Opinion

Two people sitting and talking.

The pitfalls of positivity: a candid look at embracing our weaknesses

Mike Thackray

Mike Thackray navigates the thin line between development and acceptance I’m not good at organising social events. I’ve tried it and I’ve just about managed when I’ve had to do, though several colleagues past and present may beg to differ here. I do not and never have had the core competencies and motivation to be a good event organiser. It simply does not align with what I naturally bring to the table. It’s high time we start accepting and even…

A man of colour, wearing a virtual reality headset, reaching out towards the camera.

Beyond the headset: how to successfully implement Virtual Reality training into your programs

Brad Koch

As Virtual Reality gains traction globally, Brad Koch looks at the pivotal role it plays in breaking down barriers for connection and making the workplace feel more interconnected than ever before Virtual Reality (VR) steadily grew in popularity throughout 2023 and all signs indicate that its momentum won’t be slowing down in 2024. This is due in large part to the barrier of entry being lowered as companies like Google and Meta make VR accessible to more people. This uptick…

Brain abstract image, one half digital, one half colourful, with fingers pointing to different halves.

Navigating cultural landscapes: how L&D can drive inclusion and diversity in the contemporary workplace

Ravinder Tulsiani

Explore innovative strategies, from cultural competence training to combatting biases, that elevate organisational success, with Ravinder Tulsiani In the modern work environment, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential elements for organisational success. The role of Learning and Development (L&D) in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is increasingly recognised as a strategic necessity. This article explores how L&D can effectively contribute to these critical aspects of workplace culture. In-depth cultural competence training The journey towards an inclusive…

Multi-generation meeting of males and females in an office planning things. Generative AI image.

Elevate your leadership: 10 strategies for a positive workplace culture and team success

Lakeisha Robichaux

Set the tone for a successful year ahead with a guide for leaders from CEO Lakeisha Robichaux As leaders step into the new year, they have the opportunity to set the tone for success, foster positive culture, and inspire team development is always top of mind. Leadership reflection on the past year is a vital exercise for personal and professional growth Here are 10 ways for leaders to kickstart the year with a focus on positive culture, effective communication, and…

Yellow post-it note on a desk with "psychological saftey" written on it.

From fear to freedom: strategies for building psychological safety at work

Sophie Seex

Fear, silence, and missed opportunities: Sophie Seex looks at the barriers to psychological safety in the workplace It makes headlines when organisation’s catastrophically fail: The Boeing disaster, the demise of Nokia, sexual harassment in the CBI, and the Jimmy Savile scandal all have their roots in the fear of speaking out, or people not being taken seriously when they do. To some extent, whistleblowing policies aim to address this issue, but they are not always enough to tackle employees’ fear…

Three wooden blocks with head icons on the left, three on the right with head icons showing them not full, and between them cogs showing communication or learning.

From stress to success: how dedicated therapy supports business leaders

Paula Gardner

Paula Gardner talks us through the benefits of an approach that focuses on a therapist knowing your business and people Signing up to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers therapy on demand for your employees is almost standard practice nowadays. Almost every business that can afford it sees the value that looking after its people and their mental health brings to productivity, retention rates, engagement and general level of satisfaction in the workplace, as this piece from Forbes lays…

Yellow note in the shape of a speech bubble, with "contingency plan" written on it

Why trainers need a contingency plan

Jane Robson

Jane Robson shares her learnings and insight from the sad experience of the lose of a colleague whilst still needing to run a business In training delivery we know how important contingency planning is, but what should it cover? You might think about cyber security issues or extreme weather preventing you from getting to a client. Most of us probably wouldn’t spend a lot of time thinking about a member of our team suddenly dying, as it’s really the worst-case…

Black background, with purple neon writing of "digital literacy" and icons of a head to symbolise thinking

Narrowing the technology skills gap in 2024 by unleashing Gen Z

Amanda Chinnery

Fujitsu’s Amanda Chinnery shares her thoughts and ideas about helping solve the digital skills shortage During a period of economic instability in the UK, the HR and talent industry has and is facing persistent challenges in the digital skills arena – falling between recruitment and upskilling. According to a new index published by Lloyds Bank, nearly 7.5 million people do not have the required digital skills for the workplace, with a further 24 million stating they are not at all…

A colourful chameleon signifying change and being adaptable

The Evolution of L&D – incorporating adaptability intelligence

Ross Thornley

Ross Thornley tells us about how to be adaptable as our role within learning whilst also supporting our organisations In the ever-shifting sands of the corporate world, L&D professionals are finding themselves at a crucial crossroads. Gone are the days when designing training programmes was sufficient. The future of L&D lies in empowering individuals and organisations to embrace change as an opportunity for continual evolution Today we’re navigating through a labyrinth of limited budgets and escalating demands where doing more…

Computer style image about training.

Making enterprise learning your New Year’s Resolution: a strategic investment in 2024

Matteo Penzo

Amid the promise of a new year, seize the opportunity to make enterprise learning a cornerstone of your success. Matteo Penzo looks at navigating challenges, saving costs and embracing diversity As we step into the dawn of a new year, companies are presented with the perfect moment to reflect, realign, and set ambitious resolutions for the year ahead, and indeed for the future. Among the multiplicity of considerations, one aspect that should not be overlooked is enterprise learning – a…