The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Comeback coaching – the missing piece of people retention strategy
As businesses strive to retain top talent amid evolving workplace expectations, new peer-reviewed research from coaching psychologist Jessica Chivers suggests that comeback coaching, a term she has used since 2012, could be the key to improving employee retention and performance.
Published in The Coaching Psychologist, Reflections on Comeback Coaching: Main Effects and Implications for Use of Coaching to Support Employees Returning to Work After a Break revealed that coaching specifically designed to help employees return to the workplace positively impacts work performance, boosts confidence, and enhances their ability to advocate for their needs and aspirations. Coachees also viewed the availability of this coaching as a sign that their employer valued their contributions and prioritised their wellbeing.
BSI inquiry will explore how changes since 2020 are shaping young people’s career journeys
Young people who began their careers around the start of the Covid-19 pandemic or soon after are being invited to share their experiences of the workplace, as part of an inquiry into the “hybrid generation”.
To mark five years since the first lockdowns began globally, business standards and improvement company BSI is investigating the impact of the restrictions on younger workers, and how transformed ways of working have shaped subsequent career journeys. As part of this BSI is today opening a public call for evidence, inviting submissions from individuals or groups with relevant experience on the topic.
Skills shortage in the UK declines for first time in a decade, but cautions remain
A new survey by ManpowerGroup reveals a shift in the skills landscape within the UK, marking the first decline in reported skill shortages in ten years. According to the 2025 Talent Shortage Survey released today, the percentage of organisations facing skills shortages has decreased from 80% to 76%. This change suggests that the peak of the UK’s skills gap may have passed, a trend observed for the first time since 2014.
Despite this decline, Michael Stull, the UK managing director of ManpowerGroup, expressed caution regarding the implications for British business and productivity.
What can L&D do about email security challenges?
The findings from Email Security Trends 2025: The Widening Disconnect Between Email Security and Risk Management report from Zivver highlight the often-overlooked threats in email security, and the scrutiny of regulatory demands on organisations.
- While 47% of IT leaders prioritise phishing and inbound threats, two-thirds admit that outbound email mistakes—such as misaddressed emails or improper encryption—cause more significant data losses.
- Over 50% of employees admit to email-related mistakes every few months, and 60% report using workarounds to bypass policies, indicating a need for better tools and training.
- While 73% of employees are aware of the security policies pertaining to email, only 52% adhere to them
The Race at Work Charter is an initiative designed by Business in the Community for businesses to collectively commit to improving equal opportunities
While the Race at Work Charter is a UK standard, Reconomy will implement the principles of the Charter across all its brands internationally. Reconomy currently operates across more than 80 countries, with more than 4,000 colleagues servicing over 22,000 diverse international customers.
The Race at Work Charter calls on businesses to:
- Appoint an Executive Sponsor for race
- Capture data and publicising progress
- Ensure zero tolerance of harassment and bullying
The majority of audit professionals don’t see AI as a threat
The majority of audit and governance professionals (72%) are not scared of AI tools taking their jobs, according to a new UK survey and most say that they are actively using AI for career development purposes.
The survey, carried out by CareersinAudit.com, asked audit and governance professionals how AI is being implemented in their organisations, their attitudes towards the tech and what their biggest concerns are with using the tools.
Thrive ranks 43rd in The Sunday Times 100 Fastest-Growing Tech List
Thrive is proud to announce its inclusion in The Sunday Times 100 Tech, a prestigious list recognising Britain’s fastest-growing private technology and Saas companies.
Founded by Sean Reddington in 2019, Nottingham-based learning technologies company Thrive has been named the 43rd fastest-growing private technology company in Britain by The Sunday Times.
