Culture

a close up of a padlock on a door

Keeping an organisation and people safe – the critical role of L&D  

Richard Mackintosh

How L&D professionals can help businesses mitigate complex security risks through effective training and leadership – with insights from Richard Mackintosh and Sarah Keeling It is widely acknowledged that the world is more dangerous than at any time since 1945. Recent disruptions to world IT systems, caused by a patching update, are a stark warning of the risks we run because of our interconnectedness and dependencies. Instability in Europe and the rise of China, all underpinned and dependent upon emergent…

Happy business people smile during a planning meeting in a startup marketing agency office. Diversity, collaboration and teamwork in a healthy work environment in an international advertising company

Fostering a culture of motivation in the workplace to help employees and organisations thrive 

Grace French

Thriving organisations start with inspired people. Empower employees by listening, learning and creating meaningful culture – Grace French explains People development professionals and business leaders alike face an extraordinarily challenging landscape, battling stubbornly high inflation, interest rates, skills shortages and the looming threat of insolvency or liquidation. In England and Wales, more companies went bankrupt last year than during the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting the severity of the current economic climate. The impacts of major events such as Covid-19, Brexit, ongoing…

volunteer office man use hand pump on chest for first aid emergency CPR on heart attack woman unconscious, try to resuscitation patient woman at work

First aid training: Combatting men’s fear to ask important questions and act in emergency situations 

Ricci Masero

Inclusive first aid training can break down barriers and build confidence, as Ricci Masero explains  First aid training is important for keeping everyone safe at work, but something interesting came up when a good friend of mine went to a first aid class recently. She noticed that some men seemed worried about asking certain questions or physically helping women in emergencies. They were afraid people might think they were doing something wrong, even when they’re just trying to help.  Emergencies…

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Hire local or widen your search? How to tell when a position should be remote 

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker outlines six factors to decide if a role suits in-house or remote work A business’s growth potential is typically closely aligned with its availability of resources. One of these critical resources is staffing, which can be made up of both in-house employees and remote workers.  Create temporary positions that allow you to see how the employee and business adapt to this new structure and if it seems like a viable option   But for businesses getting ready to…

Are you okay? Colored stickers with the inscription. Mental health of employees at work. Team care for colleagues

Why suicide prevention training is needed now more than ever 

Ellie MacDonald

Equip teams with the skills to spot warning signs and save lives, urges Ellie MacDonald   ONS figures released recently show that suicide rates are the highest they’ve been since 1999. We lost a staggering 6,069 people to suicide in the UK alone in 2023 and this has a detrimental impact not only on people’s lives but economically, costing employers billions of pounds each year in employment productivity losses.  Next time something feels off – a colleague doesn’t seem themselves –…

Bold, prominent text "ADHD" in large, clear sans-serif font, center-aligned on a vibrant abstract background, high contrast

ADHD in the workplace: Challenges, misconceptions and the path to inclusion 

Nicole Nadler

With a few practical adjustments, organisations can create workplaces where employees with ADHD truly thrive – Nicole Nadler explains  If you’re an employer or manage a team, odds are someone in your organisation may have ADHD. While the disorder impacts everyone differently, knowing the symptoms and how they present themselves is vital.   ADHD can be categorised as inattentive, which involves difficulties in maintaining focus, organisational challenges and/or forgetfulness. There is also hyperactive, which is traditionally seen as being unable to sit…

Female counselor demonstrating empathy during a breakthrough session with a client

We’re all in this together: Senior management and mental health in the workplace

Daniel Shore

Effective leadership training must go beyond technical skills, incorporating soft skills like listening and empathy – Daniel Shore explains why these are key to building resilient, supportive teams Mental health was once considered a taboo topic, rarely discussed in the workplace. While this stigma still exists in some organisations, attitudes towards mental health have changed. Many employers have, to varying degrees, started to recognise the importance of providing a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises the wellbeing of their employees. …

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…

A diverse group of workers with a positive attitude demonstrating commitment and high morale in internal communications demonstrating that human resources strategies work

Ageless insight: Embracing the value of experience in a rapidly evolving workplace 

Rose Fass

Ageism is real; talented individuals in their 40s and 50s face unfair bias at work. Effective teams thrive by blending seasoned wisdom with youthful energy. Rose Fass explains how to leverage experience across all ages There’s a shift happening in the workplace that we need to address, and it’s more pressing now than ever before. Ageism, once something that primarily affected those nearing retirement, is now creeping into the lives of professionals much earlier. I’m seeing it firsthand in the…

The soda samplers raise their glasses in a toast eagerly anticipating the first sip.

Boozy dinners are so 2000. Let’s rethink work culture and focus on inclusivity 

Alex Clapp

Help employees thrive by tackling workplace drinking culture and creating inclusive, alcohol-free events for teams, writes Alex Clapp  Employee wellbeing has never been more of a priority. From safeguarding mental health and helping staff navigate the current cost-of-living challenges to promoting physical fitness through private healthcare and gym memberships, companies are placing a stronger focus on supporting their workforce’s overall welfare. It’s also widely recognised that these benefits are what new recruits are looking for when considering their next move.  But one issue is…