Search Results for: workplace training

July 23, 2019

Apprenticeship levy has failed to increase investment in workplace training

The Government made an empty promise when it said the apprenticeship levy would boost the amount of money employers spend on workplace training, claims a new report from the CIPD. Addressing employer under-investment in training, the case for a broader training levy reveals that 31 percent of levy paying employers say the levy will lead them to increase the amount they spend on training. This is down from 45 percent in July 2017 when it was introduced. (more…)

November 28, 2016

Britain is missing a trick by not getting workplace training right ⁰

by Steve Hill • Comment, Workplace

New research from PwC highlights Britain’s failure to provide opportunities for young people. The study brings attention to the fact that the country ranks a lowly 21st out of 35 OECD members for its ability to get 15 to 24 year olds into work, education or training. If the UK could equal Germany’s low youth unemployment rate it would stand to gain around £45 billion, a 2.3 percent increase in GDP. The PwC report compares numerous countries, however Germany, Austria and Switzerland come out on top when it comes to providing career opportunities and workplace training to young people. Perhaps a clue to their success is that these nations all have so-called ‘dual education systems’ where work-based learning sits with equal stature alongside traditional academic study.

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January 18, 2026

Beating Blue Monday: International Workplace launches free occupational health and wellbeing training for SMEs

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Wellbeing

International Workplace is doing its bit to ease the New Year’s blues today by equipping small businesses with the tools to champion mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. ‘Blue Monday’ – the third Monday in January each year – is often cited as the most challenging day of the year for the UK workforce. With the festive season over, wintery weather taking its toll, and a long wait for payday, it’s a time when a little extra support from managers can make all the difference. (more…)

April 21, 2021

Nearly a third of employees don’t receive training in a hybrid workplace

by Jayne Smith • News, Working culture

Lane4, has announced the findings of its nationwide survey which suggests how organisations need to better support their employees as some begin to return to their on-site workplaces, while others remain remote. (more…)

January 5, 2026

How leadership can drive positive changes in workplaces

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Workplace

The contemporary American professional landscape is at a turning point. While people are sticking with their employers, they feel more disconnected than ever. Gallup calls this the ‘Great Detachment’. (more…)

January 5, 2026

Actionable workplace wellness initiatives for small businesses

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Wellbeing

American workplaces are going through big changes now. Employee engagement has hit a ten-year low. Small businesses often feel these pressures more intensely than large corporations. Limited resources make turnover and declining morale especially difficult for small firms. When even one employee feels overwhelmed or disengaged, the impact can ripple through an entire team.

Wellness initiatives, however, can serve as a practical and powerful solution. When done thoughtfully, they help reduce stress, improve morale, and create a work environment where people feel supported rather than stretched thin.

In this article, we’ll share a few actionable workplace wellness initiatives that can help you foster healthier habits, stronger engagement, and long-term resilience.

1 Encourage Flexible Work Options

The traditional nine-to-five office hours are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Many employees now value flexibility just as much as salary. Flexibility helps your team balance their work and their actual lives. This reduces stress and prevents that burnout we all fear.

Around 76% of businesses in the UK already offer flexible work options to their employees.

You do not have to go fully remote if that does not fit your small business’s model. There are so many ways you can give your team more control over their time. One common way is to offer telecommuting or remote work. This lets people work from home some or all of the time. It saves them a long commute and saves you on office costs.

If your team needs to be in the office, try flexible hours or flextime. This lets them choose their own start and finish times. You can also look into compressed workweeks. This is where employees work their 40 hours in fewer days.

A popular choice is working 10 hours for 4 days. This gives them a 3-day weekend every single week. This model is great for high-workload industries, such as retail, healthcare, or manufacturing.

2 Foster Happiness with Growth Opportunities

People want to feel like they are moving forward. When employees feel stuck, they start looking for the exit. Offering growth opportunities is a huge part of wellness. It keeps the mind sharp and reduces stress about the future.

For a small business, you might not have a big training budget. That is okay. You can check out the Small Business Association (SBA) Learning Platform. It offers online courses on everything from managing a team to marketing for free. Then there is SCORE. This is a network of retired executives who offer free mentoring.

For those looking to advance their careers, you could offer partial tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Healthcare roles offer a relevant example. Nurse practitioners are expected to remain in high demand through 2031. Many bedside nurses aspire to move into these advanced practice roles.

