Opinion

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…

Fraud Alert Caution on a computer screen with a person sitting at an office desk.

Why fraud prevention training should be on your L&D agenda

Rachael Tiffen

As the UK grapples with a surge in fraud, exacerbated by the digital revolution and changing work environments, organisations are at a crossroads. Rachael Tiffen from fraud prevention service Cifas explores the far-reaching consequences of fraud, and highlights it’s not just finance, but it’s individuals in organisations too The harm that fraud can do to an organisation is often overlooked and underestimated, and the repercussions can be far reaching. This article explores some of the consequences of fraud and why…

Finger about to press a start button with the word innovation on the left. Composite between an image and a 3D background

Accelerating agility and innovation in Learning & Development

Ravinder Tulsiani

Ravinder Tulsiani takes a look at some key tactics for making sure your learning team are flexing to the needs of their people and changing technology landscape In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining a competitive edge is crucial. This is particularly true of Learning and Development (L&D). Agility and innovation in L&D are not just buzzwords; they are vital strategies for organisations aiming to stay relevant and effective. This article serves as a guide to sign-post you to ideas for…

Businesswoman holding tablet device, touching screen. Office workplace. Concept of digital network in medical industry.

Ending the stigma navigating women’s health in the workplace 

Vicky Britton

Vicky Britton highlights the challenges women face at work around their health issues, and some of the positive changes companies are making Women’s health is finally emerging from the shadows, capturing attention in media, research, and online debates. This shift marks an important step towards acknowledging the unique health challenges women face across all life stages—not just menstruation and fertility but extending into perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. High-profile figures have been instrumental in spotlighting these issues, highlighting the impact of…

Doing CSR by planting trees, CSR concept and business planting saplings of trees

Decoding presenteeism: fresh research on employee wellbeing

Ben Moss

Ben Moss discusses a new approach to defining presenteeism and how leaders can use this to enhance its measurement and management The concept of presenteeism has increasingly garnered attention as organisations have struggled to understand, and measure, its impact in the post-pandemic working landscape. During that time terms like ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘there but not there’ have become commonplace. Historically, ’presenteeism’ has been used to describe all instances of working whilst unwell – a fact which has made it incredibly…

Pink sticky note with text typed I HATE MY BOSS on the office wall

Are you a blocker boss?  How to enable your staff to do their best work

Debra and Ken Corey and Corey

Debra Corey and Ken Corey give advice to bosses who want to say no to development opportunities Over the years, more emphasis and focus has been put on the development of our people. We’ve come under pressure to upskill and reskill them to meet the changing needs of the workplace and our businesses. At the same time, it’s become more critical to our people too. One survey found that development moved from the ninth most important driver of a great…