Search Results for: workplace

Hybrid working, work from anywhere and the evolution of the Third Place

Hybrid working, work from anywhere and the evolution of the Third Place

Two people working separately in neighbouring booths in an office to illustrate the principle of third place facilities in hybrid working cultures. The restrictions brought about by COVID-19 altered where we work and thus also how, when and through which channels we do work related activities. These changes radically altered the way previously office-based workers thought about ‘work’ as an activity. This new era of hybrid working had a significant impact on traditional models of workplace provisioning. One could argue that pre-COVID-19 the ‘work mindset’ was almost an afterthought because there were distinguishing markers that indicated when you were expected to work and when you were not. If you were in the office, then you were expected to be doing work-related tasks. Then, at the literal end of the day, you switched off your computer and went home and mentally ‘turned-off’ until you returned to work the next morning. More →

Europe not on track to deliver carbon neutral built environment by 2050

Europe not on track to deliver carbon neutral built environment by 2050

Europe not yet on track: one year on since EU Policy Roadmap launch to deliver a climate neutral built environment by 2050It has been one year today (24 May 2023), since the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched a new policy called the EU Policy Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, to help the European Union accelerate total decarbonisation of buildings and construction — the most heavily emitting sector in the world. Now WorldGBC and 12 European Green Building Councils (GBCs) are imploring the EU to implement the Roadmap’s principles at the scale and speed required through the announcement of BuildingLife2, a new project driving what it claims is greater transparency and accountability across the sector as it seeks to achieve the goal of a carbon neutral built environment. More →

Unintended economic consequences of remote working becoming evident

Unintended economic consequences of remote working becoming evident

New data suggests that office attendance in London has recovered strongly since the end of Covid restrictions, confounding predictions of remote working becoming the ‘new normal’New data suggests that office attendance in London has recovered strongly since the end of Covid restrictions, confounding predictions of remote working becoming the ‘new normal’, according to a new report from the Centre for Cities. However, recovery has stalled in 2023 and the report, London, Office politics: London and the rise of home working, co-authored with Professor Dan Graham and his colleagues from Imperial College and published in partnership with EC BID, addresses the possible economic risks of businesses adopting hybrid working permanently. More →

Three quarters of firms have now mandated some form of ‘return to office’

Three quarters of firms have now mandated some form of ‘return to office’

A new poll from Unispace claims that around 72 percent of companies globally have now mandated a return to office based workA new poll from Unispace claims that around 72 percent of companies globally have now mandated a return to office based work. However, many respondents also report losing key employees due to mandates, with recruitment also being impacted by enforced returns. The report concludes that companies are failing to recognise the drivers of workers’ reluctance to return to the workplace, and likewise, the opportunities and value that the physical workplace provides. More →

Casala launches Omega – a new but classically beautiful chair with outstanding environmental credentials

Casala launches Omega – a new but classically beautiful chair with outstanding environmental credentials

Sustainable office design pioneer Casala has added to its portfolio of ground-breaking products with the launch of the Omega range of seating. Omega is a stylish and comfortable seating range, unmistakeable thanks to its slender shell made from recycled PET felt, combined with a lightweight steel frame. The diversity of the product family makes Omega a multifunctional all-rounder for the office, receptions, hospitality and break out spaces. More →

BCO Awards for Central England continue focus on wellbeing and the environment

BCO Awards for Central England continue focus on wellbeing and the environment

the BCO Awards for the region set out to recognise projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainabilityWhat are claimed to be the Midlands and Central England’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to five office buildings across the region. Held at ICC in Birmingham, the BCO Awards for the region set out to recognise projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability. The organisers claims that the winners of this year’s competition in the Midlands and Central England stand out for their user-centred design credentials, as well as their creative implementation of wellbeing and sustainability measures. More →

FUTURE Designs launches NARO an adaptable, super-slim track light system

FUTURE Designs launches NARO an adaptable, super-slim track light system

FUTURE Designs, the international designer and manufacturer of luminaires and lighting solutions, has launched its latest ultra-thin lighting design, NAROFUTURE Designs, the international designer and manufacturer of luminaires and lighting solutions, has launched its latest ultra-thin lighting design, NARO. Subtle in design, the aesthetic makes NARO architecturally neat and understated. Being only 22mm wide, NARO caters for the ever increasing demand for thinner minimal profiles. The innovative product has the creative adaptability to form countless configurations in square or linear formations, offering flexibility for any brief.

