Opinion
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?…
We’re all in this together: Senior management and mental health in the workplace
Effective leadership training must go beyond technical skills, incorporating soft skills like listening and empathy – Daniel Shore explains why these are key to building resilient, supportive teams Mental health was once considered a taboo topic, rarely discussed in the workplace. While this stigma still exists in some organisations, attitudes towards mental health have changed. Many employers have, to varying degrees, started to recognise the importance of providing a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises the wellbeing of their employees. …
Bridging the digital skills gap in-house: 3 tips for senior leaders
Smart leaders are turning to their teams to grow in-house digital skills and stay competitive – Emma-Claire Kavanagh shows you how The digital skills gap is reportedly costing the UK economy as much as £63bn a year in lost revenue, according to a recent report by the Prince’s Trust, and our research at BIE shows that maintaining digital knowledge is a top people-priority for business leaders over the next five years. A reverse-mentoring strategy can be an effective way to…
Navigating DEI trends: A strategic opportunity for UK companies
By enhancing DEI strategies, UK firms can set themselves apart, fostering inclusivity that drives growth – Reshma Sheikh explains As major US firms like Harley Davidson, Brown-Forman and Molson Coors Beverage Co scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to financial pressures and shifting political climates, UK businesses face a pivotal moment. UK firms can not only drive innovation and attract top talent, but also strengthen their brand reputation and stakeholder trust This evolving landscape presents…
Gamifying extended reality training: Taking workplace L&D to the next level
Innovative training through gamification and XR increases productivity, creating safer, immersive, and engaging learning experiences – Ben Bennett explores the potential successes The gamification of workplace training and professional development has emerged as a transformative force in the corporate landscape, revolutionising how organisations approach employee learning and skill enhancement. Gamification is applying game mechanics or elements to a non-gaming environment, in this case learning systems, platforms or interventions. 61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive…
From BBC News to events: Mastering professional video with just an iPhone
Convenience meets quality with fast, discreet, powerful video on smartphones for your next learning intervention – Kevin Davids shares his approach and why he filmed World of Learning 2024 with a mobile device “The best camera is the one you have with you” is often attributed to Chase Jarvis from his 2009 book, where he included photos captured with an early iPhone. Since then, technology has evolved in leaps and bounds, making this quote truer today than ever before. That’s…
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