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So, what we all knew was going to happen, has happened. The UK is in the worst recession since records began. What does that actually mean? By definition, two consecutive quarters of decreasing GDP constitutes recession. If we look at the UK's performance in Q2 (April, May and June), GDP actually grew in May and built on that even more considerably in June, but so severe was the drop in April, we still ended up worse off than in an already negative Q1. But does this mean as the nation 'goes back to work' in Q3 we'll be out of the woods? No. But it does go some way to alleviating the panic brought on by the R word (as opposed to the R number) writ large across our daily papers.

Where does that leave workers? Many businesses start up after a recession, so perhaps that bodes well for those in the workforce who had a bright idea but perhaps just needed that little nudge / drawn-out pandemic to give them a reason to make a start. If we look at the wealth of tech companies and consultancies in the L&D space, several can be traced back to a genesis of around a decade ago, just after the financial crash of 2008. I don't welcome this recession, but we need to see the upsides if we can. There's no glossing over the job losses that have already been made and the many more to come, and I hope the incredible community spirit and innovation that we saw in the stricter days of the lockdown can be mobilised again to support those looking for work.

And this is before any mention of Universal Basic Income. I like to keep these editor's notes as politically neutral as much as possible, but if you do want to discuss one of the more radical ideas out there, you know how to reach me ;)

My thoughts go to anyone recently out of work or at risk in their job, and I hope that you find a way through this and out the other side as soon as possible.

Stay positive.

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

It's the last newsletter of 2020, and I wouldn't be too offended if you were glad about that fact. Be it the quality of my editor's welcomes, or the global health situation, many people are looking forward to a new year and new subject matter. December is a shorter month here at TJ Towers, as we all fly our separate ways for a few days break (in reality this is the short walk from my office to the kitchen/living room area), so in the absence of much news, let me issue some thanks:

To the TJ members, to our social media followers, to anyone who has read our features or listened to our podcasts. Thanks for your engagement and your time and I hope we provided some insight, help and advice in a year where so much was new, different and challenging.

To our contributors for their wonderful words, be it on the page or in our ears. To Debbie, my friend and editor-in-chief. Thanks for steering the ship. To Jo and Kate, my podcast co-hosts with mo-hostest. I'm looking forward to our first edition of 2021 already!

To the rest of the the Dods family of titles for the support and the zoom calls, but particularly Grace and the team in diversity and inclusion. And here''s some more info about their activity next year:

Diversity and inclusion was a big topic for 2020, and is shaping up to be even more pertinent in 2021. Our partners, Dods D&I, run a range of events for line managers and HR professsionals, providing the expert insight and knowledge you need to advance inclusion and support diversity in your organisation. They will be kicking off 2021 with ''Neurodiveristy at Work'' on Thursday 14 January. TJ readers have access to a 20% discount, via the TJ20 code.

Keep up-to-date with their upcoming events on our website here; they''ll be offering L&D throughout 2021 on topics ranging from ''Overcoming Unconscious Bias'' and ''D&I for Line Managers'', to ''Supporting Women at Work'' and ''Race to Equality: Supporting BAME Colleagues in the Workplace''.

Until January - stay festive, and of course, safe.

Jon

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

Let's talk about trust.

In September 2020, trust is both in short supply and in abundance, depending on where you look. On the one hand, we have our new, vast remote workforce, finding new ways of effective working from their own homes every day (you'd have to concede it's not that easy for everybody, but go with me for the purposes of this comparison). A shout out to line managers and CEOs up and down the country, across the globe in fact, for finally embracing this way of working.

On the other hand, we have the ''Rule of Six''. No more succinctly is the confusion summed up by a letter in today's Financial Times that asks why, under current regulations, it's illegal for seven children to be together to feed ducks, yet its fine for 30 men to get together to shoot them. I've broken my rule once again of keeping this newsletter apolitical, but this hypocrisy was too good not to highlight.

Our trust in institutions is being eroded by things like this. Let's hope it's not irreversible. So - savour your work situation, if it's working for you, and try to avoid the news. And if you have a birthday party coming up soon, just dress up in hunting gear and invite as many people as you like.

Until next week, stay trustworthy.

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

Well - this is news I didn''t want to have to deliver, but here we are.

It is with real regret that we have had to cancel the TJ Awards 2020. This was an incredibly difficult decision for all involved but proceeding with the event isn't tenable for TJ at present.

I think that Dods, the parent company of TJ, has navigated its way through the last few months very well, but it''s had to make tough decisions along the way, and this is one of those. It wasn''t one made lightly or with any satisfaction. Silver linings though - you''ll be spared my dad jokes at the podium, which is nice I guess?

For those of you who have submitted applications I know this will be a big disappointment but do recognise that the work involved in submitting an entry is valuable reflective practice and you should use your conclusions from those applications to inform your work in future.

