Search Results for: relationships

Modern romance: advice to employers on managing workplace relationships

by • Workplace

Managing workplace breakups

 

Despite all the cautionary tales regarding the dangers of office romance, countless employees start up relationships with co-workers every year. Whether sparks fly over the work photocopier or more likely, on a Friday night in the pub after work, the workplace still beats the internet for finding romance. The sheer number of hours we spend with colleagues together with the stresses and strains of work, can lead to close friendships that may go on to become a relationship further down the line. Research shows that couples who met at work are most likely to marry. However, the fact is that many relationships can and do fail and this is no less so for workplace relationships. Whilst clearly there are issues for the people involved to manage, it can also create headaches for employers. (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

by • News, 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…)

UK suffers from a major disconnect between leaders and employees

UK suffers from a major disconnect between leaders and employees

by • News, Workplace

The UK is experiencing one of the largest disconnects in 'proximity leadership' between senior management and employees, according to a new European Workforce StudyThe UK is experiencing one of the largest disconnects in ‘proximity leadership’ between senior management and employees, according to a new European Workforce Study from Great Place To Work. Part of the organisation’s Leadership in Focus series, the study surveyed nearly 25,000 employees across 19 European countries and found a troubling gap between how leaders perceive their management style and how it is experienced by their teams. Proximity leadership refers to the ability of managers to build trust through regular, meaningful engagement—whether in-person, remote, or hybrid. It’s not about physical closeness, but about emotional and psychological presence: showing genuine interest, encouraging participation, listening actively, and recognising contributions. (more…)

The world needs amazing leaders like never before. But where are they?

The world needs amazing leaders like never before. But where are they?

by • Business, Comment, Workplace

rapid changes in today’s environment can put even the best leaders under immense strain and cause ripple effects within the organisationDemand for integrity and strength in leadership has never been greater. A wave of quickly evolving AI technologies, combined with geopolitics and other pressures, is increasing this need at an unprecedented pace. The rapid changes in today’s environment can put even the best leaders under immense strain and cause ripple effects within the organisation. In fact, even those changes that are expected to bring efficiency and simplicity like GenAI, translate into confusion, anxiety, and complexity in many situations. According to McKinsey research, a staggering 56 percent of employees report that their leaders are either mildly or highly toxic. Even more concerning, 75 percent of employees identify their boss as the most stressful part of their workday. (more…)

Our happiness depends on kindness and connections with other people

Our happiness depends on kindness and connections with other people

by • News, Wellbeing

Our happiness is determined by kindness and our connections with other people, claims the latest World Happiness Index reportThe World Happiness Report 2025, released today to coincide with the UN’s International Day of Happiness, reveals that people are generally kinder than commonly perceived, and that social connections play a pivotal role in determining how happy we are. The report highlights a significant disparity between perceived and actual acts of kindness within communities. Global studies on the return of lost wallets indicate that actual return rates are approximately double what people anticipate. This suggests that communities are more benevolent than individuals often believe, and recognising this kindness is strongly associated with higher happiness levels. (more…)

Young men and boys lagging behind female contemporaries in pay and other ways

Young men and boys lagging behind female contemporaries in pay and other ways

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

Young women are now consistently out-earning their male counterparts for the first time, according to a new report that warns of a growing crisis among young menYoung women are now consistently out-earning their male counterparts for the first time, according to a new report that warns of a growing crisis among young men. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank has published findings showing that women aged 16 to 24 in both white-collar and blue-collar jobs are earning nearly 10 percent more than men of the same age. The report, titled Lost Boys, highlights how young men are falling behind in education and employment, with growing feelings of isolation and lack of purpose. (more…)

HLW announces three new managing partners as part of new leadership team

HLW announces three new managing partners as part of new leadership team

by • Company news

Design and architecture practice HLW has announced a new Global Leadership Team as the firm enters its 140th year.Design and architecture practice HLW has announced a new Global Leadership Team as the firm enters its 140th year. Established in 1885, HLW has been led by partnership since 1900, when founder Cyrus Eidlitz joined with Andrew McKenzie to pioneer the design of a new building typology. From that foundation, the firm has grown into a dynamic global architecture practice  headquartered in New York with a flagship international office in London, and steward of the built environment. The new Global Leadership team will advance HLW’s legacy of innovation through collaboration in a historic expansion of its governance, codifying the commitment to integrated leadership at an international scale. (more…)

