Opinion

Psychological Safety

My whole self – creating psychologically safe cultures at work

Simon Blake

Simon Blake on the importance of feeling valued and empowered to be our ‘whole self’ at work When I feel safe at work, I am me without worrying about whether I am being judged. And when I am confident about that, I can be innovative. I push and stretch myself, and explore new ideas because my focus is on my work, not on worrying about what other people think of me.   This extract is not verbatim, but captures the essence of the…

AI, artificial intelligence technology

Shaping the future of work with artificial intelligence

Ravinder Tulsiani

AI in the workplace: beware the risks and seize the opportunities, says Ravinder Tulsiani While artificial intelligence (AI) presents organisations with the promise of unparalleled efficiencies and capabilities, it also presents some complex challenges and risks. This positions AI as both a beacon of innovation and a field filled with ethical dilemmas including bias, privacy concerns, job displacement and the dangers of overreliance on digital systems.   AI offers immense opportunities for enhancing efficiency, spurring innovation and fostering business growth …

Reality Check Ahead sign on

Out of touch? The stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis and the responsibility of the C-suite 

Rob Russell

As more employees report feelings of stress and overwhelm, Rob Russell suggests eight ways to help the C-suite play an active role in company culture The cost of living in the UK and across the world has been on the rise since 2022, presenting unique challenges for businesses and individuals alike – and it’s not getting any easier. With 76% of employees reporting feelings of stress and overwhelm as a direct result of living cost hikes, there has never been…

Immersive learning

Immersive learning: the future of training

Phillip Carmichael Jr

‘Learning by doing’ presents limitless possibilities for workforce training, writes Phillip Carmichael Jr In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, traditional methods of learning are being redefined by the growth of immersive learning.   One of the key advantages of immersive learning is its ability to engage learners in a way that traditional methods often struggle to achieve  Immersive learning, which relies on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, has become a gamechanger that is transforming workforce training and…

Walking on a tightrope

C-suite and HR disconnect: can L&D redress the balance?

Stan Massueras

HR is often undervalued by the C-suite. Stan Massueras shows how to demonstrate the link between people programmes and business outcomes As workplace trends continue to evolve and businesses drive for greater productivity, performance and profitability, HR and L&D leaders are feeling increased pressure and scrutiny to show the value of their work. In the midst of that, however, it appears that a growing disconnect between the C-suite and HR strategy is developing.   L&D has a vital role to play…

Concept of empathy and sympathy

From conflict to connection: how empathy shapes effective leaders

Alexandra Efthymiades

The ability to relate to others is more than a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful tool for successful leadership. Alexandra Efthymiades shares the tips you need Take a moment to think about a great boss you had in the past, or you have now. What makes them great? When we ask this question on our management development courses, the answers are often as follows:   Are your answers like these? If they are, then part of what you appreciate about a great boss…

The outline of the brain with the inscription neurodiversity is surrounded by coloured cubes.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week sheds light on neuro-inclusive workplaces

Holly Biggs

Holly Biggs looks at research that reminds us to foster an improved workplace for our neurodivergent employees for humanitarian reasons, but also because it’s good business In a world that thrives on diversity, recognising and celebrating differences has become a cornerstone of progressive societies. One such celebration that takes centre stage is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, 18-24 March 2024. Society often measures success by conformity; Neurodiversity Celebration Week encourages us to embrace and celebrate neuro-different individuals for the rich tapestry of…

Neurodiversity concept. Brain from puzzle and a hand holds a piece with an inscription of the word neurodiversity.

What can employers do to create more neuroinclusive workplaces?

Leanne Maskell

Leanne Maskell highlights that we want a neurodiverse workforce and shares practical ideas for how to manage differences Although 55% of organisations believe they have a neuroinclusive culture, research has shown the opposite. Only 37% of neurodivergent employees polled felt their employer offered meaningful support, and only 52% felt able to talk about neurodiversity at work. 1 in 5 have experienced harassment or discrimination at work.  We are all neurodiverse, as we all think differently from one another, so neuroinclusion…

Neurodivergent word represented by wooden letter tiles on a wooden table with glasses and a book

The spectrum of success: fostering an inclusive workplace for the neurodivergent

Hayley Brackley

Hayley Brackley explains neurodiversity and neurodivergent, the problem with ableism, and why we all need an inclusive workplace This week sees Neurodiversity Celebration Week being observed, but what does this actually mean? Neuroinclusion doesn’t sit with just one manager Whilst we are discussing it, what exactly is neurodiversity? Simply put, it recognises the natural variations in brain function and cognition among individuals. No two brains will process the world around us in exactly the same way. Neurodiversity is, all of…

Hand Showing Theory into Practice Words Through Magnifying Glass. Business training concept.

Beyond the classroom: cultivating compassion in professional development

Debbie Green

Debbie Green looks at our own development in L&D, as well as some tactics and tools that can help with communication, collaboration and wellbeing for our sessions too As learning professionals, we have a privileged position to identify what people might need to be able to create the right environment to thrive. Being able to support people who attend our training sessions or workshops and give them the time and space to explore and navigate their way towards the life…