August 26, 2024
Australia has introduced a so-called right to disconnect rule, offering what is claimed to be ‘significant relief’ to employees who feel pressured to respond to work-related calls or messages outside of their official working hours. The new legislation allows employees to ignore communications after hours without fearing repercussions from their employers. More →
July 22, 2024
Efforts to bring employees back to the office over the past year have generated high degrees of success, according to the 2024 European Office Occupier Survey from CBRE. According to the research, the proportion of companies reporting average building utilisation of 41-80 percent has risen to 61 percent, up from 48 percent in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of companies reporting lower utilisation has fallen, with only a third of companies reporting utilisation of 40 percent or below, compared with nearly half of the companies surveyed last year. More →
July 6, 2024
As the digital landscape of business continues to expand, the ability to navigate vast repositories of information swiftly and accurately is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In this article, we will explore the span of enterprise search, its central features, and the positive outcomes it ripples through an organization. Keep reading to understand how enterprise search software can transform your business processes. More →
June 18, 2024
A UNESCO report published today warns that unless decisive action is taken to integrate ethical principles, AI could distort the historical record of the Holocaust and fuel antisemitism. The report cautions that not only can Generative AI enable malicious actors to seed disinformation and hate-fueled narratives, but it can also inadvertently invent false or misleading content about the Holocaust. More →
June 12, 2024
In the wake of Mental Health Awareness Week last month, now is a brilliant opportunity to take stock of impactful employee wellbeing initiatives. Many people feel their employers are guilty of ‘wellness washing’, the practice of paying lip service to wellbeing. However, the benefits of impactful wellbeing initiatives are clear – 89 percent of employees who have wellness programmes at work report being more engaged and happy within their roles. Taking a subjective approach by catering to employees’ needs can be transformational for employee satisfaction and, in turn, boost retention. More →
June 4, 2024
A new survey commissioned by law firm Winckworth Sherwood suggests there has been a shift in workplace culture, with a majority of both employers (86 percent) and employees (69 percent) agreeing it’s more acceptable to take time off for illness, especially mental health issues. However, the survey also reveals a potential gap between perception and reality, which the report labels ‘wellbeing washing’. While employers say improved productivity is the main reason they offer wellness programs, some employees may be sceptical. The survey claims that only half of employers actually offer practices considered most effective for mental health, such as fair pay (51 percent), flexible work options (49 percent), and what the study calls “good work” (55 percent), which likely refers to manageable workloads and positive work environments. More →
May 17, 2024
What are claimed to be the South West of England’s and South Wales’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to six office buildings across the region. Held at The Coal Exchange Hotel, the BCO’s annual South of England and South Wales Awards Dinner celebrated the high-calibre of the region’s offices in terms of design, fit-out operation and sustainability. More →
May 13, 2024
Seven real estate industry associations have announced a new taskforce to develop a comprehensive carbon pricing strategy for the sector that takes a value chain perspective and enables pricing to be incorporated into investment decision making and accelerate its adoption. More →
May 9, 2024
A new study claims to reveal a new dynamic unfolding in the workplace: a rush towards AI adoption driven by employees, even as companies struggle to keep pace. The 2024 Annual Work Trend Index from Microsoft and LinkedIn titled AI at work is here. Now comes the hard part highlights one particular finding: 79 percent of leaders believe AI is crucial for staying competitive, yet 60 percent worry their companies lack a proper plan. This leadership gap is creating a situation where employees are taking matters into their own hands. More →
May 3, 2024
New lending for commercial real estate fell 33 per cent last year to its lowest level since 2013, according to the latest bi-annual report from Bayes Business School, (formerly Cass). Researched and written by Dr Nicole Lux, Senior Research Fellow at Bayes Business School, City, University of London, the report also shows that a significant portion (42 per cent) of the £170 billion of loans outstanding will have to be refinanced within 12 months. Dr Lux expects that will cause ongoing stress in the market. More →
May 1, 2024
The British Council for Offices Awards for London have gone to seven office buildings across the city. Held at the Park Plaza hotel, the BCO’s annual London Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector. More →
May 16, 2024
We need a cultural revolution in the way we talk about women’s health
by Siera Torontow • Comment, Wellbeing, Workplace