February 17, 2021
February 16, 2021
Investment in digital technology set to deliver £232bn boost to UK economy by 2040
by Jayne Smith • Business, News, Technology
Investment in digital technology is set to increase UK GDP by £232bn (6.9 percent) in 2040, according to a new study by Virgin Media Business and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). The research, which examines how more digital ways of working can support the UK’s economic recovery from Covid-19, claims investment in technology could boost the economy by £74bn in 2025. More →
February 15, 2021
The best places to live for work-life balance
by Jayne Smith • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing, Working lives
As Brits continue to spend an extensive amount of time at home, the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance has never been so vital. For their 2021 Work-Life Balance Index, money.co.uk have delved through ONS data to uncover where in Britain is best situated for its residents to achieve a good work-life balance. More →
February 12, 2021
Mental health related workplace absenteeism costs soared to £14bn in 2020
by Jayne Smith • Business, News, Wellbeing
The impact of the nation’s deteriorating mental health from Covid-19 lockdowns and other restrictions cost UK businesses £14bn last year, according to a study by Westfield Health. The cost of absenteeism from work due to mental health reasons increased last year by £1.3bn from 2019’s totals as work from home, travel restrictions, furlough and pay cuts changed the workplace for millions of people across the UK. More →
February 11, 2021
Firms split furniture budgets between home and office
by Jayne Smith • Flexible working, News, Working lives
As lockdown looks set to be extended until mid-March and many business professionals continue to work remotely, a new study by lighting supplier Ultra LEDs claims that only now are workers investing in their home office as they plan for the future. More →
February 11, 2021
LGBT+ workers experience higher levels of conflict at work
by Jayne Smith • News, Wellbeing, Working culture
The CIPD has launched a new research report ‘Inclusion at work: Perspectives on LGBT+ working lives’ to highlight how LGBT+ workers tend to have a more negative experience of work. More →
February 11, 2021
Flexibility and reskilling top priorities for UK employers in 2021
by Jayne Smith • Business, News
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a fundamental shift in the way companies operate, accelerating the need for an adaptable and agile workforce to drive business success. According to Mercer’s 2021 Global Talent Trends study, the financial impact and work-life disruption caused by the pandemic is causing UK employers to focus on redefining flexibility and skills development to ensure their business and employees become more resilient and agile in the face of disruption.
February 11, 2021
Nearly half of young people put their career plans on hold due to pandemic
by Jayne Smith • Business, News
More than 40 percent of young people aged 16-24 surveyed in the UK say they are putting their career or education plans on hold until the pandemic is over. The research, commissioned by BAE Systems to mark National Apprenticeship Week (8-12 February), looks at the impact the pandemic has had on the ‘lost generation’ and their career aspirations. More →
February 10, 2021
Working from home causes people to drift into a ‘cycle of fatigue’
by Jayne Smith • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing
February 9, 2021
One in eight over 55s hit by loneliness and isolation during Covid-19
by Jayne Smith • News, Wellbeing
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has heightened existing feelings of loneliness and isolation among people aged 55 and over, according to a new report by housing provider Central and Cecil (C&C). More →
February 8, 2021
Business leaders set out plans to create ‘tech supercluster’ in West Midlands
by Neil Franklin • Cities, News, Property, Technology
Generating £27.8 billion gross value added annually, and employing more than 360,000 people, the West Midlands is the UK’s largest centre for business, professional and financial services (BPFS) outside London. Now, business leaders from Shoosmiths, Wesleyan, Bruntwood CBRE amongst others, are working with the region’s just under 12,500 leading tech and digital companies to see how they can integrate AI and advanced technology into their everyday activities. More →
February 8, 2021
Regional office markets show some signs of recovery
by Neil Franklin • News, Property
Take-up of office space in the cities outside of Central London during Q4 2020 totalled 1.1m sq ft, an increase of 138 percent compared to Q3 2020. However, the overall take-up for 2020 reached 3.9m sq ft, a decline of 40 percent on the five-year average, according to research from real estate advisor CBRE. More →