May 29, 2024
A new study by musicMagpie claims to reveal the growing incidence of phone anxiety, particularly among younger people. It highlights a constant barrage of notifications with the average person receiving a 146 notifications daily, translating to one notification every ten minutes. However, so-called Gen Zs and Millennials were found to be significantly more affected than their Gen X counterparts. More →
May 28, 2024
A new study by Great Place To Work claims that obliging employees back to the office with so-called return-to-office mandates and restricting their choice of work location can have negative consequences for the business. The report based on a survey of 4,400 US workers, claims to reveal a strong correlation between work location flexibility and positive employee experiences. Compared to those without a choice, employees with control over their work environment are three times more likely to want to stay with their company, and significantly less likely to become disengaged – a trend that has been referred to as “quiet quitting.” They’re also more likely to put in extra effort, foster good relationships with their managers, and feel their workplace fosters a healthy psychological and emotional environment. More →
May 23, 2024
The rise of remote work, fuelled by the pandemic, may serve up a hidden danger for employees. Accountants warn that employees who relocate abroad while working for a UK-based company could end up paying income tax in both countries, on top of social security contributions in their host nation. More →
May 21, 2024
As the majority of you will know, Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. And, for three days each May, it truly feels like it. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week will showcase the borough’s creative residents, alongside visiting brands and emerging design talent. And we have a special show preview to help you get the best from it. More →
May 20, 2024
The pandemic radically changed the way we work and kick-started the proliferation of the hybrid model and widespread remote work. Now the picture has shifted once more, with headlines pointing to increasing return to the office policies introduced by organisations, with greater productivity and collaboration among their top reasons for doing so. Dubbed the year of the ‘Great Office Return’ by Virgin Media 02 Business Movers Index, 2023 saw four in ten companies mandating a return to the five-day office week and 92 percent enforcing some level of in-office requirement. However, enticing employees back to physical workplaces has proven challenging. According to CBRE, almost half of companies report their office attendance at 40 percent or under. More →
May 20, 2024
A massive remote work scam may have fooled hundreds of US companies into hiring North Koreans. US prosecutors have accused North Korean nationals of infiltrating over 300 US companies, including Fortune 500 giants using a so-called laptop farm. The elaborate scheme, facilitated by an American accomplice, allegedly saw millions of dollars funnelled back to the sanctioned nation. More →
May 19, 2024
While the pandemic ushered in a wave of remote work with benefits for both employers and employees, a new study warns of a hidden risk: professional isolation. Researchers from Colorado State University found that remote employees experiencing isolation reported feeling less engaged and more depleted at work, potentially leading to burnout. The study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology, surveyed 445 participants across two points in time. It measured professional isolation, schedule flexibility, and the level of support supervisors provided for work-life balance.
May 17, 2024
Manchester is poised to become a major player in the digital government landscape following a significant land deal announced this week. The Government Property Agency (GPA) has exchanged contracts with Manchester City Council (MCC) to acquire five acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats, paving the way for the construction of the Manchester Digital Campus. More →
May 17, 2024
NETGEAR appears to have raised the bar for work on the go with the introduction of the Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G WiFi 6E Mobile Router (MR6450). This powerhouse device delivers unprecedented speed and reliable connectivity, making it the perfect companion for homes, businesses, and on-the-go professionals. Gone are the days of sluggish internet and unreliable connections. The Nighthawk M6 Pro leverages the power of 5G technology, boasting download speeds of up to a remarkable 4Gbps. That’s faster than most home internet plans, allowing you to stream 4K content, download large files, and participate in video conferencing – all with flawless smoothness. More →
May 17, 2024
A new report commissioned by Microsoft suggests that the UK economy could see a significant boost of £550 billion by 2035 if the country embraces artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology. The report, titled Unlocking the UK’s AI Potential, claims to highlight several ways the technology can benefit the UK economy. These include increased productivity, improved public services, and the creation of new jobs. More →
May 16, 2024
The Gensler Research Institute has announced the findings from its Global Workplace Survey 2024, offering what it says are fresh insights into the future of work. The comprehensive global study shifts the focus from employee presence in the office to workplace performance. The core argument presented in the report is that a high-performing workplace is no longer solely defined by building efficiency or space effectiveness, it is also measured by the workplace experience — or, how employees feel about the space. More →
May 22, 2024
Some questions about AI, a world drowning in content and the human centipede of creativity
by Mark Eltringham • AI, Comment, Technology
One unintended but welcome result of the new fixation with AI is that many of the people who became experts on the workplace in 2020 are now experts on AI. You’ll find them on social media and they’ll have written a book about it by May to sit on the shelf alongside the one about hybrid working and The Great Resignation. So, if you want some certainty about where generative AI taking us, go talk to one of them because people who know about the subject seem to have little or no idea or raise even more questions. More →