Supporting an employee who wants to pursue an MSN-FNP degree can make that goal far more attainable. MSN-FNP stands for Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner. Rockhurst University explains that this program helps registered nurses transition into primary care for patients of all ages.

Many universities now offer the MSN-FNP degree online. By opting for online degrees, employees can continue working while expanding their skills. Supporting education like this builds loyalty, confidence, and a healthier, more engaged workforce.

3 Create a Comfortable and Healthy Physical Workspace

The physical office environment directly affects how people feel. Small changes in lighting and furniture can boost productivity. These improvements prevent chronic pain and eye strain.

As a small business, you do not need a total redesign to make a difference. You just have to be creative with your space.

Sitting for too long can lead to chronic back pain. Ergonomic chairs support the spine and reduce physical fatigue. High-end chairs are expensive, but there are cheaper options. Lumbar support cushions can make a standard chair better.

Standing desks allow employees to switch positions all day. Standing desk converters are a great low-cost alternative.

Lighting is often overlooked in workplace design. Poor light causes digital eye strain for many workers. This is known as computer vision syndrome or CVS. Data shows that nearly 70% of workers suffer from CVS. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.

Combine overhead and adjustable task lights to customize their environment to prevent discomfort.

Plants lower stress and improve the air we breathe. They can even absorb radiation from our electronic devices. Bring in plants like pothos and snake plants. These are quite affordable and nearly indestructible in an office setting.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Workplace wellness doesn’t require a big budget or a long list of policies. For small businesses, it’s about intention, consistency, and genuine care.

You do not have to do it all at once, however. The key is to start small. Pick one or two initiatives that feel doable right now and build from there. Over time, these small actions create a culture where people feel supported, not just as employees, but as humans. And when your people thrive, your business does too.

December 31, 2025

Networking skills should play a key role in workplace development

by Henry Strickland • Comment, Workplace

It was recently reported that the art of networking is disappearing from modern workplaces. The skill is particularly lacking among young professionals, with around 60 percent of whom avoiding in-person networking events to the detriment of their careers. I read of this with interest and concern, being a strong believer that both internal and external networking remains one of the single most powerful accelerators for career progression, and that more opportunities come through relationships than any other channel. (more…)

October 21, 2025

How modern FNP programs prepare nurses for a changing workplace

by Freddie Steele • Company news

The healthcare landscape is evolving faster than ever before. From the rise of telehealth to new models of patient-centered care, nurses today face a dynamic workplace that demands not only clinical expertise but adaptability, leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs are stepping up to meet this challenge and equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a changing environment.

Modern FNP programs recognize that healthcare is no longer confined to traditional hospital settings. Graduates may find themselves working in clinics, community health centers, telemedicine platforms or even corporate wellness programs. To prepare for these diverse roles, FNP programs emphasize flexible learning pathways that combine online coursework, simulations and in-person clinical experiences. This hybrid approach mirrors the evolving nature of the healthcare workplace itself where technology and adaptability are essential for success.

For example, a nurse pursuing an FNP program may complete a significant portion of theoretical learning online, allowing them to balance work, family or other commitments while still gaining essential knowledge. Clinical rotations in multiple healthcare settings ensure exposure to a wide variety of patient populations and workplace environments. This combination prepares graduates to adapt quickly and perform effectively no matter where they practice.

Bridging clinical expertise and leadership skills

Healthcare organizations today require practitioners who can make independent decisions, lead teams and coordinate care across multiple settings. Modern FNP programs integrate leadership training, evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration into their curriculum. Nurses graduating from these programs are not only clinically competent but also prepared to take on managerial roles, lead quality improvement initiatives and contribute to organizational strategy.

Leadership training often includes exercises in conflict resolution, team communication and project management. Students may participate in simulated scenarios where they lead a patient care team, making decisions under pressure while coordinating with physicians, nurses and support staff. These experiences build confidence and practical skills, ensuring graduates can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare workplaces.

Emphasizing technology and innovation

Digital transformation is changing healthcare delivery. Electronic health records, remote patient monitoring and telehealth platforms are now standard tools in many practices. FNP programs are adapting by incorporating training in healthcare technology, data analysis and telehealth. By familiarizing students with the tools they will use in practice, these programs ensure that graduates are ready to thrive in technologically sophisticated workplaces.

