The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook. This week: LGBTQ+ employee happiness in the US takes a dip; Public support for DEI stays strong in the UK; Welfare reforms question if workplaces are ADHD ready; and value of global training market grows
American LGBQT+ workplace happiness sees significant drop in Q1 under Trump administration
The latest data from WorkL highlights a concerning decline in workplace happiness for LGBTQ+ employees in the US, with happiness scores dropping from 74% in 2024 to just 66% in 2025- 9% points below the global employee happiness score of 74%. This marks a stark contrast to heterosexual employees, whose happiness levels saw a slight increase from 76% to 77% over the same period.
The growing disparity suggests that shifts in workplace policies under President Trump, particularly those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), are contributing to the negative trend.
Ipsos poll finds widespread support for key workplace DEI initiatives, but men are more likely than women to say DEI has gone ‘too far’
A new Ipsos in the UK poll reveals strong public support for a range of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in UK workplaces, but a clear gender divide in general attitudes to promoting DEI. Men are much more likely than women to say DEI initiatives in general have gone ‘too far’ and are also more supportive of President Trump’s actions to restrict DEI initiatives in the United States. The research, conducted online between March 28th and April 2nd, 2025, surveyed 1,200 British adults aged 16-75.
Welfare reforms will drive ADHD talent into the workforce – is your workplace ready?
With proposed welfare reforms set to move thousands of people off long-term disability benefits and into employment, employers are being urged to prepare for a wave of neurodivergent – particularly individuals with ADHD – into the workforce. ADHD is one of the fastest-growing adult diagnoses in the UK. While awareness is improving, many workplaces are still not equipped to offer the support that helps employees diagnosed with ADHD succeed.
Research from Deloitte USA has shown that diverse teams—particularly those inclusive of neurodivergent individuals are more agile, innovative, and more likely to identify new opportunities.
Training market $391 billion
Training Industry has released its 2025 edition of, “The State of the Corporate Training Market.” This comprehensive analysis highlights trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the $391.1 billion global corporate training market, with an external addressable market that has grown by 3.45% annually since 2022.
Over 80% of HR Professionals say National Insurance changes have a negative impact
elementsuite, a Zellis company, HR and workforce management provider, announced new research into the state of HR in 2025 in the UK. The findings expose a challenging landscape for HR professionals, with 80.5% reporting that National Insurance (NI) changes have negatively impacted cost management and workforce planning.
Additionally, 62.5% report that economic pressures, government policies, and skills shortages have led to significant or moderate shifts in hiring strategies. Despite these challenges, the research highlights a silver lining: HR leaders are responding with resilience and strategic agility.
One year on from carers leave act: The UK falls behind neighbouring European countries in supporting working carers
New Analysis from Seniorcare by Lottie (an eldercare benefits provider) reveals Britain’s carer Leave policy ranks just 10th in Europe:
- One year after the UK’s Carer’s Leave Act came into effect (6 April 2024), unpaid carers continue to face limited workplace support.
- The UK ranks just 10th in Europe for carer leave provision, behind countries offering both paid and more flexible leave options.
- Demand for eldercare is rising, with more UK employees now caring for ageing parents or relatives rather than children.
Fosway Group opens TA Realities Research 2025
In partnership with RecFest the research investigates how talent acquisition leaders are innovating and managing change How are talent acquisition teams approaching both new workplace dynamics and a changing market? Fosway Group, Europe’s #1 HR industry analyst, is delighted to again partner with RecFest, the world’s largest talent acquisition event, to promote and open the TA Realities Research 2025 to explore how TA is managing change and evolving as a function.
Learning Technologies 2025 next week in London, UK
Workplace learning professionals from around the world are heading to London for this year’s Learning Technologies and the co-located HR Technologies, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24, next week, at ExCeL.
Learning Technologies attracts around 11,000 people, has an exhibition of 200 learning providers and a conference covering everything important in workplace learning and technology in 2025.
Learning Technologies Barcamp returns: Informal, insightful conversations on the future of skills
The Learning Technologies barcamp returns for its tenth year, bringing together learning professionals to discuss one of the hottest topics in L&D: skills.
Hosted just ten minutes from the main conference venue, this free fringe event promises practical insights from learning leaders and an informal setting where learning professionals can debate, challenge and connect.