How Charles Handy changed the way we speak about the workplace

How Charles Handy changed the way we speak about the workplace

by • Comment, Facilities management

 

Originally published in 2019. There are writers whose language pervades our discourse so extensively that even those who have never heard of them will echo not only their sentiments but also their means of expression. One of these people is Charles Handy, who has just published his latest book 21 Letters on Life and its Challenges at the age of 87. His work resonates to this day and not least because he was so far ahead of the curve in detailing many of the characteristics of modern organisations and the challenges created for everybody by the changing nature of work and business. (more…)

Poor job quality leaves people exhausted and at risk of ill health

Poor job quality leaves people exhausted and at risk of ill health

by • News, Wellbeing

A new report from the Institute for Employment Studies warns that poor job quality is significantly affecting people's health and wellbeingA new report from the Institute for Employment Studies warns that poor job quality is significantly affecting worker health, with 1.7 million people in Great Britain reporting work-related ill health in the last year. The research reveals that half of all workers report having to work more hours than contracted or expected – the highest rate in Europe. Rising work intensity and job strain have left around half of the UK workforce regularly exhausted. The impact of ill-health on spiralling economic inactivity is a focus of an anticipated government White Paper looking to tackle the ‘greatest employment challenge for a generation’ and support more people into good work. (more…)

Life science interiors: here’s how to create a petri dish for scientific breakthroughs

Life science interiors: here’s how to create a petri dish for scientific breakthroughs

by • Comment, Workplace design

The design of life science interiors is crucial for fostering scientific breakthroughs by balancing precision, functionality, and collaboration. Life science research has grown exponentially in recent years, driving an increasing demand for specialised laboratory spaces. These facilities – including wet labs, dry labs, and their supporting infrastructure – all serve a unique purpose. Like a Petri dish providing the perfect environment for scientific experiments, life science interiors need to balance precision with functionality. When designed well, they create the ideal conditions for innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. (more…)

If firms want people to ‘return to office’, they should offer a better experience

If firms want people to ‘return to office’, they should offer a better experience

by • Flexible working, News, Property

A new report from the British Council for Offices (BCO) argues that if employers want their staff to 'return to office', they need to approach the workplace in the same way they would their customers by creating spaces that offer experiences workers actively seek outA new report from the British Council for Offices (BCO) argues that if employers want their staff to ‘return to office’, they need to approach the workplace in the same way they would their customers by creating spaces that offer experiences workers actively seek out. The report, titled Towards Experience Utopia, claims to serve as a comprehensive guide for creating optimal working environments that integrate the best aspects of both remote and in-office work. Commissioned by the BCO Occupiers Group, which includes major employers like NatWest, PwC, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs, the report highlights how the shift towards hybrid working has transformed the expectations of employees. (more…)

The future of procurement: navigating a digital and strategic evolution

The future of procurement: navigating a digital and strategic evolution

by • Company news

In recent years, procurement has transformed from a back-office function to a strategic driver of business valueIn recent years, procurement has transformed from a back-office function to a strategic driver of business value. As global supply chains become more complex and businesses strive for greater efficiency, sustainability, and agility, the future of procurement is set to change even more dramatically. Technological innovations, data-driven insights, and a shift in priorities are reshaping the way organizations manage their sourcing, purchasing, and supplier relationships.

This article explores the future of procurement, focusing on the trends, technologies, and strategies that will define this critical business function in the coming years.

 

 

 

 

  1. The Rise of Digital Procurement

One of the most significant trends shaping the future of procurement is digital transformation. Traditional procurement processes, which were often manual and time-consuming, are being replaced by automated, digital solutions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA) are streamlining procurement workflows, enhancing transparency, and improving decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and process orchestration are transforming procurement by streamlining complex tasks and improving overall efficiency. As highlighted in Tonkean’s blog, AI can eliminate time-consuming manual work like managing approvals, chasing stakeholders, and navigating complex systems. The use of AI-powered orchestration allows procurement teams to unify systems, automate routine tasks, and facilitate collaboration. This leads to faster cycle times, better process adoption, and more time for high-value strategic work, ultimately positioning procurement as a key business partner.

 

Key Areas of Digital Transformation:

– Automation of Routine Tasks: Tasks like purchase order creation, invoice processing, and supplier matching can now be fully automated, allowing procurement professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.

