Search Results for: sit stand

Zumtobel and Thorn deliver energy efficient lighting to MEMS Power Generation’s new HQ

Zumtobel and Thorn deliver energy efficient lighting to MEMS Power Generation’s new HQ

Zumtobel and its sister brand, Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have designed a cutting-edge, energy efficient lighting scheme that supports MEMS Power Generation's operational efficiency, employee wellbeing, and environmental sustainability goals.Zumtobel and its sister brand, Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have designed a cutting-edge, energy efficient lighting scheme that supports MEMS Power Generation’s operational efficiency, employee wellbeing, and environmental sustainability goals. MEMS Power Generation, founded in 1978, has evolved into the UK’s premier specialist in temporary power solutions. With one of the country’s largest generator rental fleets, MEMS constructed its new headquarters in Kent, which has been designed to serve its growing workforce for decades. (more…)

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Although job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers - an estimated 8.5 million people - say their jobs have a negative impact on their wellbeingAlthough job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers – an estimated 8.5 million people – say their jobs have a negative impact on their mental health (25 percent) or physical health (24 percent), according to the CIPD Good Work Index 2025. The latest poll claims the negative impact of work on wellbeing has remained high for many people for the eight years the survey has been running, despite improvements for some employees on certain areas of job quality. The CIPD Good Work Index, which provides what the troubled trade association claims is the UK’s most in-depth annual survey of job quality, suggests that the strongest factors associated with unhealthy work are excessive workloads, stress, poor relationships with colleagues and the quality of line management. (more…)

Milan proves to be the perfect setting for an optimistic BCO conference

Milan proves to be the perfect setting for an optimistic BCO conference

Milan may not seem an obvious choice for the BCO conference. Turns out it was perfect for an increasingly optimistic sector, writes Anna KingIf anyone was asked to think of where to find the best examples of an office, I doubt very many people would reply ‘Milan’ but that may just be the reason that this year’s BCO conference was a resounding success. With Milan and its layers of history, culture, design and the vital ‘caffè’, we are reminded that workspaces are about so much more than function. A view certainly held by Amber Luscombe, Head of ESG at Oxygen, “This is my third BCO conference I was expecting more of the same, but the discussions have moved on with engaging speakers, stimulating conversations and a more positive – yet realistic –  outlook from the attendees. So many factors influence, surrounds and support good office design, from fostering a sense of belonging and community to wellbeing and nature and they were all on the table at Milan.” (more…)

The enduring allure of workplace bullshit

The enduring allure of workplace bullshit

The sleep of reason and workplace bullshitAlthough the legend of Faust is one of the Germanic world’s foundational narratives, its archetypes and themes were already established by the time Goethe codified them in his 1808 play. They have since become universal. The idea that somebody would sell their soul to the Devil to gain something or rid themselves of unhappiness is as resonant now as it was in Renaissance Europe. It has inspired books films and artists to such an extent that its derivatives now have their own Wikipedia page.

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Growing demand for homes and lab space may be met by repurposing vacant offices

Growing demand for homes and lab space may be met by repurposing vacant offices

Rather than retrofitting secondary vacant offices, landlords are converting them into homes and life sciences laboratoriesA growing mismatch between supply and demand in the housing and life sciences sectors is fuelling a wave of office conversions across the UK, as developers seek to repurpose outdated vacant offices to meet changing needs, according to a new report from CBRE. According to the real estate firm, the rise in hybrid and remote working has left a significant volume of secondary office space vacant, with many buildings no longer fit for modern corporate requirements. Rather than invest in costly retrofitting, landlords and investors are increasingly exploring conversion opportunities – particularly into residential units and life sciences laboratories. (more…)

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better.Over the past decade, amenity has evolved from a ‘nice to have’ to a key part of any office building strategy. In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better. The most successful amenity strategies aren’t defined by volume, novelty, or trend. They’re defined by relevance: to the building, the occupier, and the wider market context. When poorly thought through, amenity can become a sunk cost. When well-executed, it can drive rental growth, increase tenant satisfaction, and support leasing velocity. (more…)

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces Design Guild Mark 2025 holders

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces Design Guild Mark 2025 holders

