People Managers

African businesswoman using analytics data

Data deficiency: how inaccurate reporting undermines the UK labour market

Nichola Hay

Nichola Hay explains why capturing workforce data on a wide range of L&D initiatives is an economic necessity It was recently reported that workforce data provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has “a long way to go” when it comes to providing an accurate depiction of the current state of the UK labour market.      With the right data, the Government could identify where the UK’s skills gaps are at present, and where they could appear in future  Part…

Unlock your potential

Unlocking talent in the age of AI  

Gerry Griffin

Gerry Griffin debunks AI myths, explores real-world applications, and highlights its potential for data-driven insights to enhance human potential   The hysteria around AI can make it hard to tell fact from fiction. Listen to the doomsayers and you could be forgiven for thinking your replacement by a machine is both imminent and inevitable. But, once you get beyond the headlines, mostly generated by tech companies clawing back a dip in share price, the truth is markedly different. AI can provide…

Diversity, equity, inclusion DEI

The business case for diversity: from recruitment to retention

Yves Schneuwly

Yves Schneuwly offers practical tips to weave DEI values into every aspect of your employee experience Creating a diverse and inclusive environment at work has a positive impact for many reasons. It contributes to an ethical and equal company culture, but it also brings forth a multitude of additional advantages. A study by McKinsey found that companies whose executive teams are diverse have a 12% higher chance of financial success.   Embed DEI values into your training for staff at all…

Psychological Safety

My whole self – creating psychologically safe cultures at work

Simon Blake

Simon Blake on the importance of feeling valued and empowered to be our ‘whole self’ at work When I feel safe at work, I am me without worrying about whether I am being judged. And when I am confident about that, I can be innovative. I push and stretch myself, and explore new ideas because my focus is on my work, not on worrying about what other people think of me.   This extract is not verbatim, but captures the essence of the…

Concept of education and success

Bridging the gap with killer communications: a dive into why you should be ‘selling’ your learning offer

Kerry Jary

Kerry Jary looks at why you can build it, but they might not come and the importance of more than just creating great training In today’s dynamic business world, the phrase “knowledge is power” couldn’t be more relevant. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the curve, investing in employee learning has emerged as a critical strategy for success. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about offering learning opportunities; it’s about selling them to your employees.   First off, let’s…

Reality Check Ahead sign on

Out of touch? The stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis and the responsibility of the C-suite 

Rob Russell

As more employees report feelings of stress and overwhelm, Rob Russell suggests eight ways to help the C-suite play an active role in company culture The cost of living in the UK and across the world has been on the rise since 2022, presenting unique challenges for businesses and individuals alike – and it’s not getting any easier. With 76% of employees reporting feelings of stress and overwhelm as a direct result of living cost hikes, there has never been…

influence analysis

Leadership in times of change: mastering emotional and political intelligence for influence  

Steve Macaulay

Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook provide an overview of enabling managerial success through EQ and PQ   In times of instability or sudden and unexpected change, it becomes even more important to manage relationships influentially. Many organisations are in this position now, with a host of change issues, one after another – from recovery from the pandemic to supply chain issues and working in a hybrid way.   Bluntly: grasp political and emotional skills if you wish to make a success of…

Concept of empathy and sympathy

From conflict to connection: how empathy shapes effective leaders

Alexandra Efthymiades

The ability to relate to others is more than a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful tool for successful leadership. Alexandra Efthymiades shares the tips you need Take a moment to think about a great boss you had in the past, or you have now. What makes them great? When we ask this question on our management development courses, the answers are often as follows:   Are your answers like these? If they are, then part of what you appreciate about a great boss…

Asian woman work from home during using laptop for teleconference with her team

Reimagining our working life with choice, learning and balance

Laura Probert

Laura Probert looks at achieving truly flexible working and learning, and how she’s already done it In an era where the conventional boundaries of office and classroom have dissolved into the digital landscape, the pursuit of truly flexible working and learning seems like the Holy Grail for contemporary organisations. Yet achieving flexibility isn’t the endpoint but a path that requires constant evolution, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace trial and error. HR professionals are realising that time and productivity are…

Black woman leadership, whiteboard business analysis and presentation for meeting, workshop planning and team mentor. Manager talking, training and working vision, strategy idea and finance analytics.

Learning from life: what I learnt from marketing my business

Michelle Parry-Slater

Michelle Parry-Slater is always Open To Learning, Open To Reflection and Open To Sharing, but this month she looks at being Open To Work I changed my LinkedIn profile to show the #Open To Work banner on my profile photo. I did this as an experiment for this blog. I run my own business – I am always open to work, but does publicly saying so make any difference? I am no algorithm expert so I don’t know what that…