The applications will be held over and considered for the TJ Awards 2021 and if you don't want your application carried over, email awards@trainingjournal.com to let us know.

Until next time, stay safe, stay positive, stay curious. 

Jon

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

As mentioned last week we have moved the TJ Podcast to Anchor, and we are already seeing the benefits of wider distribution as we are now on Breaker, Google Podcasts and RadioPublic, as well as our previous homes of Apple, Amazon and Spotify. We hope you are continuing to enjoy our audio output without noticing this change behind the scenes.

There has been much editorial this week about the developments in vaccinations (not L&D or OD related) which has led to much more editorialising about the return to normal office life (very L&D and OD related). I think let''s view it all with some pragmatism and hope that we can keep our flexibility and productivity somehow. Is that too much to ask?

I read this morning about the mammoth task that the NHS has to organise the rollout of any possible vaccination and how ex-GPs, physios and others would be called upon to assist. Apparently a two hour elearning course will be undertaken by inexperienced staff on how to administer vaccinations. First, congrats on whichever vendor secured that contract, and second, I wonder if this will bring the idea of elearning to a much wider audience (20+ years after the term was first coined). A good thing, if so.

In exciting events news, we have partnered with World of Learning again! For the first time they are making the whole event free to all, so don''t miss out, there''s no excuse. Sign up free and find out more here.

Finally - our work-life balance expert Liggy Webb has put this free little book together about boosting your mood. Have a read. I hope as the winter months draw in it can help keep you calm and content amidst all that''s going on.

Until next week - stay hopeful.

Jon

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

This week, I'm wrestling with the issue of repetition. We know everything has changed, we know that in many ways there is no going back.

Do TJ members and readers want to keep hearing this?

If I had a pound for every article I get pitched about mental health then I wouldn't need to publish them anymore. But - they're prevalent for a reason: we are in uncharted territory, and employees need protection and support. The average business has become even more atomised than before. We don't yet know the long or even medium term effects of all this. So, I do still consider them relevant, and I'd like to hear from you about what else we should be covering to help you and your work.

Segue time: One way to check how your business is faring is to take the Emerald Works Health Check. Completely free and open now, you can measure your business against others in the field to see how healthy your L&D strategy is. Start today - you won''t regret it.

Ok - that's all from me this week. Debbie sends her best to you all and to paraphrase the recently departed Dame Vera Lynn, I hope one day we'll meet again.

Until next time, stay curious and stay safe.

Jon

Editor,TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

TJ AWARDS 2020 ARE STILL OPEN - START YOUR ENTRY NOW!

Did you know that we are happier watching TV programmes with adverts included than without? Did you know the optimum salary for happiness is ?58,000? These are just two of the less intuitive facts I've learned studying 'The Science of Wellbeing', a MOOC (massive open online course) made available through Coursera and led by psychology professor Dr Laurie Santos of Yale University. I'll be blogging about this so keep your eyes on site for more controversial words of wisdom, and if you want to take up either of those two facts at the top of the paragraph with me, just email :)

It's World Suicide Prevention Day, and while it's rather reductive to suggest that doing something as drastic as taking your own life is down to simply being unhappy, developing strategies to enjoy your own life and find joy with other people can surely help. I spoke to Debbie in a strictly non-work capacity about the meaning of today, and here's what she had to say:

"According to the WHO nearly 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is about one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is a global issue affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Undoubtedly the current crises facing people all over the world are adding to these horrifying statistics. Fear of the unknown, anxiety around employment and isolation are going to be making many people, not previously affected by mental health issues, anxious and depressed.

So how do we as employers, managers, colleagues, parents or friends support those around us? As there are no definite solutions to our current problems we have to help people to become more comfortable with uncertainty. Talking to others about their concerns is probably the best thing we can do - the old adage ''a problem shared is a problem halved'' - is good advice. Simply talking through worries and concerns with someone who cares can reduce anxiety considerably. In these difficult times a kind word and a listening ear can make a big difference - so keep those conversations going."

Until next week, share your problems.

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

I think in the intervening 15 years or so between leaving the education system and having my own children enter it, I never forgot the rhythm of that September to August cycle. I doubt most people do. Our lives are tied to it in so many ways. And yet - as we stand today, a fortnight out from children going back to school, this time feels...different. I don't need to explain why.

We may be able to work remotely, but the younger generations are still learning how to socialise, and the importance of play in development.

So what do we do?

We approach the next few weeks with the same mix of trepidation and preparedness for the unknown that we have for most of this year. We support each other, we listen, we communicate, and we make education the most welcoming environment it can be, whatever happens. Well, that's the intention anyway.

Back in the world of work, it's great to see so many events in the L&D space going ahead online and I think people really do value the work that everyone is putting in to make it all happen in continually changing circumstances. That said, I can't wait to see your socially distanced faces at the events of 2021.

