Wellbeing & Mental Health

Hands choose happy smile face. mental health positive thinking and growth mindset concept...

Will closing the skills gap make us happier?  

Emma O’Dell

Skills gaps are making us unhappy at work. Can learning and development initiatives fix them? They’re a good place to start, writes Emma O’Dell  The UK is at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’, with a poll revealing that 20% of workers needed to take time off due to poor mental health caused by high levels of stress at work. For many, most waking hours are spent at work, making job satisfaction a key factor in overall life satisfaction. In addition,…

Writing note showing I Am A Recovering Perfectionist. Business photo showcasing Obsessive compulsive disorder recovery Marker over notebook crumpled papers pages several tries mistakes.

Perfectionism over a promotion? The obsession with perfection is harming leadership development

Beth Hope

The modern workplace culture of perfectionism is actually destroying development, says executive coach Beth Hope In today’s work environment, burnout is at an all-time high, and perfectionism is a major contributor, with many employees now turning down leadership roles because they fear the pressure to be constantly ‘on’ and perform without fault.  A recent study shows that 42% of employees reject promotions because they fear burnout or want to seem “perfect.” Psychologist Marisa Franco explains that perfectionism often stems from…

Two adult business people make work interview against office background.One on one meeting concept.

What HR trends to expect in 2025 

Kelly Tucker

Human Resources is all about adapting, innovating and putting your people first. Are you ready? Kelly Tucker explores the trends As we settle into 2025, the people profession landscape is set to undergo transformative changes driven by technological advancements, evolving workplace norms, and a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing. The ability to adapt to these shifts will define success for organisations and HR leaders alike. Here are the key trends I anticipate shaping the future of the coming year.  The…

Young happy African American male executive company leader discussing project management planning strategy working with diverse busy colleagues company team at office corporate board group meeting.

Empowering employees: What to expect from the people profession in 2025 

Training Journal

From digital tools to workplace wellbeing, experts predict key trends shaping the Human Resources industry  The HR industry saw a range of different trends throughout 2024, from stalling salaries to increased tech spending. A key focus has been on flexible working policies – with over 40% of UK employees still regularly working from home, businesses have pushed harder than ever for return-to-office mandates over productivity concerns.  Productivity is expected to be a huge focus in 2025… organisations will look to…

Employee Benefits Business Job Career Concept.

Creating a workplace where employees thrive: How benefits packages can help 

Frank Mengert

Meeting employees’ physical, mental and financial needs is key to boosting engagement and cutting turnover – Frank Mengert reveals how benefits can drive organisational success  Every business wants to have a highly productive workforce. But in order to achieve this, organisations need to be willing to take certain steps to ensure their working environment is something their employees can thrive in.  Benefits packages are a great way to promote the improved wellbeing of staff and build a more engaging company culture …

Portrait of a Black Female Engineer in Hard Hat Standing and Using a Smartphone at Electronics Manufacturing Factory. Technician is Writing a Message and Checking Her Schedule.

Transforming HR for the future: Empowering employees through AI   

Angela Moyle

AI-driven HR systems are a gamechanger, enabling businesses to transform how they manage their teams – Angela Moyle explains  The nature of work has shifted dramatically over the past few years, fuelled by the rise of remote work, flexible scheduling and the growing demands of a more mobile workforce. Yet, despite these changes, many businesses lag behind, continuing to rely on outdated HR systems, which are no longer equipped to support the complexities of modern workforces, particularly when it comes to…

Imagining a happiness index at work, optimizing employee satisfaction and workplace efficiency in a hightech office

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…

Hands holding blue happy smile face, good feedback rating, positive customer review, experience, satisfaction survey, smiley mental health, child wellness, world mental health day on blue background

From banter to balance: Shifting the narrative on men’s wellbeing

David Hayden

Men’s issues are society’s issues. It’s time to talk, act, and to change the narrative – David Hayden reflects on International Men’s Day Having read the articles about the International Men’s day, I mused to myself “do we need an international men’s day?” After all we are not an underrepresented group are we! Much of the narrative is that men have way too much spotlight and there needs to be room for others, so why have an international men’s day?…

Closeup human brain 3D character running on a treadmill on isolated blue background

Did your skipped workouts and holiday indulgence actually help your brain? Surprising science says… Yes!

Ricci Masero

Neurogenesis, synapses, pathways… Ricci Masero explains the importance of having a break for your brain If you’re feeling a bit guilty about missing some gym sessions and indulging in chocolate over the holidays, science might have some good news for you. Research suggests that taking breaks from exercise and enjoying dark chocolate could benefit your brain development. Let’s explore how your holiday habits might have been helping your neuroplasticity all along. Understanding neuroplasticity: Your brain’s superpower First, let’s break down…

Psychologist taking notes during therapy session with her emotional female patient

A week in the life of: A trainee psychotherapist 

Anita Guru

Balancing work, studies and a placement isn’t easy, but Anita Guru is relishing the challenge Rewind to 2020 at the start of the pandemic: I could foresee significant challenges for mental health. The trauma people experienced wasn’t solely from contracting Covid, but also from isolation, lack of human interaction, an absent sense of community, and fear for their safety. I knew these would have huge implications going forward.  Switching off ‘therapist mode’ with friends and family has been a learning curve  For…