About Neil Franklin

Neil Franklin is Insight's news editor

Posts by Neil Franklin:

People are increasingly concerned that their job roles are becoming irrelevant

People are increasingly concerned that their job roles are becoming irrelevant

by • AI, News, Workplace

A new report from Arden University suggests that while many UK workers recognise the growing pace of change in the workplace, only around half are actively developing new skills to keep up with new and emerging job rolesA new report from Arden University suggests that while many UK workers recognise the growing pace of change in the workplace, only around half are actively developing new skills to keep up with new and emerging job roles. The survey of 2,000 UK employees found that 58 percent believe their industry is changing faster than before, yet only 51 percent said they are currently engaged in upskilling. The findings have been released as part of Arden University’s Future of Work and Learning Report. (more…)

Narcissistic leaders are more likely to oppose remote work, study suggests

Narcissistic leaders are more likely to oppose remote work, study suggests

by • Flexible working, News

business leaders with stronger narcissistic tendencies are significantly more likely to resist remote work and hybrid working arrangements because they see them as a threat to their power and statusNow, we don’t usually want to fan the dying embers of the tedious, endless RTO v WFH conversation, but this is a potentially interesting addition to consider. According to a new study from researchers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, business leaders with stronger narcissistic tendencies are significantly more likely to resist remote and hybrid working arrangements because they see them as a threat to their power and status. Published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, the study suggests that opposition to remote work may not be driven solely by concerns about productivity, collaboration or organisational performance. Instead, it may also stem from leaders’ personal motivations and psychological needs. (more…)

The ten emerging technologies set to transform the World in the near future

The ten emerging technologies set to transform the World in the near future

by • News, Technology

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published its annual Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report, highlighting a group of scientific and technological advances that it believes are approaching a tipping point between research and widespread adoptionThe World Economic Forum (WEF) has published its annual Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report, highlighting a group of scientific and technological advances that it believes are approaching a tipping point between research and widespread adoption. Produced in collaboration with scientific publisher Frontiers and developed with the Dubai Future Foundation, the report focuses on innovations expected to reach significant commercial and societal scale within the next three to five years. According to the WEF, this year’s list reflects a broader shift towards technologies that are more distributed, personalised and resource-efficient, with potential implications for energy systems, healthcare, manufacturing, environmental management and digital security. (more…)

People value autonomy and flexibility more than workplace technology

People value autonomy and flexibility more than workplace technology

by • Flexible working, News, Technology, Wellbeing

People place greater value on autonomy and flexibility at work than on access to better workplace technology, according to new researchPeople place greater value on autonomy and flexibility at work than on access to better workplace technology, according to new research that suggests organisations may need to rethink how they approach workplace transformation projects. The survey found that a third of respondents (33 percent) identified autonomy as the most important element of a well-designed employee experience, while 30 percent cited flexibility. By comparison, 21 percent said improved digital tools were the most important factor and only 15 percent pointed to leadership that listens. The findings come at a time when organisations continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, automation and digital workplace programmes in an effort to improve productivity, engagement and performance. (more…)

New hires fall to five-year low as UK labour market continues to soften

New hires fall to five-year low as UK labour market continues to soften

by • Business, News

The number of people starting new jobs in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in five years, according to the latest labour market figuresThe number of people starting new jobs in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in five years, according to the latest labour market figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), adding to evidence of a gradual cooling in employment demand. The ONS said the labour market remained “broadly stable”, but several indicators pointed to weakening conditions. New recruitment fell to just under 540,000 people in April, the lowest monthly inflow since March 2021, while vacancies continued their long-running decline. (more…)

One third of knowledge workers considering career change over AI concerns

One third of knowledge workers considering career change over AI concerns

by • AI, News, Technology

A third of knowledge workers are considering moving to a different industry because of concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on their careers, according to a new survey from Adaptavist.A third of knowledge workers are considering moving to a different industry because of concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on their careers, according to a new survey from Adaptavist. The poll of 2,500 professionals in the UK, US, Canada, Germany and Spain, claims that 33 percent are actively looking to change industries due to fears about AI. A quarter of respondents said they are specifically considering moving into sectors they believe are less exposed to automation, including manual occupations. (more…)

