In the ever-changing world of professional development, staying on the pulseto the evolving needs of organisations and their employees is crucial. As we tackle the second half of 2024, PepTalk, a leading platform for team learning, has revealed fascinating insights into the most sought-after topics for workplace growth and improvement.
Most Requested Speaking Topics
Top Five Topics in 2024
Here are the top 5 most requested speaker sessions at PepTalk in 2024 so far:
What's particularly intriguing about this list is the shift from what was once considered 'soft skills' to what we can call the 'ripple effect.' This concept, which we'll delve into further, underscores the importance of inner growth that not only benefits the individual but also has a positive impact on the entire team and, ultimately, the company's bottom line.
The Ripple Effect
The "ripple effect" in the workplace refers to the idea that individual growth can positively influence a broader range of outcomes. This growth not only enhances the individual’s skills and satisfaction but also benefits their team and the entire company.
As people grow, their positive attitudes and improved performance can inspire and uplift their colleagues, creating a more collaborative and supportive team environment. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity, better innovation, and improved bottom-line results, fostering a thriving workplace.
READ MORE: Personal Resilience — The Ripple Effect with Major Scotty Mills
To appreciate the significance of this shift, let's take a look at the top requested topics from previous years:
2023's Top Five Topics
2022's Top Five Topics
These changes in top-requested topics reflect evolving priorities in the workplace. In 2022, the focus on Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Fitness, and Pride emphasises creating a more inclusive, healthy, and supportive work environment. This likely stems from the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic, which underscored the importance of physical health and mental well-being and a societal push towards greater equality and representation.
READ MORE: The Best Work-Life Balance Speakers
By 2023, the shift towards Mental Health, Workplace Wellbeing, and Stress Management suggests a more profound recognition of the importance of psychological resilience and creating a supportive work environment to combat the increasing pressures of modern work life. The appearance of Confidence and Growth Mindset in the top five indicates a growing interest in personal development and cultivating positive, adaptive attitudes towards work and personal challenges.
Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly influenced these shifts, pushing organisations to prioritise employee well-being and mental health. Technological advancements have also played a role, with remote work and digital transformation creating new stressors and necessitating a focus on stress management and workplace wellbeing. Societal shifts towards greater inclusivity and equity have further driven the focus on Diversity and Inclusion, Pride, and Personal Finance.
Emerging Workplace Trends
The emergence of Effective Leadership and Change Management as top priorities in 2024 suggests a growing recognition of the need for strong, adaptable leadership in today's fast-paced business environment.
Being an effective leader means developing leaders' skills to effectively handle complex challenges and motivate their teams to achieve objectives. At the same time, change management highlights the importance of being adaptable and responsive to changes in the business environment, ensuring that organisations can adjust and succeed in uncertain circumstances. This is particularly relevant in a year when globally, more than 64 countries — which together represent about 49% of the world's population — are set to hold national elections, the outcomes of which will have significant implications for many people in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the consistent presence of Mental Health and Growth Mindset across the years underscores their enduring importance in fostering a thriving workplace.
According to Carol Dweck, the preeminent growth mindset researcher, when companies collectively adopt a growth mindset, their workers indicate a stronger sense of empowerment and dedication; they also experience increased support from the organisation for working together and coming up with new ideas. On the other hand, people at companies with a fixed mindset report more instances of dishonesty and deceit among the employees, possibly to gain an edge in the talent competition.
As we move further into 2024, it's evident that organisations are increasingly focused on developing well-rounded leaders who can navigate change, foster growth, prioritise mental health, and build resilience within their teams. By investing in these areas, companies improve individual performance and create a positive ripple effect that enhances overall organisational success. What can we expect for the remainder of 2024 as the financial year ends and teams plan for 2025? We expect more change, more stories of triumphing over adversity, and perhaps a hint of Artificial Intelligence. Time will tell.
💡 Would you like to upskill with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!
Culture Calendar
Success favours the prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a free calendar of awareness days and weeks to support your business.
From health and wellbeing to culture and DEI, adding the calendar will keep you on the pulse of what’s happening and ahead of the game. Plus, it works across all platforms.
