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Three tips for battling noise in the workplace

Three tips for battling noise in the workplace

Offices have been reopening and trying to entice employees back for a while now. And while many people have thrived while working from home, the return to office has been a welcome change, with staff missing in-person interactions with their clients and colleagues. However, as people have become accustomed to the relative quiet at home (kids excluded, of course), being thrust back into an office setting could take some getting used to. Research shows 56 percent of office workers are concerned that noise levels in the office will make them less productive. Between colleagues chatting over each other, desk-phones ringing, and impromptu virtual calls, there are a range of distractions staff must contend with. (more…)

Monitoring remote workers is a good idea according to half of bosses

Monitoring remote workers is a good idea according to half of bosses

a webcam monitoring remote workersA new poll from the CIPD and HiBob claims that more than half of bosses (55 percent) agree with collecting information on regular home workers, including the amount of time spent on laptops each day and email sending behaviours to identify risk of burnout. However, only three in ten (28 percent) leaders say their organisations are using software for monitoring remote workers and their productivity, according to the study. Where workplace monitoring is in place, the CIPD and HiBob urge employers to consider its purpose, and to be clear to staff about what is being monitored and why. (more…)

Transparency and collaboration key to real estate decarbonisation

Transparency and collaboration key to real estate decarbonisation

An image of the Earth to represent decarbonisationThe Urban Land Institute (ULI) has warned of a ‘carbon bubble’ in the pricing of European real estate and urged the industry to work together to preserve values across the sector as it aims to meet the decarbonisation targets set in the Paris Agreement. To support a more collaborative approach, at the inaugural ULI C Change Summit, the institute has published its Transition Risk Assessment Consultation Guidelines as part of its C Change programme. These guidelines set out a standardised method for assessing the costs of decarbonising buildings and disclosing between owners, investors, potential buyers, and valuers the main transition risks and impact on values. (more…)

Public transport makes commuting easier and boosts the labour market

Public transport makes commuting easier and boosts the labour market

commuters and public transportFollowing losses of £1.5bn in annual fare revenues incurred during the pandemic, Transport for London recently signed a deal with the UK government for emergency funding. The agreement ensures that new train orders, bridge repairs and tube upgrades will continue as planned. It also will lead to public transport fares rising and bus services being cut. While the Elizabeth Line, a £19 billion east-west addition to the London Underground, opened to great fanfare in May 2022, this year has also seen some of the oldest bus routes in the UK axed: including route 144 between Worcester and Birmingham, route 477 between Dartford and Orpington, and route 84 between north London and Hertfordshire. At least 135 bus routes countrywide currently face cutbacks or permanent cancellation. (more…)

The Great Workplace Debate continues to improve (mostly)

The Great Workplace Debate continues to improve (mostly)

The great bandwagon of bullshit that is the home v office debate looks set to trundle into a third year. What is increasingly obvious is that it is the mainstream media that is holding the reins and refusing to release them. Here’s a BBC story from this week that doesn’t exactly mischaracterise the Microsoft report on which it is based, but does place the emphasis where it doesn’t need to be. The binary headline doesn’t help, of course, except to launder the idea and drive a needless wave of social media chatter. (more…)

Digital twin in Birmingham will drive innovation and clean energy in the city

Digital twin in Birmingham will drive innovation and clean energy in the city

digital twin birminghamA digital twin that can comprehensively model and test pathways to clean energy and net zero emissions in East Birmingham is being planned in a partnership between the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and Siemens. A feasibility study has been commissioned which demonstrates how a virtual representation of the energy and transport infrastructure within East Birmingham and Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District (TEED) will help to outline pathways for decarbonisation. (more…)

How to add colour to your office when working from home

How to add colour to your office when working from home

working from home colourWorking from home (WFH) is no mean feat. For maximum productivity, the number one rule is to create an environment that works for you day in, day out. While a well-designed desk and chair will get you off to a good start, practical storage should also be a top priority; whether they be functional multi-drawer cabinets to keep clutter at bay, or simple desktop tidies to make daily tasks a little easier. (more…)

The new micro café bringing coffee culture to life in the workplace – Moments by Lavazza Professional

The new micro café bringing coffee culture to life in the workplace – Moments by Lavazza Professional

Lavazza micro cafeLavazza Professional has unveiled its 24/7 self-service micro café for businesses across the UK: Moments by Lavazza Professional. Placing premium Lavazza coffee at its heart, this new modular micro market is designed to be a hassle-free alternative to canteens and provides organisations with a vibrant hub to fuel workplace productivity and drive staff engagement. (more…)

Automation presents some legal risks you really need to address

Automation presents some legal risks you really need to address

automation Many think that robots making deliveries, ‘waitering’ in restaurants or working at hospitals is a long way off. However, breakthroughs in robotics, machine learning and other technologies are making automation a reality in many industries. This will accelerate in upcoming years. Indeed, the smart technologies are forecast to add a whopping $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Among their many advantages for businesses are increased, faster output and slashed error rates. They also give employees the time to concentrate on people processes, such as sales and marketing or client relationships. (more…)

Iconic products from Giroflex to be celebrated at Clerkenwell Open

Iconic products from Giroflex to be celebrated at Clerkenwell Open

Giroflex archiveA seminar and exhibition at the upcoming Clerkenwell Open will explore the 150 year history of one of the most iconic and ground-breaking office furniture firms in the world – Giroflex. Now part of global furniture pioneer Flokk, the event gives people the chance to explore the historical context of the development of ergonomic seating as well as a chance to see current developments, including a first chance to see the firm’s new G40 range, pictured below. (more…)

Issue 2 of Works magazine continues to shake things up

Issue 2 of Works magazine continues to shake things up

works magazineWe’ve received plenty of messages over the past few weeks, asking when we’re going to see the first full publication of Works – the new workplace design magazine (and sister title to IN) following the successful launch of its pilot issue. Well, we’re delighted to announce that the printer’s big red button has been pushed and said issue is on its way. And the digital edition is available to read free now. (more…)

New collection from Interface tailormade for growing resimercial trend

New collection from Interface tailormade for growing resimercial trend

resimercial flooringInterface, Inc. a worldwide commercial flooring company and global leader in sustainability, unveils its new collection of modular carpet, nora® rubber floor and LVT exclusively crafted to support the emerging resimercial trend. The trend, named for its fusion of residential and commercial aesthetics, provides designers with an extended palette combining home styling with durability and the functional demands of a commercial setting. It aims to support wellbeing and encourage creativity and collaboration by introducing home comforts into the workplace. (more…)