Search Results for: workplace

Tentative signs of recovery in UK commercial property market, says the RICS

Tentative signs of recovery in UK commercial property market, says the RICS

The 2024 RICS first quarter monitor for the UK commercial property market indicates tentative signs that the market is moving into a recovery phase, though there is still ample evidence that there remains a challenging backdrop. Higher borrowing rates are holding back investments along with other structural headwinds such as a weak economy, online shopping, working from home (WFH) and environmental concerns. (more…)

A philosophical take on meaningful work

A philosophical take on meaningful work

But what exactly makes a particular job an instance of “meaningful work”? Is it just any sort of work people happen to believe is meaningful? Or is it a job with certain objective features?Work is an inescapable feature of the modern world. Most of us, except for a lucky few, spend a significant portion of our lives working. If this is the case, we may as well try and make it meaningful. In a 2019 report, 82 percent of employees reported that it is important to have a purpose in their work and that creating meaningful work was one of their top priorities. But what exactly makes a particular job an instance of “meaningful work”? Is it just any sort of work people happen to believe is meaningful? Or is it a job with certain objective features? (more…)

European commercial real estate market stumbles in 2024

European commercial real estate market stumbles in 2024

Dreams of a swift recovery in Europe's commercial real estate market have been dashed as the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a continued slump, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline according to new dataDreams of a swift recovery in Europe’s commercial real estate market have been dashed as the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a continued slump, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline. That is according to data released by MSCI Real Assets which paints a concerning picture, with completed commercial property transactions reaching a mere €34.5 billion in the first three months – a 26 percent drop compared to the same period in 2023. This translates to the lowest transaction volume since the third quarter of 2010, with the number of companies buying and selling properties also hitting a 12-year low. (more…)

Event explores how the government is setting new office standards for civil servants

Event explores how the government is setting new office standards for civil servants

At a recent event, the Government Property Agency brought together Civil Service leaders to exchange ideas, debate trends and inform how the GPA delivers its property services. The GPA is leading one of the country’s biggest and most ambitious workplace renewal programmes for its clients – delivering a smaller, better connected, better quality, and greener property estate to support the work of Civil Service teams and bring them closer to the communities they serve. (more…)

The pandemic may have changed our personalities, say researchers

The pandemic may have changed our personalities, say researchers

While we often view personality as a fixed entity, a new study suggests the COVID-19 pandemic may have left a subtle but enduring mark on some aspects of our personalities. Published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, the research suggests that while significant personality changes weren’t widespread, conscientiousness levels generally increased throughout the pandemic, while extraversion dipped slightly. Interestingly, openness to new experiences remained relatively stable. (more…)

Office rent, costs and utilisation rates rise as firms focus on prime space

Office rent, costs and utilisation rates rise as firms focus on prime space

Prime office rents in major cities around the world have risen 1.1 percent in the past year (Q1 2023 to Q1 2024) while tenants’ ‘all-in’ net effective costs (rent plus fit-out costs) have risen 2.4 percent, according to Savills, as the structural trend towards seeking high quality premium office space continues into 2024. (more…)

US workers gain more freedom to change jobs as government bans noncompete agreements

US workers gain more freedom to change jobs as government bans noncompete agreements

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has dealt a blow to restrictive employment practices by issuing a final rule that bans most noncompete agreements nationwideThe US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has dealt a blow to restrictive employment practices by issuing a final rule that bans most noncompete agreements nationwide. This means millions of American workers will soon have more freedom to leave their current employers for jobs with competitors or even start their own businesses. The FTC estimates this change will have a significant positive impact on the economy. The agency predicts the creation of 8,500 new businesses every year, along with an average annual pay increase of $524 for workers. Additionally, the rule is expected to lead to lower healthcare costs and a surge in innovation, with estimates suggesting as many as 29,000 more patents filed each year in the coming decade. (more…)

Working from home: how to look after your eyes

Working from home: how to look after your eyes

In an era where working from home has become the new norm, our eyes are more essential than ever for navigating the digital landscape that defines our daily livesIn an era where working from home has become the new norm, our eyes are more essential than ever for navigating the digital landscape that defines our daily lives.  The rise of remote work has been rapid, with a significant portion of the American workforce transitioning to home-based employment post-pandemic. According to a recent survey, approximately 10 percent of the British workforce reported working remotely full-time, and 29 percent were working remotely part-time. However, there is a trend towards returning to the workplace, and least in part, with several businesses mandating a return to the office. (more…)

Wellbeing at an ‘all-time low’ claims report

Wellbeing at an ‘all-time low’ claims report

A new report published by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc., claims that overall wellbeing is at a low point as people struggle with lifestyle challenges around sleep and physical activityA new report published by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc., claims that overall wellbeing is at a low point as people struggle with lifestyle challenges around sleep and physical activity. Wellbeing Report: A benchmark for Canadian health, based on data gathered through Dialogue’s Wellbeing Score benchmarking thousands of people across Canada, is indicative of trends seen across the globe. (more…)

Large increase in the number of people who say they are experiencing burnout

Large increase in the number of people who say they are experiencing burnout

The number of Britons who say they are experiencing stress or burnout in the workplace doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a pollThe number of Britons who say they are experiencing stress or burnout in the workplace doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to a poll from Indeed Flex. According to the survey, 92 percent of UK employees say they have experienced burnout or stress in the workplace during their careers. However the strain has grown rapidly as post-pandemic labour shortages intensified workloads. In 2023 the proportion of UK workers grappling with poor mental health skyrocketed to 37 percent, almost double the 19 percent who experienced problems during 2022. A fifth (19 percent) of workers say they have suffered from burnout or stress in 2024 so far. (more…)

The role of emotional intelligence in effective sales leadership

The role of emotional intelligence in effective sales leadership

Alt text: A woman in an office researching sales leadership on her computerThe sales industry has long esteemed the virtues of sharp negotiation skills and strategic thinking. However, a growing body of research suggests emotional intelligence (EI) is a pivotal force behind sales leadership success. More than just a buzzword, EI encompasses the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in ourselves and others. Leaders adept in emotional intelligence are often seen forging stronger relationships and achieving greater outcomes. Below, we explore how EI can enhance sales leadership and why it’s critical for those looking to excel in this dynamic field. (more…)

Report sets out nine ways cities can reduce carbon emissions

Report sets out nine ways cities can reduce carbon emissions

A report published by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation sets out what its authors claim are best practices developed by pioneer cities that are reducing carbon emissionA report published by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation sets out what its authors claim are best practices developed by pioneer cities that are reducing carbon emissions from urban development projects. As cities grow in population and importance, urban construction will continue to gather pace. It is estimated that the global floor area is expected to double by 2060, the equivalent of building out New York City every month for the next 40 years. The report, Reducing Embodied Carbon in Cities: Nine Solutions for Greener Buildings and Communities, highlights nine innovative solutions for all phases of construction and demolition. (more…)