In our round-up of the 10 most popular reads in 2020, what was the key theme running through almost every article? You guessed it – Covid-19.

From crisis-mode tips through to rallying cries for more meaningful change in the L&D sector, these pieces all offered guidance, support and direction for learning leaders in what has been an immeasurably tough year. 

As the year unfolded and new obstacles presented themselves, experts from across the L&D industry provided ongoing advice and insights on how to navigate through the disruption. In this list you’ll find topics scoping virtual learning, leadership development, coaching, measuring learning impact and business alignment.

Without further ado, here is a snapshot of what grabbed the attention of your L&D peers across the year…

1. The impact of coronavirus on L&D and how to navigate through change

Published just before the UK went into its first lockdown, our top piece for 2020 is unsurprisingly on the topic of the pandemic and its effect on learning and development. In this article, L&D expert Nigel Paine provided five tips for learning leaders while they were still in crisis mode.

2. Driving business value through flexible learning

Our second most popular piece of content is a report created by TrainingZone and The Open University examining the true scope and value of flexible learning. Written by learning analyst Laura Overton, this paper shares three key tips to help build a more resilient, future-ready flexible learning ecosystem.

3. How to adapt to change being 'the new normal'

In a year of non-stop change, this article on accepting and adapting to our new unpredictable reality resonated with our readers. The piece is part of a three-part content series written by Emma Sue Prince, Director of Unimenta, on adaptability during times of uncertainty.

4. How learning and development can pivot to virtual delivery

Exploring L&D’s challenge of ‘pivoting’ – arguably one of the most popular buzzwords of the year – this piece offered useful tips on quickly transitioning to online learning in the midst of the first lockdown. Thanks to Marcus Wylie, Head of Learning and Experience at Insights Learning and Development for his insights!

5. Ten questions L&D detectives must ask to assess the impact of learning

Bringing us the latest guidance on measuring a learning solution’s business value, L&D Detective Kevin M. Yates outlines ten questions to ask when seeking to solve the mysteries of learning impact. This detective work is a complex task with a lot of twists and turns, but Kevin provides a good starting point for your journey.

6. Why we need a completely new learning and development approach

At the start of the year, before Covid wreaked havoc on our lives, Founder and CEO of Learning Futures Group Chris Pirie advocated for ‘constructive disruption’ of the industry. Of course, the disruption on the horizon was not the type Chris had in mind, but it certainly turned learning and development on its head.

7. Leadership in 2020: why mindset, not skill set, is holding leaders back

Our constantly evolving business landscape has taught us just how important good leadership is. But it’s not all about developing the right skill sets. In this piece, Drew Moss, International Head of Leadership Development at DLA Piper, builds the case for why mindset matters too.

8. How can L&D embrace business-aligned learning in difficult times?

As businesses quickly transitioned classroom training to online learning at the start of the pandemic, Charles Jennings, Director of Tulser, warned L&D leaders that the transformation must run deeper. In this article, he explored the need to build L&D capability in a way that offers far more value to business performance.

9. Why coaching questions are a powerful tool during the coronavirus pandemic

In a period of great turmoil, L&D expert Jackie Clifford, reminded us of how helpful coaching can be for all of us, and in particular stressed employees. In this article, she outlined key questions we can use to self-coach or to lead coaching conversations with others.

10. Viva la revolution! Why L&D must fight for its future in this time of change and uncertainty

Last but certainly not least in our top 10 most popular reads of 2020 is a call to arms from Mike Bedford, People Development Specialist at the Education & Skills Funding Agency. In this piece, Mike argues that to realise L&D’s true potential, a radical change in mindset and reframed approach is essential.