The potential applications are extensive; NARO offers 7 different head options to covering all needs, from spot and linear profiles to stick pendants, making this system highly flexible and suited to all types of space from traditional offices to breakout spaces, and boardroom as well as hotels, bar and restaurants.

The FUTURE Designs lighting system offers variable brightness and colour temperatures options, from warm to cool white, providing perfect light levels to visually enhance any environment, whilst maintaining the highest levels of functionality.

Office giant Sedus announces partnership with Watson Furniture Group

Office giant Sedus announces partnership with Watson Furniture Group

Sedus Stoll AG, the Germany based office furniture giant, and US based Watson Furniture Group have announced a new global partnershipSedus Stoll AG, the Germany based office furniture giant, and US based Watson Furniture Group have announced a new global partnership. The deal was signed at last year’s Orgatec office furniture exhibition. For both companies, the global partnership is seen a logical next step in the development of their businesses, the firms claim. Shared values and similar market strategies and expertise in the areas of technology and manufacturing are an excellent stepping stone to strategic cooperation. More →

Growth in self-employment a good sign of economic recovery

Growth in self-employment a good sign of economic recovery

IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has welcomed new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing year-on-year growth in self-employmentIPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has welcomed new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing year-on-year growth in self-employment. There are 154,000 more self-employed than this time last year. In total, there are now 4.4 million operating in the UK. The data also revealed a significant rise in the number of women choosing to work for themselves, with an additional 93,000 self-employed women compared to the same time last year. More →

Four in ten low income working parents have gone into debt to pay for childcare

Four in ten low income working parents have gone into debt to pay for childcare

The Working Families Index 2023: Spotlight on lower-income families reveals that many working parents on lower incomes are forced to go into debt, reduce their hours, or leave their jobs altogether due to problems affording and accessing childcareA new poll from Working Families in partnership with law firm Pinsent Masons, sets out to highlight the challenges that lower-income parents in the UK face as they balance work and caring for their children. The Working Families Index 2023: Spotlight on lower-income families reveals that many working parents on lower incomes are forced to go into debt, reduce their hours, or leave their jobs altogether due to problems affording and accessing childcare. The report also claims that working mothers on lower incomes take far less maternity leave than the UK average, and that working parents on lower incomes are often locked out of the flexible arrangements they desperately need to stay in work and earn vital income whilst balancing their childcare responsibilities. More →

Hybrid working averse businesses missing out on €113 billion opportunity

Hybrid working averse businesses missing out on €113 billion opportunity

European businesses continue to miss out on the full potential of hybrid working, according to a new survey from Ricoh EuropeEuropean businesses continue to miss out on the full potential of hybrid working, according to a new survey from Ricoh Europe.  The research, conducted by Opinium and analysed by CEBR, polled 6,000 workers and 1,500 decision makers across Europe. Business leaders say that workers are, on average, 4 percent more productive in a hybrid culture, equivalent to an additional €113 billion to the European economy compared with pre-pandemic ways of working. More →

Most people don’t worry that they are about to be replaced by artificial intelligence

Most people don’t worry that they are about to be replaced by artificial intelligence

Most people don't worry that they are about to be replaced by artificial intelligence, a new report claims. Artificial intelligenceDespite all of the recent debate around the rapidly increasing abilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a new poll from ID Crypt Global, suggests that more than 80 percent of people have no concern that the technology is going to replace them in the workplace. Thanks to the recent rise of Chat GPT and other rival chatbots, the debate around AI has heated up with people all over the world debating both the good and bad of allowing autonomous technology into our lives, homes, and workplaces. More →