For instance, students may practice conducting virtual consultations or learn to interpret patient data from remote monitoring devices. They also gain skills in digital documentation, privacy compliance and cybersecurity, which are increasingly important when it comes to protecting sensitive patient information. By integrating technology into the curriculum, FNP programs produce graduates who are capable of improving efficiency and patient outcomes through innovation.

Prioritizing well-being and workplace resilience

The pandemic highlighted the critical importance of well-being in the healthcare workforce. Nurses are at risk of burnout due to long hours, high stress and the emotional demands of patient care. Modern FNP programs increasingly focus on self-care, stress management and professional resilience. By fostering emotional intelligence and coping strategies, these programs help nurses sustain long and demanding careers.

Courses may include mindfulness techniques, time management strategies and guidance on maintaining work-life balance. Mentorship programs provide additional support, helping students navigate the challenges of both education and professional practice. Graduates who have been trained to prioritize well-being are better equipped to manage stress, contribute positively to their teams and maintain high-quality patient care over time.

Preparing for the future of healthcare

Modern FNP programs aren’t just about clinical skills. They are about preparing nurses for a rapidly changing workplace that values flexibility, leadership and technological competence. Graduates are ready to meet the challenges of healthcare environments that range from traditional hospitals to community clinics, telehealth platforms and corporate wellness programs. They are equipped to support patient-centered care while also advancing organizational goals and improving workplace resilience.

Healthcare organizations benefit from hiring nurses trained in these comprehensive programs. FNP graduates bring advanced clinical knowledge, strong leadership capabilities and the ability to adapt to new technologies. They are prepared to implement evidence-based practices, mentor junior staff and contribute to innovations in patient care delivery. In short, FNP programs are shaping a workforce that is ready for the demands of modern healthcare.

Building a resilient healthcare workforce

The role of the Family Nurse Practitioner is now more important than ever before. Modern FNP programs prepare nurses to meet the needs of a complex and changing healthcare workplace by combining clinical expertise, leadership training, technological skills and well-being strategies. Graduates leave these programs ready to deliver high-quality care, lead teams and adapt to new challenges. For nurses pursuing advanced education and healthcare organizations seeking a resilient workforce, FNP programs provide the tools and training necessary to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

October 21, 2025

Workplace design that supports health, learning and growth

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Workplace design

In 2025, workplace design looks to prioritise employee health, learning, and growth. This article will investigate how contemporary environments enhance wellness, handle technology, and adapt to the fluctuation of work. You will learn the techniques businesses use to amplify productivity and participation. The approaches and fundamentals that construct dynamic work environments are the focus of this article. (more…)

October 15, 2025

The evolving workplace in the hybrid working era

by Brad Hintze • Company news, Flexible working, Technology

A little over five years ago, most knowledge workers went home — and dialed into the office remotely. The pandemic triggered a massive uptick in the “virtual workforce,” and organizations raced to provide technology to make connectivity possible. The limitations of those early “quick and dirty” solutions became apparent as the majority of the workforce settled into a hybrid model. (According to Gallup, 51 percent of US workers with remote-capable jobs follow a hybrid schedule while 28 percent are fully remote.) (more…)

September 24, 2025

Adoption of workplace AI is inconsistent and riddled with contradictions

by Neil Franklin • AI, News

New research claims to reveal the significant divides in how organisations are adopting artificial intelligence, with some reporting positive outcomes and others citing fear, risk and job losses. The study, carried out by The Adaptavist Group as part of its latest Digital Etiquette: Unlocking the AI Gates report, surveyed 900 professionals responsible for introducing and onboarding workplace AI in the UK, US, Canada and Germany. It found a sharp split between the 42 percent of respondents who believe their company’s AI claims are over-inflated and the 36 percent who do not. (more…)

May 19, 2025

Meh. Generative AI in the workplace is delivering modest returns that don’t match the hype

by Marvin Gort • AI, News

A new study by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research has cast doubt on the immediate transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, finding that the use of generative AI chatbots has so far delivered only modest gains in productivity and almost no increase in pay or reductions in working hours for employees. The working paper [restricted access], authored by economists Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard, used detailed Danish employment data to assess the real-world effects of AI adoption across 7,000 workplaces and 25,000 workers, focusing on white-collar roles most susceptible to automation—such as accountants, IT support staff, journalists, HR professionals, and software developers. (more…)