May 29, 2024

MIT professor pours cold water on the prevailing hype about AI and the economy

A study by MIT economist Daron Acemoglu appears to challenge the prevailing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its economic impact. While many experts predict a future fuelled by AI-driven productivity booms and reduced inequality, Acemoglu’s research paints a more cautious picture. His findings suggest that AI’s impact on productivity and inequality may be far less dramatic than anticipated, and could even exacerbate the gap between the rich and the poor. More →

May 29, 2024

Not luddite dinosaurs but the sensible voice of caution on AI. And you need to listen

by Stephanie Fitzgerald • AI, Comment, SF, Technology

In my line of work, it is easy to get away with not being au fait with technology. Having previously laughed off my ineptitude saying ‘there’s a reason I work with people not machines!’ I never considered I had a place in the realm of all things IT and computers. Until I discovered AI. More specifically, Deep Neural Networks. With a specialism in Neuropsychology, I was intrigued by a discipline that aimed to recreate that which we barely understand; the human brain. One of my favourite (and most frustrating) realisations when I began studying more than twenty years ago, was that I could dedicate myself to learning about the human brain 24/7 for the rest of my life… and still barely scratch the surface. Yet here was an AI community telling me they could recreate it. I was beyond intrigued and so began my unexpected delve into the world of all things machine learning and I haven’t looked back. More →

May 20, 2024

Major US firms scammed by massive North Korean remote work laptop farm

by Marvin Gort • Flexible working, News

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 13, 2024

Seven industry associations join forces to develop real estate carbon pricing strategy

by Jayne Smith • Environment, News

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 13, 2024

Wellworking recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work

by Freddie Steele • Company news

Wellworking, an award-winning UK supplier of home and office furniture and specialist in workplace wellbeing, has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. This prestigious nationwide workplace survey celebrates Britain’s top employers, and highlights where employee happiness and wellbeing is prioritised. More →

May 9, 2024

Firms growing concerned about increase in litigation

by Neil Franklin • News, Workplace

Seven in ten (71 percent) UK businesses are concerned about rising business litigation, with nearly three quarters (72 percent) reporting an increase in cases brought against their companies over the past five years and three in five (60 percent) anticipating a further rise over the next 12 months, according to a new poll from insurance broker Gallagher. The multi-sector survey of 764 business leaders claims to have found an upsurge in litigation is being driven by a number of factors, notably the rising cost of living (47 percent), economic instability (36 percent) and a more litigious UK society generally (35 percent). More →

April 30, 2024

Commuting costs continue to put strain on office worker finances

by Neil Franklin • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

UK employees are suffering higher cost-of-living expenses, especially due to transportation costs and tensions may rise as many companies enforce return-to-office policies. That is according to the latest study conducted by Capterra on 248 U.K. employees, the majority (69 percent) say their work-related costs have increased over the past 12 months, especially the price of groceries (95 percent), utilities (85 percent), eating out (78 percent), and petrol (63 percent). More →

April 30, 2024

Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace success

by Neil Franklin • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

A new poll from BSI claims that employee health and employer flexibility are key elements to harness a future age-diverse workforce. Evolving Together: Flourishing in the age-diverse workforce considers how today’s business leaders think businesses and policymakers can respond to demographic changes to enable individuals to thrive and organizations to grow as greater numbers work beyond the age of 65. More →

April 29, 2024

Bisley extends colour palette with three new hues

by Freddie Steele • News

British furniture brand Bisley has introduced three new shades to its curated colour palette. Through a meticulous selection process, the furniture manufacturer chose shades that would enhance its existing colour palette to offer customers even greater choice when purchasing furniture for their homes. The new hues, Marine Green, Berry and Natural Canvas take influence from emerging trends in fashion and interiors. They are alluring as individual shades, but can also complement each other when used together, forming a contemporary colour palette. Additionally, each of the new shades align with existing Bisley colours to create micro collections, giving greater versatility to the range. More →

April 27, 2024

European commercial real estate market stumbles in 2024

by Marvin Gort • News, Property

Dreams of a swift recovery in Europe’s commercial real estate market have been dashed as the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a continued slump, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline. That is according to data released by MSCI Real Assets which paints a concerning picture, with completed commercial property transactions reaching a mere €34.5 billion in the first three months – a 26 percent drop compared to the same period in 2023. This translates to the lowest transaction volume since the third quarter of 2010, with the number of companies buying and selling properties also hitting a 12-year low. More →

April 24, 2024

Wellbeing at an ‘all-time low’ claims report

by Jayne Smith • News, Wellbeing

A new report published by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc., claims that overall wellbeing is at a low point as people struggle with lifestyle challenges around sleep and physical activity. Wellbeing Report: A benchmark for Canadian health, based on data gathered through Dialogue’s Wellbeing Score benchmarking thousands of people across Canada, is indicative of trends seen across the globe. More →

April 23, 2024

Report sets out nine ways cities can reduce carbon emissions

by Jayne Smith • Cities, Environment, News

A report published by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation sets out what its authors claim are best practices developed by pioneer cities that are reducing carbon emissions from urban development projects. As cities grow in population and importance, urban construction will continue to gather pace. It is estimated that the global floor area is expected to double by 2060, the equivalent of building out New York City every month for the next 40 years. The report, Reducing Embodied Carbon in Cities: Nine Solutions for Greener Buildings and Communities, highlights nine innovative solutions for all phases of construction and demolition. More →