Remote work linked to rising isolation and poorer mental health, study finds

Remote work linked to rising isolation and poorer mental health, study finds

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

The rapid growth of remote work since the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to increased social isolation and worsening mental health among workers, according to a major new studyThe rapid growth of remote work since the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to increased social isolation and worsening mental health among workers, according to a major new study published in the journal Science. Researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the University of Virginia and Harvard University analysed data from five nationally representative surveys covering nearly 590,000 American workers between 2011 and 2024. Their findings suggest that the shift towards home working may account for around one third of the rise in mental distress recorded in the United States since the pandemic. (more…)

Worst new buildings list highlights concerns over quality and value in property development

Worst new buildings list highlights concerns over quality and value in property development

by • News, Property

A satirical architecture award has drawn attention to what its organisers describe as some of the UK's most problematic recent property developments, with judges arguing that concerns about design quality are increasingly linked to broader issues around procurement, construction standards and development priorities.A satirical architecture award has drawn attention to what its organisers describe as some of the UK’s most problematic recent property developments, with judges arguing that concerns about design quality are increasingly linked to broader issues around procurement, construction standards and development priorities. The Carbuncle Cup 2026, organised by cultural magazine The Fence [subscription], named two joint winners from a shortlist of nine projects completed within the past two years. The award, which seeks to identify the country’s worst new building, was based on public nominations and assessed by a panel including former Architectural Review editor Cath Slessor. (more…)

London could generate £76bn boost to UK economy through ‘frontier industries’, says PwC

London could generate £76bn boost to UK economy through ‘frontier industries’, says PwC

by • News, Property, Technology

London could help generate an additional £76 billion a year for the UK economy by 2030 if productivity growth in finance, technology, and science and research industries is acceleratedLondon could help generate an additional £76 billion a year for the UK economy by 2030 if productivity growth in finance, technology, and science and research industries is accelerated, according to a new report from PwC. The consultancy’s Grow London report argues that the capital is well positioned to support growth in what it describes as “frontier industries” due to its concentration of skilled workers, access to investment, established technology clusters and stable business environment. (more…)

Issue 19 of Works magazine is out now and ready for you to explore

Issue 19 of Works magazine is out now and ready for you to explore

by • News, Premium Content, Workplace, Workplace design

The digital edition of the new issue of Works magazine has landed, bringing you another compelling mix of insight and ideas from across the workplace design and management sector. The print edition is on its way and, we think, better than ever. Whichever format you choose, issue 19 offers a comprehensive look at the trends, projects, ideas, products and people shaping the contemporary workplace and the way we think about it. from global perspectives and expert commentary to case studies, interviews and a closer look at the materials and products shaping modern workplaces. (more…)

Growing demand drive City of London prime office rents to narrow gap with West End

Growing demand drive City of London prime office rents to narrow gap with West End

by • News, Property

Prime office rents in the City of London have continued to rise, bringing them closer to levels traditionally associated with the capital's West EndPrime office rents in the City of London have continued to rise, bringing them closer to levels traditionally associated with the capital’s West End as demand for high quality workspace outpaces supply. New figures from Savills show that average prime rents in the City reached £130.80 per square foot during the first quarter of 2026. By comparison, prime rents in the West End stood at £165 per square foot. The West End of London is typically one of the most expensive markets in the world.  The figures are based on the top 10 percent of Grade A office rents recorded during the period. (more…)

People impressed by corporate bullshit tend to make worse decisions

People impressed by corporate bullshit tend to make worse decisions

by • Business, News

Employees who respond positively to management jargon and corporate buzzwords may be less effective at analytical thinking and workplace decision-makingEmployees who respond positively to management jargon and corporate buzzwords may be less effective at analytical thinking and workplace decision-making, according to new research from Cornell University. The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, examined how office workers reacted to what researchers describe as “corporate bullshit” – abstract, jargon-heavy language that sounds impressive but often lacks clear meaning. (more…)

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