling to leadership and emotional expression

These top 2024 blogs offer fresh insights and practical tips to inspire growth and innovation As we near the end of another transformative year, the L&D landscape continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the forefront. To celebrate the best of 2024, I’ve curated a list of standout blogs that have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired action, and offered practical insights. From the art of storytelling and the power of emotional expression to redefining leadership and capability-driven futures,…

Typewriter on a desk at Christmas with "top articles" on the paper. AI generated by Dall-E, prompted by Jo Cook

Top articles of the year: Exploring the leading conversations in L&D

Discover compelling L&D insights from 2024 – agile leadership, AI’s impact, skill development, and more As the world of work continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, so too does the learning and development landscape. From navigating the complexities of agile leadership to leveraging the transformative power of AI and addressing the critical need for future-ready skills, this year has been packed with insightful discussions and thought leadership. This round up the top articles that captured the attention of our…

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A positive approach to menopause in the workplace  

Jacqui Purdy

How L&D can create work environments that empower women to thrive during menopause and beyond In today’s evolving workplace, it is crucial for L&D professionals to acknowledge the impact of menopause and provide support systems for women navigating this life phase. The concept of a ‘second spring’ is rooted in Eastern philosophy, that reframes menopause as a period of renewal and growth. This perspective can offer women – and their employers – powerful tools to foster resilience, wellbeing and career…

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Keeping an organisation and people safe – the critical role of L&D  

Richard Mackintosh

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…

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The art of keeping in touch: Advice for managers and expectant parents on getting the communication balance right

Beverlie Wilkinson

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…

Happy business people smile during a planning meeting in a startup marketing agency office. Diversity, collaboration and teamwork in a healthy work environment in an international advertising company

Fostering a culture of motivation in the workplace to help employees and organisations thrive 

Grace French

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…

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An exploration of soft skills

Professor Rao

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…

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Data as your mentor: Helping people help people 

Mike Mair

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…