Search Results for: investment

The challenge for the workplace in 2025: transformation when everybody is already tired of change

The challenge for the workplace in 2025: transformation when everybody is already tired of change

HR leaders say they are navigating workplace transformation at a time when most people say they are already worn out by changeIn 2025, human resource leaders say they will be focusing on navigating the complexities of workplace transformation, at a time when most people say they are already worn out by change. This is one of the key findings from the Gartner HR Priorities Survey [registration] of over 1,400 HR leaders from 60 countries and a range of industries. The report highlights five pivotal areas—leader and manager development, organisational culture, strategic workforce planning, change management, and HR technology—as central to driving change in an evolving business landscape. (more…)

Slow progress on sustainable buildings, RICS report claims

Slow progress on sustainable buildings, RICS report claims

While demand for sustainable buildings and investment remains steady, particularly in regions such as Europe, significant gaps persist in terms of skills, knowledge, and financial incentivesThe latest sustainability report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) highlights the continued challenge of embedding sustainable practices within the built environment, despite some signs of progress. While demand for sustainable buildings and investment remains steady, particularly in regions such as Europe, significant gaps persist in terms of skills, knowledge, and financial incentives. (more…)

The bill for upgrading office buildings worldwide could hit £1 trillion

The bill for upgrading office buildings worldwide could hit £1 trillion

A significant proportion of global office space is at risk of obsolescence, with up to £1 trillion required to revitalise aging office buildingsA significant proportion of global office space is at risk of obsolescence, with up to £1 trillion required to revitalise aging office buildings, according to a new report from real estate firm JLL. The report, titled Opportunity through Obsolescence, sets out to highlight the challenges posed by outdated structures, increasingly stringent regulations, and shifting tenant preferences, but also identifies opportunities for property owners and cities to create long-term value through investment and adaptation. (more…)

Economic and political uncertainty continue to dampen commercial property market sentiment

Economic and political uncertainty continue to dampen commercial property market sentiment

The outlook for the European commercial property market is cautiously optimistic despite growing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about economic growthThe outlook for the European commercial property market is cautiously optimistic despite growing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about economic growth, with London, Madrid and Paris emerging as the standout performers, according to a new report by PwC and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The report – Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2025 outlines how market players believe ‘a new normal’ is emerging as valuations have come down and interest rates regain some level of predictability in a market characterised by higher inflation and interest rates, and geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This led to more than 80 percent of survey respondents expecting business confidence and profits to stay the same or rise in 2025, with around half predicting increases in both. (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…)

The rise of the part time office opens up a new frontier for market growth

The rise of the part time office opens up a new frontier for market growth

The part-time office offers companies the ability to rent office spaces on a part-time basis, writes David RawlenceAs businesses, large and small, continue to adapt to post-pandemic realities, the demand for flexible working solutions continues to surge. The part-time office offers companies the ability to rent office spaces on a part-time basis—often for just one to three days a week— whilst opening a unique opportunity for occupiers, landlords, operators, and investors. (more…)

Want sustainable buildings? Invest strategically in smart technology

Want sustainable buildings? Invest strategically in smart technology

Strategic investment, innovative technology, and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainable buildingsStrategic investment, innovative technology, and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainability and value goals in the real estate sector, according to a new report from Colliers. The  report Realising ESG Performance: The Value-Driven Transformation of Europe’s Built Environment [registration] claims to provide insights into how the real estate industry can embrace sustainable buildings and comply with regulatory demands while creating long-term value. (more…)

Bosses are too cocky when it comes to modern risks to their businesses

Bosses are too cocky when it comes to modern risks to their businesses

CEOs face sleepwalking into reputational disaster through over-confidence which masks inadequate crisis planning to mitigate modern day risksCEOs face sleepwalking into reputational disaster through a concerning over-confidence which masks inadequate crisis planning to mitigate modern day risks, according to a new report [registration] from PHA Group. The survey questioned 150 CEOs across the UK’s £240bn professional services sector on confidence and planning in navigating business critical issues. Examining issues from workforce management and whistleblowing to climate change and regulation, CEOs from law firms, insurance, finance and accounting, consultancy and recruitment conveyed confidence but also revealed a lack of investment and planning. (more…)

Reactions to the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill

Reactions to the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill

Details of the UK's new Employment Rights Bill were released yesterday. The legislation represents what the government claims is a significant overhaul of workers' rights, offering more protections and benefits and helping to promote practices like flexible workingDetails of the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill were released yesterday. The legislation represents what the government claims is a significant overhaul of workers’ rights, offering more protections and benefits and helping to promote practices like flexible working. Key elements of the bill include granting workers access to statutory sick pay and parental leave from the first day of employment, and introducing a ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts. It also aims to curb controversial “fire and rehire” practices and gives employees the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one, rather than after two years of service. However, businesses will still be allowed to operate probationary periods to ensure fit for roles, with discussions suggesting a maximum of six months. (more…)

Striking the delicate balance of AI regulation and innovation

Striking the delicate balance of AI regulation and innovation

As AI continues to advance, navigating the balance between regulation and innovation will have a huge impact on how successful the technology can beAs AI continues to advance, navigating the balance between regulation and innovation will have a huge impact on how successful the technology can be. The EU AI Act came into force this summer, which is a move in the right direction towards classifying AI risk. At the same time, the Labour government has set out its intention to focus on the role of technology and innovation as key drivers for the UK economy. For example, planning to create a Regulatory Innovation Office that will support regulators to update existing regulation more quickly, as technology advances. (more…)

Two students just proved that Meta’s new smart glasses are not rose-tinted

Two students just proved that Meta’s new smart glasses are not rose-tinted

By combining smart glasses with AI and face recognition software, two students have exposed something troublingBe honest, did you smirk a little when everyone was posting their ‘legal’ message to Instagram? You probably saw it doing the rounds, after all it was one of the most viral trends ever posted on the app. Stories were flooded with a message reading “Goodbye Meta Al. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos”. (more…)