Opinion
Beyond busy work – building a culture of continuous learning and empowerment for true productivity
‘Productivity theatre’ is the illusion of work, without the impact. Overcome this with skills development – Paula Fryer introduces some ideas to start you off A culture of continuous learning, fuelled by empowerment, is far more beneficial than one focused on tedious tasks and appearances, which can be achieved through upskilling. The traditional workday has evolved—from a strict 9-to-5 in the office, to fully virtual during the pandemic, and now a hybrid mix. Along the way, our views of productivity…
Navigating zero-hours contract regulations: What UK employers and workers need to know
Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights includes a reshaping of zero-hours work regulations. Pete Taylor offers his perspective on the proposed changes As October progresses, the recruitment and HR industries are focused on the detail of the government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is set to impact thousands of businesses and employees across the UK in the coming months. Zero-hours contracts remain a central topic of discussion around the Bill, specifically Labour’s plans to give workers on zero hours…
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out about training trends
Social ecosystems, AI and measurement were in full force at The Business of Training Conference – our double agent Gaëlle Delmas-Watson sent back this classified report Mission: The Business of Training ConferenceLocation: London, MI6’s historical birthplaceDate: 17 October 2024Status: Mission Completed This assignment took place at the historical birthplace of MI6, the British government intelligence agency. The building is steeped in history, reminding us all that knowledge and learning are often “constricted by legacy systems, institutions, structure, and associated meaning,” as…
Diversifying work settings: The growing trend of workcations
Do you fancy taking a break from your work environment, but not the work itself? Try a workcation – remote working from a holiday destination When flexible remote working became the norm, employees worldwide began reaping the benefits of a more relaxed schedule, improved productivity, and enhanced mental health. A study by Microsoft found that 70% of workers globally want flexible remote work options to continue. Gen Z is spearheading a new trend called ‘workcations’ which offer the opportunity to…
From holiday relaxation to work reality: Ease your return to the office routine
Struggling to settle back into work after a holiday? Try these strategies to maximise productivity. Lesley Cooper has your three-step plan As your much-anticipated holiday comes to an end, returning to work can feel particularly challenging, draining the energy you replenished during your break. While many people assume they are alone in feeling this way, the ‘post-holiday blues’ are quite common, even for those who enjoy their job. By focusing on the three key strategies you will find it…
What is the best bit of any conference?
On video: what you might have missed from the World of Learning conference and exhibition! See the highlights from the World of Learning conference, free exhibition and seminars: You can find out more about World of Learning Summit in early 2025 and Conference later in the year. Thanks to Raiveon for the video. You can also read a summary of the event sessions.
Ageless insight: Embracing the value of experience in a rapidly evolving workplace
Ageism is real; talented individuals in their 40s and 50s face unfair bias at work. Effective teams thrive by blending seasoned wisdom with youthful energy. Rose Fass explains how to leverage experience across all ages There’s a shift happening in the workplace that we need to address, and it’s more pressing now than ever before. Ageism, once something that primarily affected those nearing retirement, is now creeping into the lives of professionals much earlier. I’m seeing it firsthand in the…
Boozy dinners are so 2000. Let’s rethink work culture and focus on inclusivity
Help employees thrive by tackling workplace drinking culture and creating inclusive, alcohol-free events for teams, writes Alex Clapp Employee wellbeing has never been more of a priority. From safeguarding mental health and helping staff navigate the current cost-of-living challenges to promoting physical fitness through private healthcare and gym memberships, companies are placing a stronger focus on supporting their workforce’s overall welfare. It’s also widely recognised that these benefits are what new recruits are looking for when considering their next move. But one issue is…
Empowering emerging leaders: Tips for a successful transition
With the right mix of L&D support, you can help new managers become effective leaders, writes Sarah Henson Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is a significant career achievement, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Without the right support, managers may struggle with the pressures of their new roles, which can lead to decreased team performance, high stress levels, and even burnout. Enrol new managers in a development programme that covers the basics –…
An overview of the evolving role of artificial intelligence in L&D
Personalised training programmes, predictive insights and real-time feedback – how to leverage AI for workplace learning, by Ravinder Tulsiani Artificial intelligence is reshaping how companies approach L&D. As organisations strive to stay competitive and innovative, leveraging AI to enhance employee training programmes is becoming increasingly crucial. This article explores the ways AI is transforming L&D, offers insights into its benefits, and provides strategies for effectively integrating AI technologies into workplace training. L&D professionals need to be trained not only in…
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