Opinion

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The ethical imperatives of implementing learning technologies 

Ajit Kumar Kar

Learning technologies are changing the game, but it’s crucial to navigate their use with care. Dr Ajit Kumar Kar breaks down the key ethical considerations for anyone new to L&D  In today’s rapidly evolving knowledge landscape, the integration of technology into learning environments has become increasingly prevalent. From online learning platforms to virtual reality simulations, technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the learning experience.   Transformation must be guided by a strong commitment to ethical principles and values However, amid this…

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What do you want from TJ?

Jo Cook

Get involved in our reader survey! I’d love to know more about you, your work, and what you want from TJ. There’s a really short survey that asks about the work you do and what constructive feedback you have about Training Journal – I’d love to know what works for you, and what doesn’t. As you know, the world is about data, and this information will help us go from strength to strength!

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Leading with empathy: Managing mistakes in the workplace

Ravinder Tulsiani

Encouraging communication around gaffes and oversights, with empathy and continuous improvement, is the leadership superpower says Ravinder Tulsiani Mistakes are inevitable in any organisation. They can range from minor errors to costly blunders, and how leaders respond to these mistakes can significantly impact the company’s culture and the employees’ morale. How a leader handles mistakes can foster a learning environment or create a culture of fear and blame. One key principle in managing mistakes is to recognise that they are…

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Climate training: Why it’s a must-have and how to make it work

Sarah Humphrys

Influencing large-scale behaviour change and empowering your people to tackle the climate crisis is crucial. Sarah Humphrys reveals how effective training can help  Every day we are bombarded with headlines:  The scale of the challenge is clear. Now we need all hands on deck to turn the climate and nature crisis around – and fast.   77% of employees are actively unhappy about their employer’s lack of climate and nature action The problem is, people are not taking adequate and informed action on this…

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Training for tomorrow: Mastering manufacturing skills with immersive technology 

Mike Peeler

With XR training, workers can practise on virtual equipment to upskill in a risk-free environment. Mike Peeler explains  The comfort of tradition can be a hurdle for innovation in manufacturing. Legacy systems, while reliable, can create a reluctance to embrace new training approaches like immersive technologies. Enterprise leaders are concerned about potential production downtime during installation and employee training on these new systems.  XR training allows for continuous training without sacrificing production  However, the initial discomfort of adopting new training methods should…

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The UK’s skills strategy – what should be prioritised?

Nichola Hay

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…

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The political pledges attempting a balancing act for the flexible workforce

Matt Fryer

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…

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Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide

James McLaughlin

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…

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UK workforce productivity stagnates as adult training declines 

Hugh Billot

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…

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Performance lessons for organisations from football, tennis and F1 

John McLachlan

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…