Culture
Learning sticks when it’s shared: Why human learning communities more vital than ever
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…
2026 is the year L&D operationalises AI, without losing the human touch
In 2026, L&D must embed AI into real workflows, redesign roles and focus on measurable outcomes, without sacrificing trust, culture and wellbeing. Drawing on views from leaders across HR, learning and analytics, TJ’s Editor Jo Cook explores three pressure points: human plus AI, adaptive learning, and business focus without overwhelm. In 2026, L&D has to stop treating AI as a bolt-on project and start treating it as part of how work gets done and shows up in workflows. Will organisations…
The return of the ‘office first’ culture and what that means for learning
As organisations shift back to office-first policies, L&D has a critical role to play. Jennie Marshall explores how learning professionals can turn a logistical pivot into a cultural opportunity, redefining connection, trust and inclusion, and ensuring that presence in the office doesn’t come at the expense of performance or purpose. It’s back. The phrase that many thought we’d left behind in 2019: “We’re returning to the office.” After years of hybrid experiments, kitchen-table working, and virtual everything, many organisations are…
AI at the top: Pressure, paralysis and performative action in the C-suite
AI is a board-level priority, yet research shows many executives lack the skills to lead it safely and effectively. Wendy Lynch explores the widening AI leadership gap, the huge risks of moving too fast or too slowly, and why a new ‘AI translation’ role may just be the missing link. Artificial intelligence has jumped from an interesting demonstration project to a core pillar of corporate strategy with mind-spinning speed. Three-quarters of corporate leaders expect the technology to transform their industry…
Performance is human: Building a modern people strategy in the age of AI
As AI continues its massive transformation of the workplace, performance management must evolve too. Sidonie Viala shares how 360Learning has moved beyond rigid metrics to embrace coaching, autonomy and real-time learning. By prioritising people over process, the company is building a culture where growth thrives, and performance becomes truly human-centred. Data rules in the age of AI. We trust it for everything from growth targets, revenue forecasting and strategic decisions. Yet when it comes to performance management, our obsession with…
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…
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…
The leadership imperative: Shaping AI culture from the top
Vishaal Gupta argues that building an AI-ready workforce is less about technology and more about culture. From transparent leadership to continuous learning, this feature lays out how organisations can move beyond hype to action, bridging people readiness gaps, reducing risk, and turning AI into a true strategic advantage for organisations. AI is fundamentally transforming organisations, creating a clear competitive distinction between those acting decisively and those hesitating. This isn’t just another technology upgrade; it requires a complete rethink of how…
Learning without limits: 38 years outside the HR bubble
Andy Candler has spent nearly four decades in L&D without setting foot in an HR team, and he thinks that’s exactly why it’s worked. In this refreshing and honest take, he champions a commercial, customer-focused approach to learning that’s more about storytelling and sales than tick boxes and training plans. At a recent learning event the conversation turned to L&D, its alignment with HR, and the usual comments about people strategy and employee engagement. It got me thinking about my…
The human side of AI: Why wellbeing is the next core capability
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping work at speed, but human wellbeing is struggling. TJ Conference speaker Tom Bryant explores how L&D can take the lead in building wellbeing as a skill, designing more human-centric workplaces and using AI with intention to support emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability in the modern workplace. Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace faster than most of us imagined, taking on administrative, analytical and repetitive tasks with astonishing speed. Yet while AI is supposed to lighten the…
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