Future of Work
Supercharging soft skills in the age of AI
In today’s increasingly AI-driven workplaces, soft skills are crucial for competitive advantage and career success. Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan show you how to stay ahead Will you be replaced by artificial intelligence? Probably not. Unique human abilities such as empathy and creativity are becoming increasingly valuable. AI takes over tasks, not jobs. But it is now affecting non-routine and intellectual tasks that used to resist automation. Soft skills are central to individual employability, corporate performance, and competitive advantage Some…
The UK’s skills strategy – what should be prioritised?
With apprenticeship participation down, and skill spending low – what can the Labour manifesto provide businesses? Nichola Hay dives right in. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that since the introduction of the current apprenticeship levy system, there has been a 41% reduction in the number of apprenticeships starts for those under the age of 19. For those ages between 19 and 24, participation has fallen by 36%. The research highlights several factors for…
Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide
The impact of technology apprenticeships on driving talent and diversity is explored by James McLaughlin With the UK election fast approaching, both the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their intentions to expand apprenticeship programmes, reflecting a growing recognition of their importance and a changing perception surrounding higher education. Businesses cannot afford to overlook the numerous benefits of tech apprenticeships in driving talent and enhancing workforce diversity Although expanding apprenticeships would represent a considerable step in the right direction, particular…
The future belongs to the curious
In a world of AI and constant change, it’s the curious that will outperform others. Thomas Bergen shares with us about developing meta-skills Traditional training methods that neatly separate hard and soft skills are often inadequate. They do not address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary learning and knowledge management in the workplace. Emphasising meta-skills empowers employees to become self-reliant problem-solvers, elevating the value of human contribution within the organisation. Blending human expertise with advanced AI technology is what is needed…
Are digital bootcamps the answer to lifelong learning?
Early career staff need different skillsets and support, so skills bootcamps might be the answer. Stewart Watts tells us more In the technology sector, while the total number of advertised job vacancies may have seen a decline last year, the demand for junior and entry-level roles is at an all-time high. Many organisations are having trouble finding enough young professionals to keep up with their growth plans. In response, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan launched a campaign to get…
Will the end of non-competes spell the end of training and development?
Changes to restrictive clauses could reshape employee development, leaving L&D concerned about potential budget cuts. Marie Unger delves into the potential impacts of evolving non-compete agreements on workforce investment and growth Non-competes – a type of ‘restrictive clause’ in employees’ contracts to stop them working for a competitor for a specified period after leaving their current organisation – are in the news. In the wake of the United States Federal Trade Commission’s ruling to eliminate non-compete agreements for most roles,…
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes for skills development
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes can provide a fast, flexible and inclusive path to high-demand careers. Paula Fryer explores their impact on career growth and industry innovation Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes have risen in popularity as effective pathways for people seeking to gain specialised skills. In the United States, the number of apprentices has increased by 64% from 2012 to 2021, according to the US Department of Labor. Bootcamps can quickly adapt their curriculum to match evolving industry needs, particularly in…
AI overwhelm? A pep talk and some tools to cushion discomfort
If you’re feeling uncomfortable with artificial intelligence, Lior Locher and Liz Naylor offer practical tools and tips to help you, your team and your boss Artificial intelligence is the fastest growing technology in human history. It is the biggest disrupter since the internet, personal computing, or the printing press. That’s why there is, rightfully, a “noisy” space around it. And you don’t want to miss the boat on the conversation. Look broader and challenge orthodoxies – new transformative tech is…
Neglecting frontline skillsets is no longer an option
Tom White delves into the bedrock of organisational success: the stable core of skills Many industries are experiencing workforce shortages, largely because of widening skills gaps and poor retention rates. The manufacturing industry in the US, for example, could face 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, potentially costing the industry $1trn in 2030 alone. Meanwhile, America’s healthcare industry is losing nurses by the millions, with an annual turnover rate of 19.1%, because of burnout. And when it comes to the…
Leading beyond the pyramid: Crafting a culture of agile, empowered decision-making
Henrik Ekelund champions a shift towards decentralised decision-making in today’s fast-paced business environment Organisations today are struggling with decision-making more than ever before. In an era where technological innovations and global macrotrends are redefining the way we do business, the traditional hierarchical models of corporate governance are proving to be not just inadequate but a barrier to success. The old ways of command-and-control leadership slow down progress and stifle innovation. They create and reinforce silos and prevent those further down…
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