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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…

Blurred relaxed young woman in casual wear sitting on workplace with modern laptop and meditating with closed eyes during recording video blog. Focus on modern smartphone fixed on tripod.

From BBC News to events: Mastering professional video with just an iPhone

Kevin Davids

Convenience meets quality with fast, discreet, powerful video on smartphones for your next learning intervention – Kevin Davids shares his approach and why he filmed World of Learning 2024 with a mobile device “The best camera is the one you have with you” is often attributed to Chase Jarvis from his 2009 book, where he included photos captured with an early iPhone. Since then, technology has evolved in leaps and bounds, making this quote truer today than ever before. That’s…

Do not be busy, but productive.

Beyond busy work – building a culture of continuous learning and empowerment for true productivity

Paula Fryer

‘Productivity theatre’ is the illusion of work, without the impact. Overcome this with skills development – Paula Fryer introduces some ideas to start you off A culture of continuous learning, fuelled by empowerment, is far more beneficial than one focused on tedious tasks and appearances, which can be achieved through upskilling. The traditional workday has evolved—from a strict 9-to-5 in the office, to fully virtual during the pandemic, and now a hybrid mix. Along the way, our views of productivity…

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TJ podcast: Reflections on a week in the life series – episode 325

Jo Cook

L&D experts discuss balancing work-life balance and harnessing self-reflection to fuel growth and lasting impact! Key takeaways Created by Cleanvoice Podcast summary: Created by Cleanvoice The speakers in this podcast episode share their reflections on contributing to a series of articles called “Week in the Life,” where they provided insights into their work roles, thought processes, successes, and challenges. Kim Ellis, the CEO of L&D Free Spirits, was initially nervous about revealing her “scatty” and fast-paced thinking style, worrying that…

Woman smiling with a wall of post-it notes behind her

Flipping the script: Collaborative innovation and problem solving for HR Leaders

Ben Waldman

What is the unconference advantage? It’s action-based learning and designing your own active event experience – Ben Waldman tells us more Imagine you could flip the traditional conference format on its head: Rather than having to sit through various predefined sessions which may – or may not – be useful for you, you have the power to design your own learning experience based on the most pressing challenges you face, tapping into the collective wisdom of experts in the field…