At a time when sustainability is a given, aesthetics, innovation of materials and creativity have all been key factors in the success of the 16 outstanding submissions who received the coveted Design Guild Mark 2025At a time when sustainability is a given, aesthetics, innovation of materials and creativity have all been key factors in the success of the 16 outstanding submissions who received the coveted Design Guild Mark 2025. Additionally, one entrant received the accolade of the Jonathan Hindle Prize for an exceptional entry. The presentation takes place at KI’s stunning new showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week today (20 May), with a presentation by the notable design leader,  Sebastian Conran, who has led his own product and brand development consultancy Sebastian Conran Associates for many years. (more…)

Meh. Generative AI in the workplace is delivering modest returns that don’t match the hype

Meh. Generative AI in the workplace is delivering modest returns that don’t match the hype

the use of generative AI chatbots has so far delivered only modest gains in productivity and almost no increase in pay or reductions in working hours for employeesA new study by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research has cast doubt on the immediate transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace, finding that the use of generative AI chatbots has so far delivered only modest gains in productivity and almost no increase in pay or reductions in working hours for employees. The working paper [restricted access], authored by economists Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard, used detailed Danish employment data to assess the real-world effects of AI adoption across 7,000 workplaces and 25,000 workers, focusing on white-collar roles most susceptible to automation—such as accountants, IT support staff, journalists, HR professionals, and software developers. (more…)

Not waving but drowning. People feel optimistic about the use of AI in the workplace … and swamped by it

Not waving but drowning. People feel optimistic about the use of AI in the workplace … and swamped by it

As the use of AI in the workplace continues to rise, new research from Henley Business School reveals that while optimism about AI’s potential is on the rise, so is the feeling of being overwhelmed by its rapid developmenAs the use of AI in the workplace continues to rise, new research from Henley Business School reveals that while optimism about AI’s potential is on the rise, so is the feeling of being overwhelmed by its rapid development. A poll of 4,640 adults across nearly 30 major sectors, commissioned by The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, reveals that over half (56 percent) of full-time professionals feel optimistic about AI advancements, yet 61 percent admit they are overwhelmed by the pace of change. (more…)

Nearly two thirds of Europe’s workers say they experience Impostor Syndrome 

Nearly two thirds of Europe’s workers say they experience Impostor Syndrome 

A new survey by AI-based career tool Kickresume claims that impostor syndrome remains a widespread issue across European workplaces, affecting both personal wellbeing and professional developmentA new survey by AI-based career tool Kickresume claims that impostor syndrome remains a widespread issue across European workplaces, affecting both personal wellbeing and professional development. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,000 people, revealed that 63 percent of workers in Europe have experienced impostor syndrome at some point. More than half—56 percent—said they had turned down or missed out on opportunities as a result of these feelings of self-doubt. (more…)

Is anyone really thinking about the future beyond what happens next?

Is anyone really thinking about the future beyond what happens next?

I am invited to discussions about AI impacts which focus on the coming weeks and months, but it begs the question, who is thinking about the futureThe conversations around AI at the moment are interesting. Academic. Thought-provoking. Posts on LinkedIn discuss job changes and what the future may look like in theoretical terms. The words ‘streamlined’ and ‘automated’ litter the chats between Executives and CEOs. But that seems to be where consideration ends. We are talking about the future, but the very near future. I am invited to discussions about AI impacts which focus on the coming weeks and months, but it begs the question, who is thinking about the future? (more…)

Journal of Biophilic Design to launch Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub at Clerkenwell Design Week

Journal of Biophilic Design to launch Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub at Clerkenwell Design Week

The Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub offers a destination for specifiers to discover responsible materials and productsOur friends at The Journal of Biophilic Design have announced the launch of the ‘Biophilic Design Sourcing Hub’ at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: an innovative new platform that connects architects, designers, and industry professionals with verified suppliers of biophilic and sustainable materials and products. The Sourcing Hub will offer a unique destination for specifiers to discover responsible materials and products, while allowing suppliers to showcase their offerings. This streamlined platform brings together verified manufacturers with engaged buyers actively seeking sustainable and biophilic design solutions. A dedicated platform for the A&D community to discover and buy approved biophilic interior solutions, from standard products and materials to bespoke pieces. (more…)