Talent & Skills

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What trends will shape training and HR for financial services in 2025? 

Paul Butler

From bridging generational divides to closing skills gaps, Paul Butler explores financial services training challenges It’s hard to say whether financial services (FS) firms will think of 2024 fondly in years to come. The sector has faced a significant number of challenges, from elevated interest rates to the implementation of new regulations.   However, considering the difficulties it has had to navigate, FS has remained remarkably resilient. With the economic climate continuing to improve, the outlook for the coming months and…

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From burnout to brilliance: How L&D drives employee engagement and retention 

DrJill Stefaniak

L&D must factor employee desires into learning programmes to maximise effectiveness, argues Dr Jill Stefaniak  Employee burnout is a pervasive issue that affects organisations and individuals alike. According to recent findings, a staggering 82% of employees are at risk of burnout this year. Despite its far-reaching impact, only half of employers are actively looking to combat burnout by incorporating staff wellbeing and mental health into their strategic plans. Those who are uncertain about how to do so can educate themselves…

Leveraging AI for predictive HR analytics and planning

How AI is reshaping recruitment and why human interaction still matters 

Rebecca Napier

AI has transformed both sides of recruitment, but users must understand its pros and cons – Rebecca Napier explains   When it comes to recruitment, artificial intelligence systems are now readily available for both HR professionals and candidates alike. But many businesses still underestimate the capabilities of AI software.   Throughout the recruitment process it is paramount that human interactions lay the foundation as this ensures honest, open and productive communication   At Gi Group, we now implement AI to assist…

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Shaping the future: How the UK’s AI action plan transforms learning and development

Jo Cook

The UK Government’s announcement to be an AI superpower will impact every L&D professional’s future Today to the UK government announced it’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has three key goals: These goals are interconnected and aim to position the UK as a leader in AI development and adoption. The goals explored Laying the foundations to enable AI: This goal focuses on creating the necessary infrastructure and conditions for AI to thrive. It involves: Changing lives by embracing AI: This…

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The hybrid landslide: How leaders can empower today’s employees with flexibility

Frank Weishaupt

Frank Weishaupt advises creating a culture of accountability and training managers to improve hybrid performance Over the past five years, companies have witnessed dramatic changes to the way we work. During the pandemic, many workers and businesses learned how to grapple with remote work for the first time, which eventually evolved into a hybrid model as employees began venturing back into the office.   Times have changed and expectations shifted when it comes to the way we work   Today, some businesses…

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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…

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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…

Ger Driesen - white male with grey hair, wearing a suit, smiling.

TJ interviews: L&D Trend Catcher, Ger Driesen 

A trend what? Trend watching is easy, it’s what you do that makes the difference and Ger Driesen explains to Jo just what is involves Training Journal: What is a trend catcher and what does it involve?  Ger Driesen: Trend-watching is easy, you watch and then…? I introduced the term ‘trend catcher’; grabbing a trend, trying to understand it well and then translate it to what it could mean for your own profession – in my case, learning and development. …

Dr Lynda Shaw by photographer Pennie Withers - white woman with blond hair relaxing on a chair

TJ interviews: Cognitive neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw

Jo Cook

How can leaders use neuroscience and psychology to improve business? Dr Lynda Shaw shares insights from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and psychology and experiences as an adventurer in Antarctica trekker of mountains in six of seven continents Training Journal: How did you get into neuroscience and psychology? Dr Lynda Shaw: I have worked in several sectors including as an airline cabin crew, a gym owner and a personal trainer, but then my father died.  He had previously told me…

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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…