The L&D Edit | December 2023 | Edition #19

Hi VTT'ers ??

Ready to explore the transformative power of gratitude? In our latest blog, we unravel the role of gratitude in fostering humility, accountability, and empathy, offering managers practical methods to instil appreciation in their teams.

But that's not all — grab a FREE ?? 'Christmas break checklist' ?? for a stress-free holiday season, ensuring you and your team are ready for a restful break.

PLUS nurture workplace wellbeing all year round with our latest video on the PERMA model, unveiling the core elements supporting lasting wellbeing.

And if time is tight, we've handpicked 3?? must-reads summarising key takeaways on performance-focused learning, and the impact of after-hours work on productivity. Level up your knowledge — click, read, and watch now!

?? Read: Can gratitude cure entitlement?

In a world where entitlement threatens team dynamics and relationships, we explore the transformative power of gratitude as we delve into its role in fostering humility, accountability, and empathy. For managers seeking to reshape their team's mindset, we discuss practical methods to instil gratitude — from journaling to acts of kindness — we've got the playbook for cultivating a culture of appreciation.

?Click on the link here to learn more.

??Free Resource: Christmas break checklist for managers

As the festive season nears, the whirlwind of holiday prep and work commitments can leave you overwhelmed. Prioritising wellbeing is crucial, especially when the holiday joy comes with stress. However, amid the chaos, caring for yourself and your team might feel like an added burden. Download our simple checklist today for straightforward guidance on ensuring you're prepared to have a restful Christmas break.

?Download this FREE checklist now.

?? Watch: How to nurture your workplace wellbeing with the PERMA model

Want to prioritise your wellbeing not only over the Christmas break but into the new year and beyond? Dive into the PERMA model, crafted by positive psychology pioneer Martin Seligman. Discover the five building blocks — positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments — that form the core of supporting wellbeing.

?Watch this short video now to learn more.

?? Read: up on all the latest L&D insights

Do you find that there are so many interesting articles, features and blogs out there there's just not enough time to read them all? ?? Don't worry! We’ve picked 3 of our favourite articles this month and summarised the highlights, facts, and top takeaways. You can read them all below!

1?? Back to basics: How to leverage performance-focused learning

• Traditional learning methods persist, but modern approaches like 'learning in the flow of work' signify a shift in acquiring knowledge.
• Performance-focused learning is about refining job-related skills, ensuring immediate use in daily work, and directly enhancing workplace performance.
• Setting outcomes, identifying needs, and considering deadlines, and resources are crucial when designing a learning intervention, but often overlooked is ensuring the chosen approach genuinely impacts workplace performance.
• Regardless of learning methods, planning involves collaboration, focusing on relevance, practicality, management support, success metrics, follow-up, cultural fit, resources, barriers, motivation, and feedback mechanisms for real performance improvements.

?Read the full TrainingZone article here.

2?? Our favourite management tips about showing gratitude at work

• Beyond a simple thank-you, celebrate team members by highlighting their specific strengths.
• Offer real-world examples of their positive impacts in cards or emails.
• Skip grand gestures and focus on regular check-ins, balanced feedback, growth opportunities, and regular appreciation like starting meetings with shout-outs.

?Read the full Harvard Business Review article here.

3?? Feel pressure to work after hours? You may be less productive, not more

• Slack's survey found that those who log off and don't work after hours report 20% higher productivity levels.
• Employees feeling obligated to work after hours experience 2X the work-related stress and burnout.
• The focus should be on efficient work during traditional hours, with managers playing a pivotal role in helping employees manage priorities.
• Highly productive employees use time management strategies, emphasising the importance of approaches such as task blocking and scheduled email checks.

?Read the full @forbes article here.

We’re on a mission to spread our love for virtual training. We’re sharing resources, tips, experiences and insights with anyone in L&D (and those not in L&D are welcome too of course!) curious enough to want to learn more. Stay up to date and receive notifications when our new L&D Edit is released, subscribe here. To explore the world of training and resources The virtual training team can offer check out our website.

See you next month!

Best wishes,

Catherine Nicholson,

Creative director, The virtual training team