L&D Professionals
Will the end of non-competes spell the end of training and development?
Changes to restrictive clauses could reshape employee development, leaving L&D concerned about potential budget cuts. Marie Unger delves into the potential impacts of evolving non-compete agreements on workforce investment and growth Non-competes – a type of ‘restrictive clause’ in employees’ contracts to stop them working for a competitor for a specified period after leaving their current organisation – are in the news. In the wake of the United States Federal Trade Commission’s ruling to eliminate non-compete agreements for most roles,…
Are you scaring people away from cybersecurity behaviour change?
Fear tactics in cybersecurity: Exploring their impact and advocating for real change with usable interventions and insights from Dr Jessica Barker “We just need to scare people into better security.” I’ve lost count of the number of times I have been in meetings, or approached by a potential client, who has said this to me. Over the last 13 or so years working as a specialist in cybersecurity awareness, behaviour and culture, I have been called in to hundreds of organisations…
Cultivating trust: The foundation of strong relationships
Explore the profound impact of trust in workplace dynamics with practical insights, takeaways and tips. Karen Carey explains why trust isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of robust relationships Trust, the elusive elixir of relationships, is a dynamic force shaped by personal experiences. In the professional space, the impact of trust is significantly influencing the very core of workplace dynamics. Trust brings self-reflection. Leaders often overlook the power of looking inward Reflecting on my own journey, a pivotal moment unfolded…
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes for skills development
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes can provide a fast, flexible and inclusive path to high-demand careers. Paula Fryer explores their impact on career growth and industry innovation Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes have risen in popularity as effective pathways for people seeking to gain specialised skills. In the United States, the number of apprentices has increased by 64% from 2012 to 2021, according to the US Department of Labor. Bootcamps can quickly adapt their curriculum to match evolving industry needs, particularly in…
Why you should assume that your audience doesn’t care
Grounding us and making us think hard about what if we don’t do that presentation – Kris Flegg helps us think about our work Your audience needs to be as interested in what you present as you are. It’s your job to make them. That’s the challenge you’re up against. In most presentations, failure isn’t as dramatic as a ceiling falling down, a room full of heckling and boos or the audience walking out in protest. A presentation’s main failure…
How artificial intelligence is influencing tech-sector layoffs and reskilling
Carly Holm examines AI’s impact on tech jobs and the need for companies to adapt with the right tools or partners In March, employees in the marketing and communications division at IBM were reportedly told in a staff meeting that their numbers were being culled. This news substantiated a recent pattern of layoffs in the technology sector, which have included cuts at Amazon, Apple and Meta. Combined, these reports have amounted to at least 74,000 workers being laid off by 255 tech companies in…
The hidden dangers of start-up culture: Avoiding burnout
Felizitas Lichtenberg looks at how to avoid burnout when working at a start-up As workers begin to return to the office, and businesses start their slow return to pre-pandemic norms, employee burnout has re-emerged as a significant issue in the UK. A nationwide survey from Indeed Flex found that the number of UK workers experiencing stress or burnout in the workplace doubled in 2023, highlighting the growing impact of the problem. Establishing boundaries can involve communicating clearly when you need…
The missing link in L&D: Why action-learning deserves a comeback
Isobelle Keith looks at the learning intervention that time forgot The learning and development profession faces many challenges. Learning transfer from traditional training hovers at a dismal 12% (Collins 2023), and despite the billions spent on leadership development, the results don’t always bear out (Haslam et al 2024). Add to that the pace of technological change and the rapid advancement of AI and it’s clear that workplace learning needs a revolution. “There can be no learning without action, and no…
Learning from life: What I learnt from parenting puppies
Michelle Parry-Slater shares puppy cuteness overload and also looks at the importance of knowing your audience, and guest blogger Julie Drybrough adds her experience about letting go A little over two years ago we welcomed two puppies into our family, Georgie and Elsie. Chaos. Cuddles. Cute. A little under 18 years ago we welcomed six puppies into our lives as I bred my cocker spaniel, PIxie, to donate her litter to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People as they started their…
Learning Metrics – book review
Cathy Hoy on a ‘must-read’ for L&D practitioners committed to making a measurable impact on their organisations Book: Learning Metrics: How to measure the impact of organizational learningAuthor: Ajay Pangarkar, Teresa Kirkwood In corporate learning and development, the ability to measure the impact of training interventions is more crucial than ever. Learning Metrics is a useful and practical resource, offering deep insights into the intricate (and often scary) world of learning metrics and their application for tangible business improvement. “The…
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