Opinion
Professional apprenticeships – the way to improve social mobility
Young people face an uncertain future due to inequality, Nichola Hay suggests that professional apprenticeship offer real opportunities for the next generation to thrive At first glance, the latest annual State of the Nation 2023 report from the Social and Mobility Commission (SMC) could make for bleak reading for the UK’s younger generations. Pointing to stagnating wages and broader geographic inequality across the UK, Alun Francis, chair of the Commission, warned that Britain’s younger generation was at risk of being…
Joining the dots . . . on buying learning technology
This month Martin Couzins asks is there a better way for corporate learning buyers and vendors to do business? What does an L&D leader looking to invest in new learning technology do when faced with more than 400 brands to choose from? RedThread Research recently published a graphic of the learning technology landscape, featuring more than 400 vendors across 35 areas of functionality. The learning technology market is broad and growing – so lots of choice, but the reality is…
L&D’s role in sustainability in L&D – a well-being angle
The link between sustainability and well-being is clear, and here Jo Cook examines the evidence and urges L&D professionals to champion these vital areas into their strategy. Work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 55% of all days lost due to work-related ill health The global pandemic has increased the need for well-being support for working age adults. The UK Health and Safety Executive reported that in 2021/22 work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill health and…
Unlock your organisation’s growth potential
Steve Macaulay offers some ways to ensure your organisation stays ahead of the game by investing in the people factors As businesses gear up for the future, HR and L&D have the expertise to play an important part in realising significant opportunities for growth. Low productivity has been a persistent issue, especially in the UK, so a renewed focus on HR and L&D holds a valuable key to unlocking the organisation’s untapped potential. “There is an untapped potential to boost…
The benefits of attracting disabled consumers
The culture of excluding the disabled is changing, Katy Talikowska looks at the barriers and how to break them down The representation of disabled consumers is no longer a mere suggestion for businesses. In addition to being a moral imperative, failing to account for the disabled population is a strategic business risk. With $8 trillion a year in disposable income, people with disabilities represent a largely untapped market opportunity. The disability community still faces major challenges that must be addressed.…
Intergenerational conversations boost LGBTQ+ rights
Anyi Hobson explores why generations working together improve the LGBTQ+ landscape There have undoubtedly been significant gains for LGBTQ+ people and causes over the years. Yet recent events indicate that there is a long way to go. The US Supreme Court has recently ruled against a Colorado State Law which requires businesses to treat same-sex couples equally on the grounds that it violates free speech. Meanwhile, Uganda’s recently passed anti-gay law (which comes with the potential of a death sentence),…
How managers can support workers with mental health problems
Spotting the early signs of mental health issues in employees is vital to ensure recovery and business success. Here Carl Jones looks at the problem and offers advice on helping people recover Society has changed rapidly in the last 20 years. Workplaces that once commanded people’s attention from 9 to 5, five days a week are now a distant memory. The pressure of modern-day living has increased due in no small part by instant access to information via the internet…
Double down on human skills as AI rises
Isobelle Grace Keith offers her thoughts on the growth of artificial intelligence and encourages us to develop our human skills There’s no denying it, large language models (LLM’s) such as Chat GPT are the topic on everybody’s lips, and LinkedIn accounts. At a World Economic Forum Annual Meeting earlier this year, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, said that a golden age of AI is under way and will redefine work as we know it. But if you think this is…
Exploring people potential
This month our resident adventurer, Sue Stockdale talks about learning opportunities on holiday It’s getting into holiday season when we have an opportunity to switch off from the stresses of day-to-day work, relax and have a change of scene. It gives us a chance to slow down which gives the brain a well-earned rest. And when we are relaxed, with no work problems to consider, the brain can make connections that we were not aware of before and give us…
How to develop happy employees
Retaining a motivated, skilled workforce demands work says Antoinette Oglethorpe and that includes focussing on all, including your best people Engaging in regular conversations with employees about their career development is important because it helps them grow professionally. Sometimes, managers worry that their employees are content where they are and don’t want anything different. One comment that is often heard is: ‘My people are happy where they are. They don’t care, they don’t want to do anything different. How do…
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