People professionals know that a skilled and engaged workforce plays a critical role in driving growth and productivity. But it’s not always easy - especially in an era of rapid technological change. That’s why our ‘Focus On…’ topic for November and December is workplace skills and productivity. 

Look out for a series of tools and practical insights to help you to address key challenges around skills gaps and employee engagement, and support your organisations to thrive. Key topics will include assessing and improving line managers’ ability to engage and develop their teams, tackling skills mismatches, and addressing overqualification in the workforce.

"Skills are a key driver of business success, investing in skills improves economic performance and productivity. Skills development also benefits individuals: it improves life chances, increases employment and earnings potential, and plays a critical role in supporting social mobility." 

Lizzie Crowley, Senior Policy Advisor, CIPD

The series will also offer tailored advice on strengthening people management and enhancing productivity through flexible working arrangements that benefit both employees and businesses. Additionally, it will explore strategies for planning future skills needs, to ensure businesses are prepared for evolving challenges. 

Explore our workplace skills and productivity resources

Over the coming months we will focus on key topics that impact your work such as workplace conflict, the UK Government's 'Plan to Make Work Pay', workplace performance and skills, and the impact of AI in the workplace. We want to make it easier for you to find the information to do your job.  

Our Focus on resources page brings together all of the CIPD's guidance, reports, and advice on these issues, in one, easy to find place. 

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Championing better work and working lives

About
the CIPD

At the CIPD, we champion better work and working lives. We help organisations to thrive by focusing on their people, supporting economies and society for the future. We lead debate as the voice for everyone wanting a better world of work. 

Our purpose, our vision, our impact What we do
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