In terms of the events that we're involved with at TJ, don''t miss out on this upcoming webinar from our partners at iSpring. Are you building online courses (frankly, these days, who isn''t)? If the answer is yes - enrol in this free webinar to learn the essentials of building, publishing and collaboration in elearning authoring.

Sign up free here.

Stay curious,

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

It''s Stress Awareness Week this week. Stress is something affecting more people than ever I would have thought, so make sure you know how to recognise the signs and the things you can do to help yourself and others.

If these articles and podcasts that we have recently published help, great! Remember though - these are initiatives for life, not just a week of PR.

• How to tackle introvert burnout
• From TJ Magazine: How do we avoid burnout in the workplace?
• #TJtalks: Cara de Lange on boundary setting for a better work-life balance
• #TJtalks: Ally Nathaniel on stress, burnout and what leaders can do about it

In what felt like a real treat, I managed an actual holiday for half term. A few days in Devon/Dorset last week, to an area I'd never been before, did wonders to clear my mind and escape for a bit before the inevitable second lockdown. I hope this second period stuck at home will be kinder to us all than the first, now we know what it entails for both our mental and physical selves.

If nothing else, the earlier period in the year will have taught us some coping strategies and perhaps even some productivity hacks (or should that be lethargy mitigation strategies?).

As we head into the colder months, do try to keep focus, look to the long term, and support each other, if only through communication and empathy.

Until next week - stay connected.

Jon

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

Ok - SOMEONE didn''t press the big red ''send'' button on the newsletter yesterday (that would be me). In nearly four years of weekly newsletters I think that''s the first or possibly only the second time that''s happened so I don''t feel too bad. Nevertheless, apologies to the thousands of recipients left hanging. Here''s what I was going to say:

***

It''s day two of World of Learning 2020, and it''s been a very, very busy time for TJ. We''ve had a couple of hundred sign ups, which I''d say is better than some face to face events we''ve been to! Mind blown, as they say.

Sign up free to catch the last bit, or wait for the recordings. More info available here: https://www.learnevents.com/conference-programme-world-of-learning-summit-2020/

Elsewhere, don''t miss out on a read of the latest sponsored content from Emerald Works about their Learning Health Check - more important than ever and more popular than ever too. We''re proud to partner with them on this research. Do read their piece here.

We''re coming to reflection time here at TJ Towers and we do want to hear from you. What do you want from TJ in 2021? I want TJ to help and support everyone in L&D, HR, talent and leadership positions. To publish the content that makes you the best you can be in your work, that gets you to question and be curious, to ask, can we do it differently, can we do it better? Sounds rather grand for a rainy Thursday but we all need aspirations.

Until next week, stay positive and don''t get too nostalgic for 2020. At least, sending it on a Friday I also get to say - have a great weekend!

Jon

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

It''s the pedant''s favourite day of the year. Or the diligent editor, depending on your viewpoint.

I know a lot of these national days are created purely for PR companies to hang various issues upon to generate coverage for their clients, and generally I''m fine with that. When it crosses into dangerous territory, such as the fuss around the last Monday in January being the most depressing day of the year is when I draw the line - it''s unfounded and trivialises mental health issues.

But back to today, National Punctuation Day, apparently. I recently had a PR request that I change all the spellings in a piece they submitted to American English. I declined. Even though our biggest traffic source to the website is the US (very marginally), we are a UK-based publication and as such, all our content aims to conform to the syntax, idioms and grammar of the UK. Accuracy and consistency are two of the bedrocks of trustworthy journalism, and in a climate where more than ever content needs to be credible, this is our aim. We may not always hit those marks of quality (I overuse brackets, for example), but we try.

Until next week, stay accurate.
Jon
 

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

First things first, we''ve missed you all. It''s been a strange few weeks where we''ve been present but not available. Thanks to Dods for un-pausing TJ and bringing me back to get things started, and the Government for their financial support, but now it''s time to get back to it.

April and May gave us time to think about what we want TJ to be in future; who we want it to speak to; what will be useful content for people and where to take that communication in future.

One conclusion is this: L&D is everyone''s responsibility. It''s for managers of all levels, for coaches and contractors, and HR too. We''re broadening our remit. It''s the only way to get L&D on the right people''s agenda, in some organisations. There will be other changes too but that''s all I''m giving you for the moment ;-)

The TJ Awards 2020 are still open for entries and are free to apply, plus the deadline has been extended too, so get your applications in before the deadline on 10 July.

The reader survey is also open - although I wonder if we will get some slightly different responses now? 

Until next time - stay safe, stay curious.

Jon Kennard

Editor,TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

TJ AWARDS 2020 ARE NOW OPEN - START YOUR ENTRY NOW!

In structural and societal bias news: Recent research from UCL has found that women did twice as much home schooling as men during lockdown and were 'considerably more likely' to have given up working completely than men were.

