Communication

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…

The outline of the brain with the inscription neurodiversity is surrounded by coloured cubes.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week sheds light on neuro-inclusive workplaces

Holly Biggs

Holly Biggs looks at research that reminds us to foster an improved workplace for our neurodivergent employees for humanitarian reasons, but also because it’s good business In a world that thrives on diversity, recognising and celebrating differences has become a cornerstone of progressive societies. One such celebration that takes centre stage is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, 18-24 March 2024. Society often measures success by conformity; Neurodiversity Celebration Week encourages us to embrace and celebrate neuro-different individuals for the rich tapestry of…

Silhouette of people and speaker at a conference, with blue background and white writing that says "conference unthinking".

Designing conferences that foster innovation, collaboration, and real impact

Ed Bernacki

Ed Bernacki rethinks the design of conferences and the skills participants need to make the most of them. Oh, and tells off the TJ Editor… Following the World of Learning 2024 London summit, Training Journal asked people on social media, “What is the key learning point from the last event you attended?” It’s an interesting question. Yet, is it the right question? The reason people take notes and never look at them is a result of their lack of skills…

Neurodivergent word represented by wooden letter tiles on a wooden table with glasses and a book

The spectrum of success: fostering an inclusive workplace for the neurodivergent

Hayley Brackley

Hayley Brackley explains neurodiversity and neurodivergent, the problem with ableism, and why we all need an inclusive workplace This week sees Neurodiversity Celebration Week being observed, but what does this actually mean? Neuroinclusion doesn’t sit with just one manager Whilst we are discussing it, what exactly is neurodiversity? Simply put, it recognises the natural variations in brain function and cognition among individuals. No two brains will process the world around us in exactly the same way. Neurodiversity is, all of…

Strategic thinking words on a brain shape and papers.

The strategic mind: elevating your leadership game in uncertain times

Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins, author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, explores how to unlock your potential and develop your strategic thinking muscles Strategic thinking is a vital skill for leaders navigating their businesses through today’s turbulent waters. Your capacity to think strategically is shaped by your endowment – your innate cognitive abilities – and your experience in situations demanding strategic thought. You can enhance your strategic thinking abilities by playing specific games regularly By the time you reach adulthood, your…

Aging workforce. Increase in number of elderly workers

Years older, or years better?

Steve Macaulay

David Buchanan and Steve Macaulay explore the perceived challenges and the positive advantages to a workforce with a variety of age ranges The changing demographics of an ageing population and declining birth rates pose a pressing people management challenge. To address skill and labour shortages, employers must actively recruit, retain and develop older workers. Adaptation requires a targeted approach to HR policies and L&D agendas, recognising and leveraging the valuable experience older workers bring to the workforce. How old is…

Public Speaking written in the cable from a microphone

Unlock the secrets of skilful public speaking: insights from the pros

Jo Cook

On social media we asked about advice for presentations and boy did our community answer, read their strategies and tips here Public speaking is an art form that requires more than just the ability to speak loudly and clearly—it demands engagement, preparation, authenticity, and a deep connection with your audience. Drawing from a wealth of advice shared by professionals across various platforms, we delve into the nuances of effective public speaking, offering a detailed guide that encompasses the collective wisdom…

Neurodiversity concept. Multi-coloured figures of the brain.

Unlocking the power of neurodiversity

Steve Macaulay

In this feature, Steve Macaulay looks at the benefits and importance of neurodiverse employees Every manager aims to make the best use of all the resources available so that their employees feel fulfilled and satisfied that they are reaching their full potential and contributing fully to the success of the organisation. However, a potential performance gap that has not been fully explored is the wide variation in the way each person approaches work and relationships and how each learns. Fostering…

Smartphone podcast app with blue headphones and microphone 3d rendering

TJ podcast: Artificial intelligence in L&D – episode 313

The TJ podcast has a host of L&D experts talk through the Artificial Intelligence in workplace learning, including about digital adoption, impact on our L&D jobs and the opportunity of productivity growth. Speakers include: Links from the discussion: Transcript summary: Created by ChatGPT The podcast for learning and development (L&D) professionals delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sector, presenting a variety of perspectives from industry leaders. The discussion covers the rapid adoption of AI technologies,…

Brunette woman showing time out hand gesture, screaming to stop it.

The art of building winning hybrid teams

James Scouller

James Scouller sets out principles from managing teams to ensure that even when you aren’t together, you can still achieve One question clients often ask me is, “How should my approach to building a winning team change when we’ve switched to hybrid working?” It’s clear that hybrid working has been difficult for many team leaders. And it’s true, navigating the shift from physical to virtual or hybrid teams can seem daunting. Yet my answer is always the same: “The seven…