The creative challenge
Organizations struggle to foster genuine creativity despite wanting it, largely because they fear failure and lack the necessary cultural changes. Developing a true innovation culture requires accepting mistakes, evaluating ideas systematically, and embracing diversity—not just encouraging brainstorming.
The learning leader’s tips for tough times
In economic downturns, learning leaders must innovate rather than defend the status quo. Nigel Paine offers five practical tips for leveraging learning and development to help organizations adapt to change, maintain investment in people, and navigate crises through creativity and strategic thinking.
NEWS: BAA’s new training service takes off
BAA has partnered with Capita Learning & Development to deliver training services to approximately 13,000 staff across UK airports, consolidating over 300 suppliers into one managed service to improve efficiency and quality.
Learning 2009: Mission critical
Learning professionals must become strategic business partners during economic downturns by aligning learning initiatives with organizational goals and safeguarding critical talent. Research shows that companies investing in employee development and skills management are better positioned to survive recessions and succeed in recovery.
Leadership development takes centre stage at HRD 2009
Leadership development emerged as a critical priority at the HRD 2009 conference, with speakers and industry experts emphasizing its importance for organizational performance during economic downturns. CIPD research highlighted that training managers view leadership development as the most essential skill for UK organizations, with sessions exploring servant leadership models, talent assessment, and strategic capability building.
Networking: A great tool in the bid for survival
Effective networking is essential for business survival during economic downturns. Roy Sheppard provides practical strategies for freelancers and self-employed professionals to build stronger contacts, expand their network, and secure steady work when competition intensifies and budgets tighten.
Video: Professor Cialdini turns his persuasive skills to training
Professor Robert Cialdini explains why UK businesses should prioritize skills training, sharing insights on how companies that invest in employee development during recessions perform better through downturns and recovery periods.
The engaged learner
Learner motivation is critical to training success, yet L&D professionals often overlook it in assessment and evaluation. Without engaged, motivated employees, training programs have minimal impact, making engagement measurement essential for effective learning investments.
Diary: And now for something a little bit different
A training manager navigates organizational restructuring while planning innovative learning solutions for the year ahead, including hiring an unconventional trainer to bring fresh perspectives to staff development.
Eight ways to provide support during IT upgrades
Provide comprehensive support during IT upgrades to reduce costs and minimize productivity losses. Organizations often underestimate employee support needs during system implementations, missing opportunities to save significant time and money while improving user adoption and satisfaction.
Best read features of 2008
TrainingZone.co.uk’s top 12 most-read features of 2008 highlight popular articles on learning myths, communication misconceptions, and training analysis. The list recognizes contributions from both staff writers and community members, with articles examining assumptions about learning and workplace practices that resonated most with readers.
2008: That was the year that was…
Despite the 2008 financial crisis, learning and development professionals saw increased emphasis on workplace training and skills development. Industry experts highlighted the shift toward social learning, coaching managers, and better training evaluation as key trends that could help organizations survive the recession.
Agenda: Spread a little happiness
Research shows 70% of staff feel miserable at work, yet salary increases alone don’t solve the problem. Learning leaders can boost employee well-being by fostering challenge, adventure, health, relationships, and purpose—creating meaningful engagement beyond job competence.
A week in training: Education and Skills in the spotlight
Education and skills take center stage this week as the landmark Education and Skills Act 2008 receives royal assent, Sir Alan Sugar backs apprenticeships, and the government launches initiatives to support business through economic challenges.
A week in training: The £65m skills booster
The UK skills sector receives a £65m boost for science, manufacturing and engineering investment, while a new interactive game aims to improve adult literacy and numeracy. A survey reveals significant employee distrust in senior management, with half believing CEOs don’t care about staff.
A week in training: A vision of the C21st trainer
The CIPD unveils its vision for 21st-century trainers, calling for a shift from trainer-centric to business and learning-centric approaches. The report emphasizes that modern trainers must act as facilitators aligned with organizational needs, while separate research reveals UK managers receive minimal financial incentives to coach despite high expectations.
A week in training: Beat the bullies
Nearly half of UK workers have experienced or witnessed workplace bullying, with almost 38% saying their organization took no action, according to The Andrea Adams Trust. Formal bullying policies have increased from 55% to 74% of organizations, with training at induction proving most effective in deterring bullying behavior.
A week in training: The skills to survive recession
Companies investing in employee training and development are best positioned to survive recession while saving money and improving retention, according to new research. Universities and businesses can also collaborate to create targeted skills programs, though the CIPD warns redundancies are likely across the UK workforce.
Agenda: What’s innovation got to do with training?
Innovation is essential for organizations to navigate crises and thrive in uncertain times. Learning and development plays a crucial role in building the culture, skills, and systems needed to foster innovation across organizations of all sectors.
A week in training: Will cash strapped councils axe training?
Cash-strapped councils may be forced to suspend training initiatives to meet staff wage payments following the banking crisis, while the government announces new employer agreements to address skills shortages in key sectors.