Search Results for: professionals

Return to office mandates may have been used to quietly layoff employees

Return to office mandates may have been used to quietly layoff employees

A new study from HR software company BambooHR suggests some managers may have hoped so-called return-to-office (RTO) mandates would trigger a wave of voluntary resignationA new study from HR software company BambooHR suggests some managers may have hoped so-called return-to-office (RTO) mandates would trigger a wave of voluntary resignations, effectively acting as covert layoffs. The research, which examined the impact of RTO policies on work culture, found that a quarter of executives and a fifth of HR professionals surveyed secretly hoped RTO would lead to employees quitting. This aligns with concerns that some companies might be using RTO as a way to avoid formal layoffs. More →

GenAI is already driving down demand for freelancers

GenAI is already driving down demand for freelancers

New research from Imperial College, Harvard and the German Institute for Economic Research looks at the impact of GenAI technologies on the demand for freelance creative professionals The demand for freelancers working in writing, and coding related jobs has dropped by 21 percent since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, according to new research by Imperial College Business School, Harvard Business School and the German Institute for Economic Research. This research paper, Who is AI Replacing? The Impact of Generative AI on Online Freelancing Platforms, looks at the impact of GenAI technologies on the demand for creative professionals who work on an hourly basis for different clients. More →

People must take the lead on hybrid working to drive highest returns

People must take the lead on hybrid working to drive highest returns

A new report from workplace technology provider Eptura suggests that employee-led hybrid working models and connected technology drive the highest returns for businessesA new report from workplace technology provider Eptura suggests that employee-led hybrid working models and connected technology drive the highest returns for businesses. According to its first half 2024 Workplace Index report [registration], companies with hybrid working models in which employees can choose when to come to the office are seeing the most benefit. This is because employees who work effectively in the office can generate an average revenue increase of 3-8 percent. The study also claims that globally, employees are now spending an average of 3 days a week in the office, with the biggest increase being seen in the Asia-Pacific region. The most common days for office attendance remain Tuesday through Thursday. More →

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

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 impactA 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 →

Looking forward to a whale of a time at Clerkenwell Design Week

Looking forward to a whale of a time at Clerkenwell Design Week

 

To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week will showcase the borough’s creative residents, alongside visiting brands and emerging design talentAs 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 →

This new mobile router might be your answer to work on the go

This new mobile router might be your answer to work on the go

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)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 →

We need a cultural revolution in the way we talk about women’s health

We need a cultural revolution in the way we talk about women’s health

Recent advancements in workplace inclusivity, focused on flexible working arrangements, parental leave, neurodiversity, and gender equality, have set the stage for the next significant corporate challenge: improving attitudes towards women’s health in the workplaceRecent advancements in workplace inclusivity, focused on flexible working arrangements, parental leave, neurodiversity, and gender equality, have set the stage for the next significant corporate challenge: improving attitudes towards women’s health in the workplace. Human Resources leaders are pivotal in driving this necessary cultural shift. Consider the fact that about three-quarters of people, regardless of gender, believe menopause could impact career progression into senior roles. And that almost a quarter of women in tech experiencing menopausal symptoms have delayed or cancelled promotion plans. Clearly there’s some work to do here. More →

People are spending more time in the office, but no sign of a full return for many

People are spending more time in the office, but no sign of a full return for many

Many of the UK’s tech workers are embracing a structured return to spending more time in the office, according to a new report. According to the survey of 2,000 people from Techspace, there has been a ‘notable shift’ towards embracing structured office time, with Monday to Wednesday emerging as the top choices for in-office workdays. The report claims that this preference indicates a growing recognition of the benefits of face-to-face collaboration and a desire for a more traditional office environment. More →

How to personalize customer service correspondence via email

How to personalize customer service correspondence via email

Alt text: A woman sitting at a cafe, listening to one of the people inside talk about customer service correspondence via email.

Personalised customer service is no longer just a bonus; it’s a necessity in today’s market. With the digital space being the new frontier for customer interactions, emails have become a significant part of maintaining strong customer relations. Crafting email correspondence that feels personal and attentive can distinguish your brand and foster lasting customer loyalty. Keep reading to find out how personalization can transform your approach to customer service via email. More →

While AI revolutionises the workplace, employees take charge and companies scramble

While AI revolutionises the workplace, employees take charge and companies scramble

 

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 paceA 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 →

People don’t hear back from half of the jobs for which they apply

People don’t hear back from half of the jobs for which they apply

British job seekers don’t hear back from almost half (45 percent) of the jobs they apply for, according to a new poll from Indeed. According to ONS data, there are 916,000 job vacancies in the UK, but with frustrations around the hiring process, these aren’t set to be filled quickly or effectively. The survey of 1,000 working people and 1,000 hiring professionals in the UK shows that the hiring process is inefficient for both job seekers and businesses, delaying the right candidate being matched with the right role. More →

Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace success

Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace success

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 →