People Managers

Make It Human – book review 

Donna Ward-Higgs

A lost sense of humanity creates unhappy humans – this books focuses on a different future! Reviewed by Donna Ward-Higgs  Book: Make It Human, a visionfor happier, healthier, more human workplacesAuthor: Sarah McLellan Sarah McLellan’s ‘Vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces’ is a wonderful exploration of what is required to create organisational environments where people can thrive. The author begins by sharing an imagined future world of work for her daughter before exploring our currently reality and what has…

image of colorful blocks with people icons over wooden table ,human resources and management concept

A week in the life of: The CEO of a learning business community and Learning Network board member

Kim Ellis

Kim Ellis shares about L&D Free Spirits that serves freelancers and small businesses in L&D Hi everyone, my name is Kim, and I have been in the amazing L&D world for nearly 20 years. For the past seven of those, I have been self-employed as the Chief Learning Architect of Go Ginger Learning Solutions. When the first Covid lockdowns happened in 2020, I suggested hosting coffee mornings for members of The Learning Network (LN). I then started editing their newsletter…

Business woman, writing and computer screen for website design planning, copywriting about us and marketing. Professional designer or editor with notebook ideas, brainstorming and editing on monitor

A week in the life of: The Editor of Training Journal

Jo Cook

What does being the Editor of a learning content websiteinvolve? Jo Cook enlightens us I developed a desire to write when I was 12 years old and was always drawn to periodicals rather than newspapers or novels. I have no idea why; it just seemed to happen naturally. My role for Training Journal is part time (currently just one and a half days a week) and, being the creative person I am (my mum would say awkward), I’m flexible on…

Businesswoman building a growing financial chart

The future of work: From skills-based to capability-driven

Ben Satchwell

Discover how shifting the emphasis from skills to capabilities fosters growth, innovation and mental wellness with Ben Satchwell Skills, skills, skills. We’re hearing a lot about the skills revolution. Should we become a skills-based organisation or a skills-driven organisation? Are we going to do away with traditional job roles and descriptions, segment everyone by their technical skills and simply deliver our performance outcomes based on fluid and dynamic projects?  I’m not so sure.  From the conversations I have, organisations are realising…

Laughing work colleagues brainstorming together in an office

Why your brainstorming sessions fail: How to unlock your team’s true creative potential

Chris Griffiths

Discover how strategies like daydreaming breaks, eliminating groupthink, and BrainSprinting can boost your team’s creativity with Chris Griffiths and Caragh Medlicott  In an ideal world, brainstorming sessions would always be fruitful. Everyone would come together, ideas would fly, and you’d leave with ideas aplenty and clear plans for implementation. Sadly, an ideal world isn’t quite where we live. Still, do not despair! As with anything in life, the strategy we bring to a task can have a huge impact on…

Two women signing a contract standing in modern appartment

Navigating zero-hours contract regulations: What UK employers and workers need to know 

Pete Taylor

Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights includes a reshaping of zero-hours work regulations. Pete Taylor offers his perspective on the proposed changes   As October progresses, the recruitment and HR industries are focused on the detail of the government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is set to impact thousands of businesses and employees across the UK in the coming months.  Zero-hours contracts remain a central topic of discussion around the Bill, specifically Labour’s plans to give workers on zero hours…

Dr Lynda Shaw by photographer Pennie Withers - white woman with blond hair relaxing on a chair

TJ interviews: Cognitive neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw

Jo Cook

How can leaders use neuroscience and psychology to improve business? Dr Lynda Shaw shares insights from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and psychology and experiences as an adventurer in Antarctica trekker of mountains in six of seven continents Training Journal: How did you get into neuroscience and psychology? Dr Lynda Shaw: I have worked in several sectors including as an airline cabin crew, a gym owner and a personal trainer, but then my father died.  He had previously told me…

Businesswoman working on laptop while relaxing on a tropical beach vacation, workcation, travel and  flex work flexible concept.

Diversifying work settings: The growing trend of workcations  

Gary Clark

Do you fancy taking a break from your work environment, but not the work itself? Try a workcation – remote working from a holiday destination  When flexible remote working became the norm, employees worldwide began reaping the benefits of a more relaxed schedule, improved productivity, and enhanced mental health. A study by Microsoft found that 70% of workers globally want flexible remote work options to continue.   Gen Z is spearheading a new trend called ‘workcations’ which offer the opportunity to…

Hangover Woman Drinking Coffee Wearing Sunglasses in the Office. Sleepy businesswoman working after a night of partying

From holiday relaxation to work reality: Ease your return to the office routine 

Lesley Cooper

Struggling to settle back into work after a holiday? Try these strategies to maximise productivity. Lesley Cooper has your three-step plan   As your much-anticipated holiday comes to an end, returning to work can feel particularly challenging, draining the energy you replenished during your break. While many people assume they are alone in feeling this way, the ‘post-holiday blues’ are quite common, even for those who enjoy their job.  By focusing on the three key strategies you will find it…

World of Learning 2024 conference attendees

Adapting to Change: Leadership, Neuroscience, and AI in Workplace Learning

Jo Cook

Explore key points from the World of Learning conference, including AI, neuroscience, leadership and inclusivity – all summarised by Editor Jo Cook At the World of Learning conference, industry leaders shared innovative ideas and practical approaches for transforming workplace learning. Below are the key takeaways from sessions that addressed managerial buy-in, leadership in changing environments, neuroscience in learning, AI-driven skill measurement, and workforce planning – all of which took place in Birmingham, UK, in October 2024. We don’t just train…