June 1, 2016
Lifts are a waste of both time and energy, claims report 0
As we’ve suggested before, lifts tell us an awful lot about how we work. Now, according to a new study from building consultancy SVM Associates and wellness firm Stepjockey it appears that they are a waste of both time and energy. According to the research carried out by SVM director John Newbold, employees typically waste fifteen minutes a day waiting around for them in lobbies and the lifts themselves consume more energy than firms suppose. The problem of wasted time is exacerbated by the growing adoption of flexible, collaborative working models which mean people move around offices more. According to the study the solution if you want to save time and get some exercise is to take the stairs, especially for trips of fewer than seven storeys. Lifts also typically consume up to 8 percent of the energy in office buildings, using over a third (35 percent) more power than claimed by their manufacturers according to the findings of Smarter Buildings: Real-world energy use of lifts/elevators in contemporary office buildings.
May 28, 2016
Insight weekly for the week of 27 May 2016 is now available to read online 0
by Mark Eltringham • Comment, News, Newsletter
In this week’s Newsletter; Adrian Lewis on how we all need the “right to disconnect” from the workplace; Mark Eltringham says reminds us that Millennials are not the only people at work; and argues that the death of the office is a myth. The opening of the world’s first 3D printed office building in Dubai; there’s a gap in expectations between employers and employees on flexible working; despite the ability to work anytime, anywhere being key to job satisfaction. Employers advised to do more to leverage high rates of internet access; many European workers still believe that fax machines are essential business tools, and a significant proportion of businesses are still not giving staff the IT support they need to work remotely and flexibly. You can download our Insight Briefing, produced in partnership with Connection, on the boundless office; visit our new events page, follow us on Twitter and join our LinkedIn Group to discuss these and other stories.