Search Results for: business

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

by • Environment, News, Property

A renewed focus on office space comes at a price, with businesses facing rising office fit out and design costsAccording to a new report from JLL, the office sector is again taking ‘centre stage’ in commercial real estate as companies worldwide adapt hybrid work policies to encourage greater in-office attendance. However, this renewed focus on office spaces comes at a cost, with businesses facing rising expenses to design and fit out their work environments. According to JLL’s newly released Global Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2025, 59 percent of organisations globally plan to increase investment in office space design and fit-outs over the next five years. The report, which analyses data from 68 cities across 40 countries, highlights significant cost variations, key cost drivers, and the growing demand for sustainable office spaces. (more…)

Traditional incentives don’t encourage people back to the office. Here’s what might

Traditional incentives don’t encourage people back to the office. Here’s what might

by • Flexible working, News, Property

A new report from Colliers claims to highlight the major challenge businesses experience in attracting people back to the office when attendance remains stubbornly lowA new report from Colliers claims to highlight the major challenges businesses experience in attracting people back to the office when attendance remains stubbornly low. With average peak occupancy below 40 percent across Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and North America, and workplaces lacking ‘vibrancy’ 83 percent of the time, many organisations are struggling to foster collaboration and engagement. (more…)

People who hide their use of AI have their work taken more seriously

People who hide their use of AI have their work taken more seriously

by • AI, News

employees who conceal their use of AI tools may receive better evaluations, which the report claims may be because firms struggle with trust issues and misaligned incentivesNew research led by Professor David Restrepo Amariles from business school HEC Paris claims to uncover challenges in the adoption of AI tools, particularly the phenomenon of “shadow adoption,” where employees use generative technology like ChatGPT without disclosing it. The research suggests that employees who conceal their use of artificial intelligence may receive better evaluations, which the report claims may be because firms struggle with trust issues and misaligned incentives. (more…)

British workers now entirely unproductive, claims report

British workers now entirely unproductive, claims report

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

The overwhelming majority of UK workers don’t do anything productive at all, according to a new report published today. The study of available research into the illnesses, injuries, distractions, wastes of time, procrastinations, productivity drains and paralyses that afflict British workers found that the annual cost to the British economy is around £1.8 trillion, equivalent to 98.9 percent of GDP.

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Flexible workspace, cognitive dissonance and lessons learnt from The Shining

Flexible workspace, cognitive dissonance and lessons learnt from The Shining

by • Comment, Flexible working, Property

If you were to take LinkedIn posts as a barometer of market confidence you would get the sense that flexible workspace / coworking is powering ahead. But this initial impression is simply not backed up by the statsAt the start of the Shining, the seminal horror film of the 1970s, the fantastically unsettling orchestral score provides the clue that this happy family of the opening scene is going to end very, very badly. But the key element of the film is the casting of Jack Nicholson in a kind, smiling role as a writer and loving parent – from the minute the camera settles on that jarring smile, it is obvious that something is off. And this is cognitive dissonance – Jack is being portrayed as a loving husband to Shelley Duvall with your nerves jangling and telling you that he is everything but that…… (more…)

The full stop emerges as a major point of contention in the workplace

The full stop emerges as a major point of contention in the workplace

by • News, Workplace

The humble full stop has emerged as one of the major sources of friction when people communicate in the workplaceA new poll from The Adaptavist Group claims that there is a growing generational divide in workplace communication, with emojis, punctuation, and AI use emerging as key areas of contention. The study, which surveyed 1,000 UK knowledge workers, reveals how different age groups interpret digital communication tools in the workplace, affecting collaboration and productivity. The Workplace Communication Atlas suggests that nearly half of workers (46 percent) struggle with misinterpreting tone or phrasing, making it the most significant communication challenge. Differences in response time expectations (also 46 percent) and lack of context (31 percent) were also cited as common issues. The findings build on previous research from The Adaptavist Group, which showed that 56 percent of workers find generational collaboration difficult. (more…)

Hybrid working improves self-reported wellbeing and productivity

Hybrid working improves self-reported wellbeing and productivity

by • Flexible working, News

Hybrid working improves employee health and wellbeing, reducing stress, and boosting productivity, according to a new study by flexible office provider International Workplace Group.Hybrid working improves employee health and wellbeing, reduces stress, and boosts productivity, according to a new study by flexible office provider International Workplace Group. The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 hybrid workers, found that 34 percent reported taking fewer sick days since gaining flexibility over how and where they work. The findings suggest that hybrid work enables better overall health management. More than seven in ten respondents (71 percent) said flexible arrangements allow them to prioritise preventative healthcare, such as regular screenings and check-ups, while 69 percent said they can better manage existing health conditions. The reduction in stress-related illnesses was also significant, with 68 percent of hybrid workers reporting fewer symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and tension-related pain. (more…)

Two thirds of people would like to quit jobs for a more meaningful career

Two thirds of people would like to quit jobs for a more meaningful career

by • News, Wellbeing

The research, published in The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment, explores how lifelong learning and personal growth can help individuals find a more meaningful career.A new report from Tomorrow University claims that two-thirds of professionals say they would quit their jobs for work that better aligns with their sense of purpose, highlighting a growing disconnect between career success and life fulfilment. The research, published in The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment, explores how lifelong learning and personal growth can help individuals find a more meaningful career. (more…)

Boss Design acquired by Japanese based furniture giant Okamura

Boss Design acquired by Japanese based furniture giant Okamura

by • Furniture, News

Boss Design, one of the UK's most prominent designers of office furniture has announced its acquisition by Japan's largest manufacturer OkamuraBoss Design, one of the UK’s most prominent designers of office furniture has announced its acquisition by Japan’s largest manufacturer Okamura. This acquisition fits with Okamura’s stated strategy to enhance its overseas business with Boss Design’s strong presence in the European and US markets, and extensive portfolio of products making it an attractive proposition. The move marks a significant evolution for Boss Design, expanding its global presence while reinforcing its commitment to design excellence and craftsmanship. (more…)

Only Filipinos spend less time each week in an office than British workers

Only Filipinos spend less time each week in an office than British workers

by • Flexible working, News, Property

British workers spend less time in the office than almost any other nation, with only Filipinos averaging fewer days at their deskBritish workers spend less time in the office than almost any other nation, with only employees in the Philippines averaging fewer days at their desks, according to a new poll. The global survey conducted by property consultancy JLL suggests that UK workers are in the office for just two days a week on average, while their preference is for even fewer—just 1.5 days per week. The report claims that its findings highlight the ongoing reluctance among British employees to return to pre-pandemic office routines, despite increasing pressure from employers. By contrast, workers in Kuwait spend the most time in the office, averaging 4.2 days per week, followed closely by China at 4.1 days. Greece was the only country in the study where employee preferences aligned with employer expectations, with workers spending 3.5 days per week in the office. (more…)

Five years on and firms are also suffering from the effects of long Covid

Five years on and firms are also suffering from the effects of long Covid

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

Many employers are still struggling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, five years after the first UK lockdown begaMany employers are still struggling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, five years after the first UK lockdown began, according to the CIPD. While the pandemic led to significant changes in working practices and an increased focus on employee wellbeing, challenges around productivity and economic inactivity persist. The pandemic brought widespread upheaval, with many people experiencing job losses, business closures, and the loss of loved ones. However, the CIPD argues that it also prompted positive changes in the workplace, including greater flexibility in working arrangements and increased adoption of technology to support collaboration. Despite these developments, many businesses continue to face difficulties, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty exacerbate the challenges of workforce engagement and productivity. (more…)

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

by • Furniture, News

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for GrowthThe British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document supports BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members. (more…)

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