HR Professionals

Three interlocking gears, symbolizing the three branches of government and their complex system of checks and balances

The third wheel: the complex relationship between organisations, vendors and consultants 

Andrew Jacobs

Struggling with vendor issues? A consultant’s sharp insight and unbiased advice can turn things around, as Andrew Jacobs explains You know that awkward moment when you’re in a restaurant and you see a couple at another table having a difficult conversation? You can tell by their body language; they’re detached and not really listening to each other. You’ll see one of them (usually a man) trying to impress the other with grandiose statements about the future. All the while, the…

Grid overlay, business woman and computer in office for email work and digital planning. Working, African female professional and technology for website development job reading research information

The future is now: Cultivating an adaptive mindset and skillset for the AI-powered workplace 

Rachel Rosenfeldt

Three strategies to thrive in a tech-driven workplace: develop AI skills, adaptability and continuous learning. Rachel Rosenfeldt explains how to get started It’s impossible to scroll your news feed without seeing something about artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning. With how rapidly both are transforming the workplace, strategic learning and development initiatives are becoming imperative.   Organisations are beginning to recognise that intentionally upskilling and reskilling is no longer optional if they want to thrive in an AI-enabled future. But…

Conversational Wisdom book cover with "TJ book review" text to the right.

Conversational Wisdom – book review 

Peter Plumlee

Packed with insights, this book provides practical tools to enhance communication skills in everyday life. Reviewed by Peter Plumlee    Book: Conversational WisdomAuthors: Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope I was intrigued yet uncertain about what to expect before diving into this book. We all like to think we engage in insightful conversations daily, but this book prompts us to truly reflect on our daily communication. Our increasingly hybrid lives put meaningful communication at risk, and the authors provide a roadmap for…

World suicide prevention day - Holding hands for helping and supporting depressed woman with yellow ribbon awareness and SUICIDE PREVENTION wooden word on black background. Mental health care concept.

Talking openly about suicide can help save lives

Vicki Cockman

On World Suicide Prevention Day find out how to support those struggling with mental health. Vicki Cockman shares her insight Suicide is still largely seen as a taboo topic and even the most progressive organisations can be hesitant about sharing suicide prevention advice in the workplace. Workplace silence on suicide means many employees are continuing to use outdated and harmful language that’s further fuelling the stigma. Recent research from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, released in recognition of World…

Side view of crew members working on sailboat

Sailing to success: Navigating team dynamics

Karl Green

Navigating team dynamics on a yacht isn’t just about working together; it’s about thriving together. Karl Green shares insights on fostering authentic teamwork in close quarters For many, working on a yacht is a dream come true. But even surrounded by opulence and luxury, crew members must work together in very close quarters day in and day out, with little option for escape. How can a yacht crew best navigate working well as a team? It was this question that,…

Human resources manager ready for job interview in office

The venture capitalist’s guide to HR strategies 

Victor Orlovski

Discover how empathy, technology and Gen Z insights can effectively attract and retain top talent in startups and established companies, with expert tips from venture capitalist Victor Orlovski Human resources is crucial to the functionality of an organisation, particularly startups. In my role as a venture capitalist (VC), I’ve observed how the people profession extends beyond administrative management and training to significantly influence talent acquisition. My involvement with various startups has afforded me insights into effective people strategies essential for…

A female counselor demonstrating empathy during a breakthrough session with a client, highlighting the importance of mental health support and therapeutic communication

Empathy in action: Immersive learning as a catalyst for inclusion

Paul Anderson-Walsh

Immersive learning creates engaging, realistic and empathetic learning experiences that help to boost workplace inclusion. Paul Anderson-Walsh explains There are lots of different learning activities to engage the brain, and they have varying impacts on our understanding, short and long term memory encoding and recall. I am certain that many of us spend too much time reading and too little time reflecting. If we split our reading time in half – dedicating one part to reading and the other to…

Senior business man doing presentation, planning and talking in a meeting, seminar or training workshop in a boardroom. Manager sharing ideas, teaching and coaching new employees during conference

Regulation in the coaching industry: Navigating the path to professionalism

Andy Chandler

The rapid expansion of the UK coaching industry has raised questions about quality and oversight. Andy Chandler explores whether regulation is the solution to maintaining professionalism in this growing field The coaching industry in the UK has experienced remarkable growth over the past few decades, expanding into various niches, including executive coaching, life coaching, and wellness coaching. However, with this expansion comes a significant challenge: the lack of standardised regulation and oversight. Regulation could serve to elevate the credibility of…

Happy pretty cute woman working with computer enjoying coffee

The five pillars of workplace wellness: A guide for businesses 

Tara Lochery

By integrating workplace wellbeing into your strategy, you can boost morale, productivity and employee satisfaction. Tara Lochery explains how  Workplace wellness has never been more important as companies increasingly recognise the benefits to their business. And it’s no surprise, given that over the course of our lifetime we spend an average of 90,000 hours at work. With work being such a huge part of lives, it’s crucial that it supports, rather than hinders, our physical and mental wellbeing.  Make sure workplace…

Instructor explaining corporate software specific to trainees in computer class. Man and women sitting at table, using desktop, pointing at monitor and talking. Training concept

Switching up the skills sector: Why we need a system for all ages and levels 

Nichola Hay

A well-designed Growth and Skills Levy is crucial; it must benefit all employees across industries, writes Nichola Hay  Kickstarting economic growth is at the heart of the new Labour government’s agenda, with the Prime Minister promising to deliver much-needed stability across all areas of the economy. We are several weeks into Labour’s tenure, and it is highly encouraging to see legislation which will refine UK skills policy and our existing training system being put into place. For example, we have seen the announcement…