HR Professionals

Businesswoman working on laptop while relaxing on a tropical beach vacation, workcation, travel and  flex work flexible concept.

Diversifying work settings: The growing trend of workcations  

Gary Clark

Do you fancy taking a break from your work environment, but not the work itself? Try a workcation – remote working from a holiday destination  When flexible remote working became the norm, employees worldwide began reaping the benefits of a more relaxed schedule, improved productivity, and enhanced mental health. A study by Microsoft found that 70% of workers globally want flexible remote work options to continue.   Gen Z is spearheading a new trend called ‘workcations’ which offer the opportunity to…

Hangover Woman Drinking Coffee Wearing Sunglasses in the Office. Sleepy businesswoman working after a night of partying

From holiday relaxation to work reality: Ease your return to the office routine 

Lesley Cooper

Struggling to settle back into work after a holiday? Try these strategies to maximise productivity. Lesley Cooper has your three-step plan   As your much-anticipated holiday comes to an end, returning to work can feel particularly challenging, draining the energy you replenished during your break. While many people assume they are alone in feeling this way, the ‘post-holiday blues’ are quite common, even for those who enjoy their job.  By focusing on the three key strategies you will find it…

World of Learning 2024 conference attendees

Adapting to Change: Leadership, Neuroscience, and AI in Workplace Learning

Jo Cook

Explore key points from the World of Learning conference, including AI, neuroscience, leadership and inclusivity – all summarised by Editor Jo Cook At the World of Learning conference, industry leaders shared innovative ideas and practical approaches for transforming workplace learning. Below are the key takeaways from sessions that addressed managerial buy-in, leadership in changing environments, neuroscience in learning, AI-driven skill measurement, and workforce planning – all of which took place in Birmingham, UK, in October 2024. We don’t just train…

A diverse group of workers with a positive attitude demonstrating commitment and high morale in internal communications demonstrating that human resources strategies work

Ageless insight: Embracing the value of experience in a rapidly evolving workplace 

Rose Fass

Ageism is real; talented individuals in their 40s and 50s face unfair bias at work. Effective teams thrive by blending seasoned wisdom with youthful energy. Rose Fass explains how to leverage experience across all ages There’s a shift happening in the workplace that we need to address, and it’s more pressing now than ever before. Ageism, once something that primarily affected those nearing retirement, is now creeping into the lives of professionals much earlier. I’m seeing it firsthand in the…

Matt Webb headshot - white male wearing a suit, smiling at camera

TJ interviews: CEO and sales transformation expert Matt Webb

Jo Cook

Jo asks Matt Webb to reveal the modern secrets to improving your organisation’s sales technique Training Journal: A lot of people have a specific, negative, impression of someone who is trying to sell them something. You promote “sustainable selling”, what is that and why is it important? Matt: Normally, when you hear the word sustainable, you assume it’s focused on environmental impact. In the world of sales, however, when we talk about sustainable selling, we are referring to ethical selling…

Happy middle aged business woman hr talking to recruit at job interview meeting. Smiling mature female financial advisor, professional bank manager consulting client working in corporate office.

From cringe to constructive: A guide to giving feedback that sticks

Julia Milner

Discover the top feedback mistakes managers make – and how to fix them for better results. Julia Milner reveals the four-step feedback framework you need  Can I give you some feedback? Employees often cringe when they hear these words. Want to avoid the cringe? Here are some tips on how to set employees at ease and ensure your pearls of wisdom, or just simple advice, stick.   Maybe it’s time you reflected on the four pillars of feedback and how often…

Portrait of attractive mysterious girl showing shh sign keep silence isolated over pink pastel color background

Can training prevent staff from hiding their disability?  

Chris Jay

Many employees choose not to reveal their disability in the workplace. Chris Jay explores why, and explains how the right training programmes can improve disability disclosure  It’s virtually impossible to tackle a problem that you don’t know exists, which is the position many organisations are in when it comes to addressing hidden disability disclosure in the workplace.   Around 12.8 million people in the UK have a disability you can’t see  Take for example, a member of staff who has a…

Businesswoman using mobile phone near window in office

The new workforce challenge: Blending digital skills with human expertise 

Pete Humphreys

Bridge the Gen Z skills gap with early-career development focused on tech and human skills, writes Pete Humphreys In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations face a critical challenge: developing talent that can thrive in the digital age while maintaining essential human skills. This challenge is particularly acute when it comes to integrating Generation Z, those born during the mid-1990s and early 2010s, into the workplace as the skills gap between education and employment continues to widen.  Prioritising early-career development can yield…

Laura Maffucci headshot - woman smiling with long dark hair.

TJ interviews: Head of HR Laura Maffucci

Jo gets the lowdown from Laura Maffucci on AI’s game-changing impact on talent management strategies Training Journal: You are Head of HR at G-P. What does your role entail and what strategic tips can you share for L&D professionals? Laura: I am responsible for the company’s global workforce, talent and employee experience. I firmly believe that diversity of thought is paramount for a healthy workspace, and aim to foster a culture where people have equal voice and opportunity to contribute…

Authors Camilleri, Rockey and Dunbar who wrote The Social Brain. Two females and a male standing in a library, smartly dressed, black and white photo.

TJ interviews: Authors Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey and Robin Dunbar

Jo speaks with authors of The Social Brain about group dynamics, human connection and thriving together Training Journal to all: Why come together to write a book about the social brain, and what does that mean? All: We come from different disciplines (evolutionary psychology, corporate leadership and learning design). Throughout our careers the three of us have been interested in the same question: Why is it that some groups function as more than the sum of their parts – and other groups, however talented,…