Opinion
The UK’s skills strategy – what should be prioritised?
With apprenticeship participation down, and skill spending low – what can the Labour manifesto provide businesses? Nichola Hay dives right in. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that since the introduction of the current apprenticeship levy system, there has been a 41% reduction in the number of apprenticeships starts for those under the age of 19. For those ages between 19 and 24, participation has fallen by 36%. The research highlights several factors for…
The political pledges attempting a balancing act for the flexible workforce
If you are a freelancer, self-employed or have your own company, how should you vote? Matt Fryer helps us decide. In the lead up to the UK General Election the main political parties are making campaign pledges to support the flexible workforce and hopefully sway self-employed voters. But what exactly are the Conservative and Labour parties promising, and how will it actually impact the flexible workforce? Scrapping National Insurance for self-employed One of the key pledges from the Conservative party…
Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide
The impact of technology apprenticeships on driving talent and diversity is explored by James McLaughlin With the UK election fast approaching, both the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their intentions to expand apprenticeship programmes, reflecting a growing recognition of their importance and a changing perception surrounding higher education. Businesses cannot afford to overlook the numerous benefits of tech apprenticeships in driving talent and enhancing workforce diversity Although expanding apprenticeships would represent a considerable step in the right direction, particular…
UK workforce productivity stagnates as adult training declines
Revamping human capital strategies and transformational change in people practices is needed to boost productivity – Hugh Billot shares a human capital barometer The UK has seen a significant decline in adult education and training says the Institute of Fiscal Studies. My barometer of human capital performance (below) confirms the case. Workers in general are now less productive than in the past. Almost on all critical measures of human capital performance the outcome is poor. There has been a slump…
Performance lessons for organisations from football, tennis and F1
Techniques used in elite sports offer valuable insights for business to improve performance and wellbeing. John McLachlan shares the strategies Our research on organisational performance originated from two key problems. Firstly, that organisations were demanding approaches that balanced performance with employee wellbeing and sustainability. And second, that academic research into organisational performance lacked real-world practical application. Defining what performance means for the organisation or role is essential Elite sports offered us an ideal context to study because it defines performance…
How organisations can bring the best of social media into workplace learning
Imagine a workplace where learning feels as rewarding as your most positive social media interactions. Andrea Sennett explores leveraging digital dynamics for higher engagement and professional growth How much time does the average person spend scrolling and interacting with others on social media? Research has found that UK users spend three hours and 41 minutes online every day, with 77% agreeing that being online helps them stay in contact with friends and family. If companies implemented functions such as likes,…
Investing in success: Building the multi-generational dream team
Navigating a multi-generational workforce can be challenging, but differences can be transformed into organisational strengths. Graham James reveals how managers can achieve a united team Do you view a multigenerational workforce as posing a challenge or being a massive benefit? Many might say a challenge, but the correct answer is a benefit when a collaborative force is in play. Personal and professional development is a great way to plug the existing skills gap and alleviate workplace divisions and burnout Co-operation…
How does your business know that its coaching and mentoring investment is fit for purpose?
Unlock the potential of coaching and mentoring with this checklist of insights and actionable steps from Diane Newell Coaching and mentoring can be powerful tools for developing a strong leadership culture and fostering personal and professional growth, in service of business success. Managers with coaching skills increased business performance by 130%, and 80% of employees reported higher performance and wellbeing Organisations, large and small, have seen their use of coaching, especially external coaching and mentoring, grow exponentially over the last…
The future belongs to the curious
In a world of AI and constant change, it’s the curious that will outperform others. Thomas Bergen shares with us about developing meta-skills Traditional training methods that neatly separate hard and soft skills are often inadequate. They do not address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary learning and knowledge management in the workplace. Emphasising meta-skills empowers employees to become self-reliant problem-solvers, elevating the value of human contribution within the organisation. Blending human expertise with advanced AI technology is what is needed…
Are digital bootcamps the answer to lifelong learning?
Early career staff need different skillsets and support, so skills bootcamps might be the answer. Stewart Watts tells us more In the technology sector, while the total number of advertised job vacancies may have seen a decline last year, the demand for junior and entry-level roles is at an all-time high. Many organisations are having trouble finding enough young professionals to keep up with their growth plans. In response, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan launched a campaign to get…
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