L&D Professionals
Go for gold: 4 tips to elevate employee training with game-based learning
Making training fun boosts skill retention. Transform your strategy with game-based learning to engage employees and improve results, writes James Micklethwait With recent research highlighting learning support as the top strategy to boost employee retention, it’s clear that employees want to learn and grow their skills at work. However, many of the old standard methods of training – such as monologuing lectures with dry slide decks – have become ineffective at holding employees’ attention, which means employees aren’t learning the…
What is the Kirkpatrick model? A comprehensive guide for L&D professionals
The Kirkpatrick assessment model evaluates the effectiveness of training programmes. Learn how to use it with these tips from Eleanor Hecks The Kirkpatrick model is an evaluation tool that has set many learning and development (L&D) professionals up for success. It is a proven method that training managers have used to increase skills and knowledge across various workplace topics. Whether new to the model or looking to refine evaluation practices, understanding this assessment model in-depth is the first step to maximising the success of…
Unlocking hope and belonging: The hidden keys to employee wellbeing and retention
The impact of hope, belonging and manager support in transforming employee wellbeing and mental health. Insights from Brad Smith Research has shown that resilience offers organisations many competitive advantages. Highly resilient staff are much less likely to mention burnout, compensation, work-life balance, or lack of purpose as motives for quit intentions compared to their less resilient colleagues. Other psychological resources that can help buffer against such strains, and facilitate employee thriving, resilience and performance, are hope and belonging. These crucial yet…
Ignite L&D momentum: Focus on three key areas
To drive truly impactful L&D, focus on customised learning, cutting-edge technology, and full organisational involvement – Steve Macaulay has your three-step guide Are your L&D initiatives fresh and impactful? To cultivate a dynamic and skilled workforce, it’s essential to stimulate and maintain L&D momentum. Target specific areas to drive engagement, adaptability and resilience within your organisation. Home in on the top areas for your organisation which will deliver the biggest impact This article highlights three key strategic areas…
How is AI affecting employee learning and development?
Is AI the silver bullet for L&D? How can we take advantage and remain human? In this feature, Jo Cook looks at the evidence and shares her perspective The use of generative AI holds so much for so many people – the promise of productivity gains, the overwhelm of selecting the right technologies, challenges of skilling people and the worry of future repercussions of an independent intelligence. Artificial intelligence is having a big impact on learning and development already, and…
AI’s successful implementation goes beyond technology – soft skills are needed
While AI drives innovation, soft skills are equally critical for ethical, compliant and successful implementation. Tommy Richardson explains the need for a balanced approach to AI training Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way businesses operate. It’s streamlining operations, improving customer interactions, and even providing insights that anticipate market shifts. Amid the technology-driven advancements, however, there’s an often-overlooked element that’s equally critical to business success – soft skills. Employers are seeking teams that can effectively harness AI capabilities while navigating ethical…
Emotions and impact: How to normalise emotional expression in the workplace and why it’s important
Encouraging emotional expression at work can reduce stress, build trust and enhance overall job satisfaction – Phil Willcox shares practical steps to create a more supportive workplace In the workplace, people lie about how they feel. Daily. And lying is rarely pleasurable. There are several reasons why people often feel the need to conceal their emotions. This can stem from feeling a lack of psychological safety or trust in the environment or team they are in, or it may be…
How can companies increase gender diversity in the workplace?
Fostering inclusion policies is vital to closing the gender gap and attracting the top talent. Law firm HR Director Scott Sullivan shares his tips UK businesses still have considerable work to do to increase gender diversity. Many struggle to close the gender pay gap and fairly represent women. The gender pay gap in Britain was 14.3% in 2023, and women need to work an extra 19 years to retire with the same pension savings as men. Employers who don’t fairly…
Maximise investment in your line managers with an enabling environment
Line managers are pivotal to business success – support them to boost performance and drive impact with these tips from Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan Why do line managers matter to L&D? Line managers create the environment – the resources and support that allow staff to perform their roles. But are we creating an enabling environment for line managers? Here is how L&D and HR can help. Today’s line managers are your source of tomorrow’s top team Your line…
Skills England – what to expect from the expected
Lifelong learning, apprenticeships and partnerships between businesses, education establishments and government – can it all work? Mandy Gill explores the shifting skills landscape Just over a month in and the new Labour government has not delayed in progressing one of its key manifesto commitments – the creation of Skills England. Skills England aims to bridge the current skills gap and support UK competitiveness on the global stage The bill was announced in the King’s Speech and by 22 July, the…
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