About Neil Franklin

Neil Franklin is Insight's news editor

Posts by Neil Franklin:

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

A quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplaceA quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplace, according to new research commissioned by Investors in People. The nationally representative survey, conducted by Censuswide, found that nearly 20 percent of workers feel worn down by the volume of organisational change. More than a third said they can cope but find it increasingly exhausting. The findings form part of Investors in People’s latest white paper, Finding the Frequency [registration], which explores how British organisations can manage change more effectively and build resilience among employees. (more…)

Government report warns of growing health-related economic inactivity

Government report warns of growing health-related economic inactivity

The Government has published its final Keep Britain Working report, warning that the United Kingdom faces a continuing rise in economic inactivity linked to ill health, disability and long-term sicknessThe Government has published its final Keep Britain Working report, warning that the United Kingdom faces a continuing rise in economic inactivity linked to ill health, disability and long-term sickness. The report, issued by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business and Trade, sets out evidence that more people are leaving the workforce because of health conditions, reducing productivity and increasing costs for employers and the state. (more…)

Canary Wharf leasing activity continues to improve

Canary Wharf leasing activity continues to improve

Office leasing activity at Canary Wharf has risen sharply this year as higher rents in other parts of London prompt more occupiers to consider the Docklands district.Office leasing activity at Canary Wharf has risen sharply this year as higher rents in other parts of London prompt more occupiers to consider the Docklands district. Data from CoStar suggests that the availability of office space at Canary Wharf has fallen to below 10 percent, its lowest level since 2018. Two years ago, vacancy stood at about 23 percent. More than 500,000 square feet of space has been leased so far in 2025, the highest level since 2019, with further deals expected before the end of the year. (more…)

Coworking space numbers rise across UK and Ireland

Coworking space numbers rise across UK and Ireland

The number of coworking spaces in the UK and Ireland has reached a new peak, according to new industry data, signalling the continuing shift in how offices are being used.The number of coworking spaces in the UK and Ireland has reached a new peak, according to new industry data, signalling the continuing shift in how offices are being used. Data from CoworkingCafe’s third quarter 2025 report show around 4,315 coworking locations across the region, of which approximately 4,048 are in the UK and 267 in Ireland. In the UK the distribution is heavily concentrated in major urban centres. Greater London alone hosts roughly 1,191 coworking sites. Manchester follows as a leading regional hub with around 120 spaces, while Glasgow and Birmingham also show significant numbers at 68 and 67 respectively. (more…)

People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

Employees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospectsEmployees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospects, according to new international research. The Work Remastered 2025 report from United Culture, which surveyed 1,500 employees in the UK, US and Western Europe, found that respect topped the list of workplace priorities, cited by 36 percent of respondents. This rose to 43 percent among US workers and 45 percent among those aged 18 to 24. Job security followed at 31 percent—rising to 40 percent in the UK—while fair pay ranked third at 29 percent. (more…)

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

The successful implementation of new ideas can come at a cost, says new research

New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas.New research from King’s Business School has suggested that too much success can be a problem, at least when it comes to the implementation of new ideas. The study, carried out with colleagues from University of Liverpool Management School, University of Hohenheim and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and published in the journal Research Policy, suggests that employees who experience exceptionally high levels of success are less likely to see their next ideas implemented. (more…)

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network.The art of networking is fading from the modern workplace, with a new poll from Nova suggesting that nearly two thirds (60 percent) of young professionals actively avoid in-person networking events, while around a third (29 percent) say they feel socially anxious when faced with real-life small talk. The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network. One in four (26 percent) dread awkward silences more than anything and one in five (19 percent) secretly hate small talk and wish they could skip it altogether – despite it being one of the simplest ways to build rapport and make professional connections. (more…)

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North is back for 2026, but with Birmingham replacing Manchester

Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool.Design Festival North, the regional design event organised by Design Social North, will return in 2026 with an expanded programme visiting Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. The one-day festival, which takes place on 12 March, will bring together architects, interior designers, specifiers and suppliers to explore new products and ideas from across the design and built environment sectors. The organisers say the event aims to strengthen connections between creative professionals and foster collaboration across regions outside London. (more…)

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

Three UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South EastThree UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South East. The Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City regions will see their total funding rise to £50 million each through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The announcement coincides with the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, where government ministers, local leaders and business representatives are discussing ways to strengthen regional economies through research, innovation and private investment. The funding is intended to help local partnerships expand projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences, translating research activity into commercial growth. (more…)

Most people now use unapproved AI tools despite security and privacy risks

Most people now use unapproved AI tools despite security and privacy risks

A new poll from Microsoft suggests that most UK employees are now using consumer AI tools at work without approval, raising growing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurityA new poll from Microsoft suggests that most UK employees are now using consumer AI tools at work without approval, raising growing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. According to the research, 71 percent of UK workers have used or tried unapproved “Shadow AI” tools for work purposes, with more than half (51 percent) doing so on a weekly basis. These tools are often used for writing reports and presentations, drafting communications, and even handling finance-related tasks. (more…)

Accurate feedback doesn’t necessarily dent people’s overconfidence

Accurate feedback doesn’t necessarily dent people’s overconfidence

A new study suggests that overconfidence can persist even in situations where people receive frequent and accurate feedback about their performance.A new study suggests that overconfidence can persist even in situations where people receive frequent and accurate feedback about their performance. The findings, published in The Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, raise questions about how effectively feedback mechanisms improve self-awareness in professional settings. Researchers analysed data from 3,388 competitive chess players across 22 countries. Chess provides a clear test of confidence and self-assessment because performance is tracked continuously through the Elo rating system, which adjusts after every match. Players have access to detailed, objective feedback, allowing them to compare their results with others and track progress over time. (more…)

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

An office built entirely on circular design principles, a 3,300 sq m living wall and the transformation of a Victorian infirmary into a modern workplace were among the projects recognised at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. Held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the event brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector to celebrate excellence in workplace design, development and operation. (more…)