L&D Professionals

Implementing personalized employee development programs to boost morale

Joining the dots . . . on how L&D can drive impact through continuous development

Martin Couzins

Do you want to think more broadly and engage more people in the L&D process? Get ready to unlock the potential of continuous improvement, writes Martin Couzins  Return on investment is the Achilles’ heel of learning and development. It is hard to prove and yet people still talk about it and still want it. Rather than chasing something that is so elusive, try a different tack. Focus on continuous improvement. Why? Because it frees you up to think more broadly and…

Woman opposite AI. The concept of confrontation between humanity and artificial intelligence

Best of both worlds: Leveraging AI and humans for coaching at scale 

Andy Chandler

The future of coaching rests with those who can successfully blend artificial and human intelligence. Andy Chandler and Sam Isaacson explain  For several years now, the demand for coaching within organisations has been rising, with increasing expectations for personalised employee development experiences. As a predominantly non-directive discipline, coaching is more personalised than most learning and development (L&D) offerings, but the ability to harness the power of high-quality coaching from the ‘few’ to the ‘many’ is a challenge.    The emotional intelligence activated…

African businessman and digital brain icon and connection circuit, AI hologram

10 ways understanding the brain helps us in business 

Dr Lynda Shaw

Uncover how the brain fuels business success and try these actionable strategies to enhance leadership and productivity from Dr Lynda Shaw Astute business leaders are tapping into neuroscience to gain deeper insights into the behaviour, thoughts, habits and ideas that influence themselves, their employees and their clients. By taking into account the brain/behaviour axis, these leaders understand that our brain alters our behaviour and vice versa, thereby giving them an edge over competitors, and holding the key to greater success…

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Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide

James McLaughlin

The impact of technology apprenticeships on driving talent and diversity is explored by James McLaughlin With the UK election fast approaching, both the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their intentions to expand apprenticeship programmes, reflecting a growing recognition of their importance and a changing perception surrounding higher education. Businesses cannot afford to overlook the numerous benefits of tech apprenticeships in driving talent and enhancing workforce diversity Although expanding apprenticeships would represent a considerable step in the right direction, particular…

Group of people connected by network. Generative AI.

Fostering connection: The antidote to workplace loneliness

Thom Dennis

A lack of connection at work has impact both for the organisation and the individual. Thom Dennis explores this and shares ways to improve A paradox has emerged in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven work environment: increased connectivity often leads to a sense of disconnection. Social media was supposed to bring us closer together, but it seems we’ve never felt so alone. Collecting ‘friends’ and followers has become a ploy that keeps us engrossed in our technology, yet lost without genuine connection.…

One Pink Grapefruit Slice Stand Out Of Yellow Lemon Slices

Editor’s blog: Is the people profession unique in the organisation?

Jo Cook

Is the role of the supporting and developing the workforce actually unique? Jo Cook reflects. A lot of questions were posed at the HR Leaders Unconference in London yesterday – everything from AI and organisations processes, through to finding time to decide how to “be” a supportive people function. Many things piqued my interest, and one in particular stayed with me: it was the statement that HR is unique in the business, in it’s challenges and responsibilities. We can appropriately…

Diverse Modern Office: Black Businesswoman

UK workforce productivity stagnates as adult training declines 

Hugh Billot

Revamping human capital strategies and transformational change in people practices is needed to boost productivity – Hugh Billot shares a human capital barometer  The UK has seen a significant decline in adult education and training says the Institute of Fiscal Studies. My barometer of human capital performance (below) confirms the case. Workers in general are now less productive than in the past. Almost on all critical measures of human capital performance the outcome is poor.  There has been a slump…

Soccer Football Championship: Blue Team Forward Attacks and Scores Goal, Win the Match, Players Happy, Celebrate Victory, Win Tournament. Sport Channel Broadcast Television Concept.

Performance lessons for organisations from football, tennis and F1 

John McLachlan

Techniques used in elite sports offer valuable insights for business to improve performance and wellbeing. John McLachlan shares the strategies  Our research on organisational performance originated from two key problems. Firstly, that organisations were demanding approaches that balanced performance with employee wellbeing and sustainability. And second, that academic research into organisational performance lacked real-world practical application.   Defining what performance means for the organisation or role is essential   Elite sports offered us an ideal context to study because it defines performance…

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How organisations can bring the best of social media into workplace learning

Andrea Sennett

Imagine a workplace where learning feels as rewarding as your most positive social media interactions. Andrea Sennett explores leveraging digital dynamics for higher engagement and professional growth How much time does the average person spend scrolling and interacting with others on social media? Research has found that UK users spend three hours and 41 minutes online every day, with 77% agreeing that being online helps them stay in contact with friends and family.   If companies implemented functions such as likes,…

Baby Boomers Millennials Generation X Y Z 3d Illustration

Investing in success: Building the multi-generational dream team 

Graham James

Navigating a multi-generational workforce can be challenging, but differences can be transformed into organisational strengths. Graham James reveals how managers can achieve a united team  Do you view a multigenerational workforce as posing a challenge or being a massive benefit? Many might say a challenge, but the correct answer is a benefit when a collaborative force is in play.  Personal and professional development is a great way to plug the existing skills gap and alleviate workplace divisions and burnout  Co-operation…