L&D Professionals
Leading by example: Encouraging mental health conversations in the workplace
Anita Guru moves through the cost of mental health challenges and focuses on how workplaces can be more open For Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 this year’s theme is “movement”. The Mental Health UK Burnout Report 2024 found that 56% of adults reported that regular exercise helped them to manage stress. Regular exercise not only helps with symptoms of stress, but also things like improving your sleep, mood and confidence. Exercise doesn’t mean intensive workouts, it could be a walk,…
Reimagining engagement: Leadership for uncertain times
Kevin Johnson explores strategies for HR and L&D leaders to navigate volatility and foster engagement When uncertainty is fast becoming the only constant, HR executives and learning and development leaders face a complex challenge. How do they re-engage and reinvigorate their workforce when the foundation of ‘normal’ has shifted? The answer lies in demonstrating leadership, creating purpose, building trust, and fostering personal and business growth. Leadership is not about relentless action; it’s about thoughtful influence From a worldwide health…
Leading beyond the pyramid: Crafting a culture of agile, empowered decision-making
Henrik Ekelund champions a shift towards decentralised decision-making in today’s fast-paced business environment Organisations today are struggling with decision-making more than ever before. In an era where technological innovations and global macrotrends are redefining the way we do business, the traditional hierarchical models of corporate governance are proving to be not just inadequate but a barrier to success. The old ways of command-and-control leadership slow down progress and stifle innovation. They create and reinforce silos and prevent those further down…
Data engineering: a role redefined by business needs and interpersonal skills
Shadi Rostami looks at the role of a data engineer, and it’s not just numbers. Communication and a business mindset are crucial for a role that’s increasingly important for L&D teams While companies today have vast, continually expanding data sources, most don’t fully comprehend the extent of their data’s value, nor the critical role it plays in driving business decisions. This is where data engineers come in, a role among the fastest growing within the UK job market. By cultivating…
From awareness to action: equipping managers to support mental health at work
Michelle Robinson Hayes looks at the unseen burden of managers and the mental health crisis, and asks: are you helping your managers to help others? Employees across all age groups and demographics are experiencing increased stress levels, anxiety and burnout. In fact, stress, depression and anxiety accounted for 49% of all work-related ill health and 54% of working days lost due to such health issues in 2022 to 2023 – a rate which is higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to…
ADHD Works at Work – book review
David Hayden reviews a ‘must-read’ book offering a fresh perspective on inclusion Book: ADHD Works at WorkAuthor: Leanne Maskell There is a line in this book that really stood out for me. I was aware of the concept before I started reading, but it wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. The line is: “If you have met one person with ADHD, you have met one person with ADHD”. This is a very practical book; 224 pages with lots of…
From AI integration to equity: reflections on SXSW EDU 2024
Andy Walker and Tom French share five key learnings from the education conference in Texas, including recommended audio highlights so that you don’t miss out We were selected out of thousands of applications to present a panel on ‘A Journey Through Time: Rehearsing Challenging Emotions in XR’ with our partner, Telford College, at the South by Southwest education conference and festival (SXSW EDU 2024). We delivered our panel and talking to the many fantastic educators attending the conference, spent a…
Think Like a Coach – book review
Book: Think Like A CoachAuthor: Jude Sclater As an L&D practitioner, I am increasingly drawn to coaching – the methods, theories and advice. I truly believe this is a skill that benefits everyone. I am also passionate about helping first-time managers find their feet in an authentic way. So, when UK-based coach Jude Sclater reached out to review her very first book, this was like a match made in heaven for me! She veers away from heavy academic language, instead sharing anecdotes…
Curiosity and connection for AI in learning
Andrew Jacobs explores how creatively thinking about technology and what we want from it can enhance not only your use of AI, but your strategy too I like to tinker. It comes from when I was a kid; I used to take toys apart and tried to put them back together, or more likely, integrate them somehow. Think Toy Story’s Sid Phillips but much less violent. As I’ve got older, I’ve updated laptops, built PCs, and played with settings on…
The dangers of ‘wellbeing washing’ and how to avoid it
Anna Eliatamby explores workplace wellbeing, exposing pitfalls and offering effective strategies Years ago, business recognised the importance of supporting and enhancing the wellbeing and mental health of employees and leaders. Wellbeing and employee assistance programmes came into existence. All this came to a crescendo during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is worth assessing the extent to which current efforts enhance wellbeing, and then make necessary changes A central pivot for these programmes was, and remains, learning and development (L&D). These interventions…
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