– AI-Driven Insights: AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends, predict demand, and assess risks, enabling more informed decision-making.

Impact:

The adoption of digital technologies will lead to faster procurement cycles, reduced errors, and significant cost savings. Procurement professionals will need to adapt to new tools and skills, such as data analytics and AI-powered decision-making, to remain competitive.

 

  1. Data-Driven Decision-Making

Data is becoming the new currency in procurement. With the vast amount of data now available through various channels—supplier data, market trends, and performance analytics—procurement teams have the opportunity to make more strategic decisions. Advanced analytics tools are enabling organizations to turn raw data into actionable insights, optimizing procurement strategies for cost reduction, risk management, and supplier performance.

How Data Impacts Procurement:

– Supplier Relationship Management: Data analytics can help procurement teams evaluate supplier performance, identify key areas of improvement, and foster stronger, more collaborative relationships.

– Risk Mitigation: Predictive analytics can forecast potential supply chain disruptions, allowing organizations to proactively manage risks such as supplier bankruptcies, geopolitical instability, or natural disasters.

– Cost Optimization: By analyzing purchasing patterns and market trends, procurement professionals can negotiate better contracts, reduce maverick spending, and ensure cost savings across the board.

Impact:

The ability to harness and analyze data will be critical for the future of procurement. Organizations that leverage data to drive decisions will be able to build more resilient and cost-efficient supply chains.

 

  1. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

As consumers, investors, and regulators increasingly prioritize sustainability, procurement teams must align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This shift means that procurement will play a central role in ensuring that businesses source goods and services from environmentally and ethically responsible suppliers.

Key Areas of Focus:

– Sustainable Sourcing: Procurement teams will need to ensure that suppliers adhere to environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimizing waste.

– Ethical Labor Practices: Ensuring that suppliers comply with labor laws, prevent human rights abuses, and foster fair working conditions will become a priority.

– Circular Economy: Procurement will increasingly focus on sourcing products that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed, contributing to a more circular economy.

Impact:

Sustainability will no longer be optional for procurement teams. To remain competitive and compliant, procurement professionals must prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in their sourcing strategies.

 

  1. Supplier Collaboration and Innovation

In the future, procurement will shift from a transactional function to one that focuses on collaboration and innovation. Instead of simply managing suppliers, procurement teams will work more closely with them to co-create value and drive innovation. This shift will require a new approach to supplier relationships, one that emphasizes trust, transparency, and mutual benefit.

Key Changes:

– Supplier Collaboration: Rather than viewing suppliers as vendors, procurement teams will treat them as partners in innovation. This collaboration can lead to the development of new products, improved processes, and shared efficiencies.

– Long-Term Relationships: Procurement will focus on building long-term, strategic partnerships with suppliers, ensuring that both parties can innovate and grow together.

– Innovation Hubs: Some organizations may establish innovation hubs or programs where procurement teams and suppliers collaborate on research and development, bringing cutting-edge products and services to market faster.

Impact:

Collaboration with suppliers will become a competitive advantage, enabling organizations to innovate, adapt to market changes, and deliver more value to customers.

 

  1. The Strategic Role of Procurement

As procurement evolves, its role within the organization will become more strategic. Instead of being seen as a cost-saving function, procurement will increasingly contribute to business growth, innovation, and resilience. This shift will require procurement professionals to develop new skills and capabilities, such as strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership.

Key Areas for Strategic Focus:

– Procurement as a Value Creator: Procurement will move beyond cost-cutting to create value through innovation, risk management, and sustainability.

– Cross-Functional Collaboration: Procurement teams will work more closely with other departments, such as R&D, marketing, and finance, to align procurement strategies with broader business objectives.

– Leadership and Influence: Procurement leaders will need to influence key stakeholders and contribute to strategic decision-making at the executive level.

Impact:

The strategic elevation of procurement will lead to greater influence within organizations, enabling procurement professionals to drive business success through innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

 

 Conclusion

The future of procurement is one of transformation and opportunity. As digital technologies, data-driven decision-making, sustainability, and supplier collaboration reshape the procurement landscape, professionals in this field will need to adapt and embrace new skills and strategies. By doing so, they will not only optimize procurement processes but also contribute to the long-term success of their organizations.

Procurement is no longer just about sourcing the best deal—it’s about building resilient, ethical, and innovative supply chains that drive business

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