News & Thinking

Recent onboarding statistics from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) validate that organizations with formal onboarding programs experience 50% higher employee retention and a 62% increase in productivity among new hires.

Yet too often, onboarding is treated as an HR checkbox instead of a strategic advantage. Onboarding isn’t just a formality—it’s your chance to make a lasting first impression on the people who will represent your mission every day.

Members of Central PA ATD’s leadership—Phyllis Metzler, Gina Sweeney, and Robyn DeFelice talk about the power of community, mentorship, and stepping up to lead. Discover how joining and volunteering with ATD helped them grow their careers and their networks—and how it can do the same for you.

 

At Flagger Force, safety is more than policy—it’s their culture. And it starts with smart, accessible training and open communication. Luke Lazar and Leslie McRobbie of Flagger Force, an industry-leading, short-term traffic control company, share how their “In the Zone” app and FF Learn microlearning program are keeping thousands of field employees engaged, informed, and safe every single day.

Find out how Mid Penn Bank is reimagining workforce development with Mid Penn University. University Director and VP Scott Bostjancic shares how a visionary leadership team, high-end tech, and a commitment to personalized, skills-based learning are transforming training—and empowering employees at every level to grow their careers.

Digital cohort-based learning programs that combine live sessions with interactive assignments and peer collaboration are increasing in popularity especially in leadership development. This is apparent in Brandon Hall Group’s recent study “Igniting the Leadership Spark.” Their Principal Analyst Matt Pittman shares his insights on the study and what’s behind the growth of cohort-based approaches.

The 2025 CGA Conference & Expo offered a compelling look at where the damage prevention industry is headed—and how training and education are evolving to support that progress. Here are five key takeaways that stood out—and what they mean for how we continue to build safer, smarter teams across the industry.

Are you looking for practical ways to integrate AI into your instructional design workflow? Wondering how it can add real value to your process? Or hoping to work more efficiently while boosting creativity? When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance your thinking, help you expand your ideas, and offer fresh perspectives.

So, where should you begin? Let’s walk through how AI can support different phases of instructional design—especially in content development.

d’Vinci Interactive, an award-winning custom eLearning and training solutions partner, announces it support as a sponsor of the annual SHINE Walk on September 19, 2025 to help raise awareness about child sexual abuse, let survivors know they are not alone, and advance Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) in Pennsylvania. 

Donald Taylor, longtime learning and development leader and chair of the Learning Technologies Conference, unpacks the findings from the 2025 L&D Global Sentiment Survey. Hear what surprised him most, why AI remains a dominant focus, and how L&D professionals are responding to increasing pressure to prove value and do more with less.

Bringing subject matter experts front and center in training is engaging and impactful for the learner. Learn how to set your SMEs up for success and get them ready for the spotlight.