People Managers
Generation numb: Why today’s workforce feels nothing at all
Today’s workforce is emotionally checked out, overwhelmed by constant change and digital saturation. In this compelling call to action, Josh Cardoz urges organisations to break the cycle of disconnection and cynicism. Through purpose, friction and human connection, we can reignite meaning and reshape work for a generation on the brink. Today’s workforce is going through a profound and fundamental shift. Faced with relentless economic uncertainty, the after-effects of a global pandemic, and perpetual digital overload, this generation of workers is…
Growth through AI starts with your people, not platforms
AI holds huge promise for business, but many workers feel overwhelmed. Cassandra MacDonald explores how organisations can bridge the gap between innovation and confidence by shifting the focus from technology tools to people. Communication, culture and capability are key to unlocking AI’s true potential and turning disruption into sustainable growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the workplace at breathtaking speed, and its potential to fuel business growth is vast. Yet, amid the hype, another reality is emerging, one where many…
How businesses can help to address youth unemployment
With NEET rates at a ten-year high, Nichola Hay MBE explores how UK businesses can rethink early career job roles, from apprenticeships to flexible entry routes. Investing in young talent is not just ethical, it’s a smart business strategy that builds skills, boosts retention and shapes a resilient, future-ready workforce. The proportion of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) in the UK has reached 13.5%, marking the highest rate in ten years. This highlights urgent risks to…
Left behind twice: What SEN inequity means for tomorrow’s workforce
Michelle Carson examines how early inequality and missed support for children with special educational needs shape access to learning, opportunity and progression. Drawing on findings from the Sutton Trust and Support SEND Kids, and her own experience, she explores why today’s educational gaps become tomorrow’s workforce barriers, unless we act The findings of the Double Disadvantage report has drawn national attention to a familiar but deeply troubling truth: children with special educational needs (SEN) from socially deprived backgrounds are being left…
The AI race is on, but is your team reskilling fast enough?
Mila Smart Semeshkin argues that traditional training cycles can’t keep up with today’s pace of change. With AI reshaping work, fast reskilling through microlearning is essential. Mila explores how personalised, in-context learning, supported by culture and data, helps organisations close skill gaps and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Five years ago, nobody was hiring prompt engineers, but today AI is revolutionising job roles faster than most organisations can keep up with. It’s expected that 39% of workers’ core…
The annual survey is broken – real-time feedback is the future
Annual engagement surveys are falling short, they are too slow, static and disconnected from real workplace realities. Dan Buckley explores how continuous, real-time feedback tools are transforming how organisations listen to employees, spot problems early and act faster. The result? More trust, better decisions and a truly dynamic employee experience. For years, annual engagement surveys have been the go-to tool for HR teams trying to take the pulse of their workforce. They arrive like clockwork: a comprehensive list of questions…
Inclusion starts here: Empower your team to make the difference
Robert Ordever explores why top-down diversity, equity and inclusion strategies often fall short. He argues that truly inclusive cultures are built from the ground up, through team behaviours, emotional intelligence and authentic recognition—turning DE&I from a corporate initiative into an experience that helps everyone feel valued, heard and respected. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives fail when organisations adopt a purely top-down approach. Often concentrating on attracting a range of diverse employees from varying backgrounds, these organisations throw employees together…
TJ podcast: Learning’s human heartbeat: L&D then and now – episode 329
At TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, Andrew Jacobs discusses with Laura Overton and Kirsty Lewis what L&D has gained and lost over six decades. The exploration goes from laserdiscs to AI, classrooms to communities, and why social, human learning still matters more than ever for performance, culture, connection and future readiness. Podcast summary: Created by ChatGPT Recorded live at TJ’s 60th Anniversary Conference, this special episode sees Andrew Jacobs take over the Training Journal podcast to host a reflective debate with…
Planning for tomorrow’s workforce, today
Cory Steinle explores how automation, AI, and shifting market needs are transforming workforce planning. By combining task and skills intelligence with ethical AI, organisations can shift from reactive hiring to proactive strategy, redeploying talent, boosting agility, and making good people decisions that keep pace with the speed of business change. Organisations are navigating a workforce landscape being reshaped by automation, generative AI, and evolving markets. By 2030 up to 30% of current working hours could be automated (McKinsey), and nearly…
Redundancy isn’t just business, it’s personal
Andy Evans shares the deeply personal story of being made redundant and the emotional and professional aftermath. Drawing on lived experience and learning theory, he explores how leaders can handle redundancy with humanity, and reflects on how moments of loss can spark growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. It was 8:45 on a September morning when the meeting invite appeared in my inbox. No context, no agenda, just a 3:00pm slot with my CPO and HR. I didn’t…
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