On a related note, this week I posted a shot of a job interview book I value greatly on LinkedIn called 'Why You?'. I had dug it out because my wife had a job interview this week and I recommended she have a read through. (Seriously, it's great, get it).

I got a few messages of support from people wishing her luck, some I think assuming she'd been made redundant and was going for a new position. In fact, she was going for another job to turn her part-time hours into full time, so not the dire straits many people thought but thanks for your good wishes! My wife had been giving it all some thought and figured she'd given a good six years of her life to childcare and wanted to focus on her career now. I'm behind her 100%.

But, after acknowledging our privilege, it brings the added complication of holiday childcare logistics; with ageing parents becoming less willing, or able to help out  through ill health.and geographically distanced, we have to flexible.

Even today, in an unwanted callback to the above paragraph, I'm writing this Ed's note as both my daughters watch TV (needs must), as my dad's rehabilitation from an operation has taken longer than expected and our childcare has fallen through. But we all work it out somehow don't we?

Elsewhere, make sure you fill in the TJ Survey, and have a look at the benefits of a digital subscription here.

Btw - my dad''s fine and my wife got the job.

Until next week, stay positive.

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

And it's this.

It shouldn't have taken such a radical global upheaval to bring to the right people's attention something many of us already knew, but here we are. I'm happy this is an issue that now has many more eyeballs on it.

I'm not interested in press-friendly soundbites like 'levelling up' and 'oven-ready', but I am interested in action. If the government follows up on this with meaningful actions that create change and improve more people's chances of employment then it's something that deserves praise. But I guess we''ll see what happens! 

When even someone like Donald H Taylor ends his piece this week for TJ on a blue note, you take notice. Plenty of people spotted this and it's created a fair bit of conversation in our circles on Twitter. Don is always a positive force, an enthusiastic proponent of what's possible, of how to make things better at work through improving performance, that reading his latest opinion piece was a bit of an eye opener; it wasn't without hope, just without promise.

As Don says:"Hold on, and support each other, until the storm blows itself out. Then start again." 

Stay positive, stay together (spiritually at least).

Jon

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

375 billion US dollars. Quite a figure, and apparently what the elearning market is going to be worth in five years' time. Like most normal people I struggle to conceive of how much money that really is, but I can at least glean this from it - a lot of learning is happening online and more will in future. I guess the headline elicits more of a shock response when coupled with the knowledge that so many other industries' bottom lines are going the other way.

My hope is that our future of work takes the best of the old and melds it with the innovation of the new. And don''t forget: We are resilient. We are stronger than we think. We are here for each other. New(ish) to remote work and feeling lonely? Pick up the phone and talk to a friend or co-worker (I'm assuming you all have Zoom fatigue by now).

Fundamental life and work changes aside, I had my most normal Monday in months this week; I took my daughter to her first swimming lesson in a while and then later that day I went to the cinema. Although, Tenet isn't a film that will make you feel like you have a better handle on the world around you when you exit, frazzled, into the outside world 2+ hours later. But nevertheless it was great to punctuate my day with two activities that reminded me of a less unstable time.

Until next week, stay expectant of change.

Jon

Jon Kennard

Editor, TJ.

jonathan.kennard@trainingjournal.com

I remember seeing footage of the DJ Fatboy Slim playing in Ibiza this summer, mask on, to a seated, socially distanced audience. And I remember being mildly horrified that this is what our social interactions might be like forever. 

Cut to four months of mandatory mask wearing and three vaccination announcements later and I think two things, one of which I''ve said before: We are way, WAY more adaptable creatures than we gve ourselves credit for (mask wearing is second nature to most of us now), and 2021 is looking positive in quite a few ways. And here are some of them...

I''m delighted to see that the three main conferences on our L&D calendar are gearing up for their next events: 

• OEB starts next week and I''m excited to see how they make the transition to virtual. Check out the agenda here
• Learning Technologies meanwhile, has moved to next June and I''m looking forward to seeing everyone at this, one of the flagship London L&D events.
• And lastly but not leastly World of Learning, who we have just partnered with again. This virtual event on 9 & 10 December is ideally timed to bring the L&D industry together to reflect, network and share learnings. Highlights from this year''s conference programme include an interview with John Amaechi OBE, a deep-dive into the ''pandemic pirouette'' from PwC''s Sarah Lindsell and a personal reflection on managing rapid change with CBRE''s Melanie Lepine. Check out the full programme and claim your FREE pass here.

Finally, if you''re looking for more a positive slant in an uncertain world, look no further than these great Twitter accounts. Follow, subscribe, and drink in their unrelenting good nature. I need it, and maybe you do too.

• The Happy Newspaper
• Positive News
• Good News Network
• Some Good News

Until next week, stay positive!

Jon