Wellbeing & Mental Health

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 Yet, despite these changes, many businesses lag behind, continuing to rely on outdated HR systems, which are no longer equipped to support the complexities of modern workforces, particularly when it comes to…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…

White porcelain bowl with kintsugi method in Female hands. Antique pottery restored with gold cracks. Traditional Japanese gold fixing method. Wabi sabi concept. Sunlights. Generative AI

The power of imperfection: Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth 

Steve Macaulay

Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook explore resilience through Kintsugi – and finding gold after a setback In everyday work situations, it is unrealistic to expect that everything goes to plan. More and more managers acknowledge the need to build the capability of resilience to better manage stress and pressure and bounce back after setbacks.  Setbacks are growth opportunities. By learning from mistakes, we become more resilient and adaptable  The Japanese art of Kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery with gold…

Top view of stethoscope,pink eyeglasses,plant,pen and notebook written with Menopause on wooden background.Health concept.

A positive approach to menopause in the workplace  

Jacqui Purdy

How L&D can create work environments that empower women to thrive during menopause and beyond In today’s evolving workplace, it is crucial for L&D professionals to acknowledge the impact of menopause and provide support systems for women navigating this life phase. The concept of a ‘second spring’ is rooted in Eastern philosophy, that reframes menopause as a period of renewal and growth. This perspective can offer women – and their employers – powerful tools to foster resilience, wellbeing and career…

Capability complex like a puzzle - pictured as word Capability on a puzzle pieces to show that Capability can be difficult and needs cooperating pieces that fit together, 3d illustration

The future of work: Why capabilities are the link between learning and performance

Ben Satchwell

Got goals but no learning? Learning but no application? Ben Satchwell brings it all together An integrated approach to business is nothing new and it could be argued that the approach offers superior performance than when business units, systems and processes operate in isolation. In our world though, what often goes unnoticed is that learning initiatives and performance objectives commonly operate in silos, limiting their effectiveness. Capabilities provide the connective tissue between learning and performance From my experience as the…

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…