Search Results for: wellness

How you handle your home life is reflected in how you handle your work life

How you handle your home life is reflected in how you handle your work life

A new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines – such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities – are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation in their work lifeA new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines – such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities – are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation in their work life. Researchers found that employees who take initiative at home carry the momentum into their professional lives, becoming more resilient and forward-thinking. The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, was led by the University of Bath’s School of Management. Over a period of six weeks researchers followed 147 full-time, dual-income heterosexual couples with children in the US to explore how home life influences work performance. (more…)

Moments of wonder can help to fend off depression and stress, research finds

Moments of wonder can help to fend off depression and stress, research finds

A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal Nature suggests that brief moments of wonder and amazement can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and stressThere’s a famously apocryphal story about the making of the 1965 biblical epic The Greatest Story Ever Told. During a rehearsal, John Wayne, playing the Centurion at the Crucifixion, was asked by director George Stevens to deliver his line about Jesus Christ being the Son of God “with awe.” So, in the next take, the actor changed the line from the Bible to: “Awe, truly this man was the son of God.” Turns out that a daily dose of awe may be just what we all need. A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal Nature suggests that brief moments of wonder and amazement can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and stress, even in individuals coping with persistent physical and mental health challenges. (more…)

Sustainability and wellbeing yet again key themes of South West BCO Awards

Sustainability and wellbeing yet again key themes of South West BCO Awards

Seven office developments across the South of England and South Wales have been recognised as the region’s most outstanding workplaces at the annual British Council for Offices (BCO) AwardsSeven office developments across the South of England and South Wales have been recognised as the region’s most outstanding workplaces at the annual British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. Among the winners were three Bristol-based projects, highlighting the city’s growing reputation for innovative, inclusive and sustainable office design. The awards ceremony, held at We The Curious in Bristol, celebrated excellence in office design, fit-out, and environmental performance. With a strong emphasis this year on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), wellbeing, and inclusivity, the judges praised the winning projects for their forward-thinking, occupier-focused approaches. (more…)

Co-working spaces bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

Co-working spaces bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

Today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic.When you think of co-working spaces – where workers from different industries come together to share a convenient workplace – you might picture a group of young freelancers hunched over laptops. But today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic. As workplaces adapt to new ways of operating, from hybrid to “digital nomadism”, co-working spaces can do more than simply offer flexibility. They can support workers’ wellbeing and work–life balance by enhancing a sense of community, building trust and new friendships, and encouraging continuous learning. (more…)

Future of Work 2025: WEF report sets out the unsurprising but profound changes ahead

Future of Work 2025: WEF report sets out the unsurprising but profound changes ahead

The latest report on the future of work forecasts profound but entirely unsurprising changes for the workplace over the next five yearsThe latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum forecasts profound but entirely unsurprising changes across global labour markets over the next five years, as technological breakthroughs, demographic shifts, and the green transition redefine the physical and digital workplace. Drawing on insights from over 1,000 employers, representing more than 14 million workers across 55 economies, the report on the future of work claims that technological change—particularly the rise of generative AI (GenAI)—will be the most powerful driver of workplace transformation by 2030. Broadening digital access is expected to reshape six in ten businesses, followed closely by AI and robotics, which are both forecast to simultaneously create and displace jobs on a massive scale. (more…)

Important eye care habits professionals should practice in 2025 and beyond

Important eye care habits professionals should practice in 2025 and beyond

However, whether it comes to your wellness or work, you may be neglecting an important aspect of both: eye careWith the new year in full swing, you may be working hard to stick to your resolutions and goals, whether it’s exercising more, eating healthy, saving money, and much more. For your professional life, you may be prioritising working towards a promotion you’re aiming for, getting more organised and productive, or quickly hitting your targets and quotas. However, whether it comes to your wellness or work, you may be neglecting an important aspect of both: eye care. Maintaining eye health is essential for work and everyday life, but many people lack the right habits. (more…)

How employee benefits offer value for money

How employee benefits offer value for money

Every pound spent on employee benefits is a pound that could boost your profits. That's why it's vital to ensure your benefits package aligns perfectly with what your employees need and valueIf you want to provide great employee benefits but are constrained by budget, there are some company perks that not only keep your employees happy, but can also provide serious value for money. Whether it’s leveraging tax-efficient Salary Sacrifice schemes or taking a more holistic approach such as flexible working, it’s definitely possible to offer great benefits while boosting your bottom line. (more…)

Small businesses remain upbeat about flexible working

Small businesses remain upbeat about flexible working

More than 80 percent of SME decision makers expect to see positive outcomes to their workforce from policy changes to flexible working rulesMore than 80 percent of SME decision makers expect to see positive outcomes to their workforce from policy changes to flexible working rules, a new poll  from NatWest Mentor suggests. In April 2024, under the previous Conservative government, new flexible working legislation was introduced across England, Scotland and Wales creating significant changes to how employees make flexible working requests and how employers must respond. (more…)

University staff love to connect on campus, but also value time working from home

University staff love to connect on campus, but also value time working from home

A new survey reveals distinct trends in campus work culture and the growing preference for in-person interactions among academic staff, coupled with a desire to continue working from home when needed.A new report from Hassell, the 2024 Education Futures Survey, explores how hybrid working is reshaping the needs and expectations of Australian university staff. Based on responses from 300 university employees and a benchmark group of 500 office workers, the survey reveals distinct trends in campus work culture and the growing preference for in-person interactions among academic staff, coupled with a desire to continue working from home when needed. (more…)

Is salutogenic design the next big issue for the workplace?

Is salutogenic design the next big issue for the workplace?

Colleagues talk in a bright and lively office design

A number of progressive workplace issues have crossed into mainstream thinking over the past few years, and perhaps none more so than biophilia. It is now a principle that has become an issue talked about in the mass media, as shown by a CNN interview with one of Europe’s leading proponents of biophilic office design, Oliver Heath. The interview explores how biophilia taps into our embedded love of nature to evoke certain behaviours and emotions. (more…)

How commercial property owners can boost revenues and occupancy in light of the Autumn Budget

How commercial property owners can boost revenues and occupancy in light of the Autumn Budget

The Autumn Budget is anticipated to introduce a series of tax increases that could directly impact commercial property ownersThe Autumn Budget is anticipated to introduce a series of tax increases that could directly impact commercial property owners, including changes to capital gains tax (CGT), national insurance contributions, and business rates. These changes could have a ripple effect across the property market, influencing both investment decisions and tenant demand. These are the key areas of concern for commercial property owners. (more…)

Hybrid working leads people to use their commute as exercise

Hybrid working leads people to use their commute as exercise

The widespread adoption of hybrid working has led to a boom in active commuting - where workers combine their commute with physical exerciseThe widespread adoption of hybrid working has led to a boom in active commuting – where workers combine their commute with physical exercise – resulting in improved wellness, productivity, and job satisfaction, according to a new poll from IWG. The increased use of local flexible workspaces by hybrid workers has been central to this shift, says the firm, which provides local flexible workspaces. Almost two thirds (62 percent) of commutes to local workspaces are now mostly or entirely active, a 38 percent increase compared to commutes to city centre offices. (more…)