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Are you okay? Colored stickers with the inscription. Mental health of employees at work. Team care for colleagues

Why suicide prevention training is needed now more than ever 

Ellie MacDonald

Equip teams with the skills to spot warning signs and save lives, urges Ellie MacDonald   ONS figures released recently show that suicide rates are the highest they’ve been since 1999. We lost a staggering 6,069 people to suicide in the UK alone in 2023 and this has a detrimental impact not only on people’s lives but economically, costing employers billions of pounds each year in employment productivity losses.  Next time something feels off – a colleague doesn’t seem themselves –…

Bold, prominent text "ADHD" in large, clear sans-serif font, center-aligned on a vibrant abstract background, high contrast

ADHD in the workplace: Challenges, misconceptions and the path to inclusion 

Nicole Nadler

With a few practical adjustments, organisations can create workplaces where employees with ADHD truly thrive – Nicole Nadler explains  If you’re an employer or manage a team, odds are someone in your organisation may have ADHD. While the disorder impacts everyone differently, knowing the symptoms and how they present themselves is vital.   ADHD can be categorised as inattentive, which involves difficulties in maintaining focus, organisational challenges and/or forgetfulness. There is also hyperactive, which is traditionally seen as being unable to sit…

A colorful bar graph with an arrow pointing upwards, indicating growth or progress on a light background.

How to showcase the value of L&D to C-suite leaders 

Collin Poage

Savvy learning leaders align L&D with strategic business objectives to maximise its impact on organisations – Collin Poage explores how to effectively demonstrate L&D’s value to leadership  The role of L&D is changing. According to Gartner: “Learning and development functions face growing pressure to deliver critical skills in an environment of fast-changing skills needs, heightened employee expectations, and economic uncertainty.”  Learning leaders need to answer the question: “How does learning help advance our entire organisation?”  How can your company cope?…

Work-life balance An illustration of a person balancing work and personal life on a scale.

A week in the life of: A champion of women’s professional growth

Gaëlle Delmas-Watson

Discover how Gaëlle Delmas-Watson balances business, family and wellbeing, building a company that drives change  It’s Monday,10 September, 6am. The alarm goes off – it’s time to get moving! I’m Gaëlle Watson: champion of gender equality, founder of SyncSkills Performance (a company specialising in digital learning design and facilitation), mother of two boys, and recreational jogger.   In just over a month, it will be 10 years since I launched SyncSkills and, last week, my eldest son started secondary school.…

Female counselor demonstrating empathy during a breakthrough session with a client

We’re all in this together: Senior management and mental health in the workplace

Daniel Shore

Effective leadership training must go beyond technical skills, incorporating soft skills like listening and empathy – Daniel Shore explains why these are key to building resilient, supportive teams Mental health was once considered a taboo topic, rarely discussed in the workplace. While this stigma still exists in some organisations, attitudes towards mental health have changed. Many employers have, to varying degrees, started to recognise the importance of providing a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises the wellbeing of their employees. …

Ger Driesen - white male with grey hair, wearing a suit, smiling.

TJ interviews: L&D Trend Catcher, Ger Driesen 

A trend what? Trend watching is easy, it’s what you do that makes the difference and Ger Driesen explains to Jo just what is involves Training Journal: What is a trend catcher and what does it involve?  Ger Driesen: Trend-watching is easy, you watch and then…? I introduced the term ‘trend catcher’; grabbing a trend, trying to understand it well and then translate it to what it could mean for your own profession – in my case, learning and development. …

The inscription diversity equity and inclusion is surrounded by colored cubes.

Navigating DEI trends: A strategic opportunity for UK companies  

Reshma Sheikh

By enhancing DEI strategies, UK firms can set themselves apart, fostering inclusivity that drives growth – Reshma Sheikh explains  As major US firms like Harley Davidson, Brown-Forman and Molson Coors Beverage Co scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to financial pressures and shifting political climates, UK businesses face a pivotal moment.   UK firms can not only drive innovation and attract top talent, but also strengthen their brand reputation and stakeholder trust  This evolving landscape presents…

LEADERSHIP graphic notes on notepad

Tayloring learning: Effective Leadership Skills and Being Overwhelmed 

Daniel Taylor

Are you leading, or managing? Daniel Taylor explores the many skills needed for effective leadership Before I start this blog, take a moment to consider what you think are the skills needed to be an effective leader? Stop when you get to 15! I recently delivered leadership development to a group of future leaders at a University and challenged them with this very question and when I set it, it didn’t feel like a particularly broad question as I wanted…

"GAMIFICATION" text on a mobile phone with game pictures around it and a laptop in the background.

Gamifying extended reality training: Taking workplace L&D to the next level

Ben Bennett

Innovative training through gamification and XR increases productivity, creating safer, immersive, and engaging learning experiences – Ben Bennett explores the potential successes The gamification of workplace training and professional development has emerged as a transformative force in the corporate landscape, revolutionising how organisations approach employee learning and skill enhancement. Gamification is applying game mechanics or elements to a non-gaming environment, in this case learning systems, platforms or interventions.   61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive…

A woman sits at a boardroom table, leading a meeting with confidence and authority, a pink nameplate symbol with the word "CEO" on it placed in front of her.

A week in the life of: The CEO of a learning provider

Cathy Hoy

Step inside the world of CLO100 where Cathy Hoyexperiences innovation, collaboration, and strategic vision Picture juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle through treacle. This is a glimpse into the exhilarating, and somewhat chaotic, life of a CEO leading training start-up. At CLO100 my role as Co-founder and CEO never ceases to challenge and inspire me, demanding resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to lead our industry forward. Strategic beginnings Each week kicks off with a substantial cup of tea…