Communication

Communication problem in relationship. Marital difficulties. Couple fighting. Man and woman holding ripped paper.

Strategic communication is not soft: Why L&D needs a strategy before silence sinks change

Steve Macaulay

Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan argue that strategic communication is a core capability, not a soft skill, and L&D and HR must build it for change. From a gym takeover that went silent to practical steps on timing, channels and feedback, they show how two-way messages protect trust and performance. Communication needs to be managed strategically, and HR and L&D must embed this as a core capability. Strategic communication is the purposeful use of communication by an organisation to achieve…

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Learning sticks when it’s shared: Why human learning communities more vital than ever

Samantha Hall

Samantha Hall shows that workplace learning transforms when people feel connected to others. She explores how communities spark joy, build psychological safety and accountability, surface tacit knowledge, strengthen culture and resilience, and keep development alive long after formal sessions, especially as AI speeds up access to information but not belonging. In my work as a Talent Development Manager, and in my spare time running a sober community (Sober Circle), I’ve seen first-hand how powerful community can be. Whether it’s colleagues…

podcast microphone background, Generative IA

“Workplace learning is at its best when it sounds like real work”

Training Journal

TJ Editor Jo Cook comments about the new Podcast Learning Festival, hosted by Andrew Jacobs in London, February 2026: “We strive for the most efficient and realistic learning interventions, and workplace learning is at its best when it sounds like real work: curious, human and specific. The Podcast Learning Festival brings learning and conversation craft into the same room, so we can build audio that travels, lasts, and genuinely changes what happens for people every day at work.” The Podcast…

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From tasks to talent: Turning offices into learning incubators

Paul Sherwin

For Gen Z, the office is both a learning space as well as a workplace, one where culture is absorbed through proximity and observation. Being intentional with desk placement, open-plan design and varied zones for focus, collaboration and private mentoring can build belonging, confidence and faster progression, writes Paul Sherwin. For Gen Z, the office is no longer just a place to complete tasks, it is a vital environment for learning, building relationships, and accelerating careers. Having spent much of…

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The rise of reflective intelligence: The skill that will outlast AI

Dmitry Zaytsev

Artificial intelligence is accelerating learning, yet capability still depends on reflection. Dmitry Zaytsev tells us about reflective intelligence and why it matters in today’s largely AI-driven workplace. He shares how L&D teams can help build practical reflection habits that improve judgement, resilience, and performance across modern organisations and leadership contexts. Artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, teach, and work. It can now generate content, design courses, and even simulate coaching conversations. Yet one skill remains entirely human: the ability…

Turning AI into your company’s brain for stronger knowledge sharing and communication

Shinichiro Nakamura

AI is fast becoming the connective tissue of modern organisations. From remote corporate teams to factory floors, smarter knowledge sharing is now a competitive advantage. Used well, AI can break down silos, speed up communication and turn scattered information into shared intelligence. Shinichiro Nakamura reveals how to make it work  The UK AI market is worth more than £21bn, and is expected to grow to £1tn in 10 years. Soon, AI will be a staple in many workplaces – and there’s huge potential for solutions to transform how we transfer knowledge and manage communications between teams.  …

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Growth through AI starts with your people, not platforms

Cassandra MacDonald

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…

a lot of people figures

The annual survey is broken – real-time feedback is the future

Dan Buckley

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…

Redundancy writting on blue background.

Redundancy isn’t just business, it’s personal

Andy Evans

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…

portrait middle eastern software developer

Psychological safety is the missing piece in your AI strategy

Erica Farmer

AI is changing the workplace, but without psychological safety, adoption efforts risk falling flat. Erica Farmer explores why trust, openness and permission to fail are essential for innovation, and shares practical steps for leaders, HR and L&D to create a culture where people can learn, experiment and thrive with AI. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of work faster than most organisations can adapt. From productivity tools to advanced data analytics and talent systems, AI now sits quietly in the…