Search Results for: economic

Workers voice concerns over AI in the workplace, think it makes them less intelligent

Workers voice concerns over AI in the workplace, think it makes them less intelligent

by • AI, News

There is growing unease among employees about the impact of AI on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job security and reduced human interaction.A new survey claims to highlight growing unease among employees about the impact of artificial intelligence on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job insecurity and reduced human interaction, as well as brain rot. The research, carried out by Howdy in August 2025 among 1,007 full-time workers aged 19 to 77, found that while the majority are already using AI tools in some form, significant numbers are questioning the consequences. Around one in four believe they risk losing critical abilities through over-reliance on artificial intelligence, while a fifth said the technology already makes them less capable. A smaller group, around 10 percent, said they now rely entirely on AI to perform their jobs. (more…)

‘Side hustles’ are now a survival strategy for many UK workers

‘Side hustles’ are now a survival strategy for many UK workers

by • News, Workplace

A growing number of UK workers are holding down more than one job because what was once a side hustle to pursue a passion or provide a little extra cash has become a financial lifeline for many peopleA growing number of UK workers are holding down more than one job because what was once a side hustle to pursue a passion or provide a little extra cash has become a financial lifeline for many people. According to Employment Hero’s 2025 Annual Jobs Report, 21 percent of UK employees now work multiple jobs. The trend is especially marked among Gen Z, of whom 42 percent say they juggle more than one role just to make ends meet. The report, based on insights gathered from more than 350,000 small businesses and two million employees across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, plus a YouGov survey of 3,635 UK workers, highlights a workforce under pressure from cost-of-living challenges and a cooling labour market. Among full-time employees, 17 percent now also hold additional roles. Nearly a third (29 percent) of all workers surveyed say they have taken on extra hours to cope with rising everyday expenses. (more…)

Climate health risks threaten global productivity, warns WEF

Climate health risks threaten global productivity, warns WEF

by • Environment, News

Climate-related health impacts could strip at least $1.5 trillion from global productivity by 2050, according to a new report from the World Economic ForumClimate-related health impacts could strip at least $1.5 trillion from global productivity by 2050, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF). The study warns that food and agriculture, the built environment, and health and healthcare are among the sectors most at risk unless businesses take urgent steps to adapt. The report, Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change, produced in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, highlights the growing economic burden of heat stress, infectious disease and other climate-driven health threats. It argues that protecting workforce health is now a strategic priority, not only for humanitarian reasons but also to safeguard business continuity and economic stability. (more…)

AI, automation anxiety and the future of work: lessons from Daniel Susskind

AI, automation anxiety and the future of work: lessons from Daniel Susskind

by • AI, Comment, Workplace

Jo Sutherland reports from an enlightening lecture on how automation anxiety and fears about the future of work may not be quite as you thinkWhen I joined the audience at Gresham College for Professor Daniel Susskind’s inaugural lecture on automation anxiety, I expected the familiar line: AI is coming for our jobs. That’s not what I heard. Instead, Susskind, Professor of Business at Gresham, made a surprisingly nuanced argument, explaining that the real story was less about the number of jobs losses, and more about how the very nature of work is shifting. This piece reports on that event (available to watch below) and reflects on what his ideas mean for workplace leaders – and, from my vantage point as a communications professional working with organisations through workplace and digital transformation, how we talk to and engage our colleagues through the change. (more…)

Ten projects named as 2025 Urban land Institute Europe Awards for Excellence finalists    

Ten projects named as 2025 Urban land Institute Europe Awards for Excellence finalists    

by • News, Property

Ten projects from eight countries across the EMEA region have been announced as the finalists in the sixth annual Urban Land Institute Europe Awards for ExcellenceTen projects from eight countries across the EMEA region have been announced as the finalists in the sixth annual Urban Land Institute Europe Awards for Excellence, which recognise exemplar projects and programmes in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. This year’s finalists comprise cutting edge refurbishment, restoration and new build projects, and include residential, healthcare, mixed use, education, community, laboratory and office projects from Italy, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, France and Spain.    (more…)

Public sector productivity gap costs UK economy eighty billion pounds a year

Public sector productivity gap costs UK economy eighty billion pounds a year

by • News, Workplace

A widening gap in productivity between the UK’s public and private sectors is costing the economy around eighty billion pounds annually, according to new analysis from EYA widening gap in productivity between the UK’s public and private sectors is costing the economy around eighty billion pounds annually, according to new analysis from EY. The report, Mind the productivity gap, claims that if public sector productivity had kept pace with the private sector since 2019, the economy would now be three per cent larger. Instead, public sector productivity has fallen by over eight per cent since the pandemic. (more…)

UK office take-up reaches highest level in three years

UK office take-up reaches highest level in three years

by • News, Property

Office take-up across the UK has reached its highest level in three years, according to new figures from CBRE.Office take-up across the UK has reached its highest level in three years, according to new figures from CBRE. The total for the twelve months to the end of the second quarter of 2025 stood at 20.3 million square feet, the highest rolling annual figure since the third quarter of 2022. CBRE reports that activity was strongest in the first half of 2025, with occupiers continuing to focus on high quality, well-located space. The firm says demand is being driven by a combination of business expansion, lease events, and the desire to secure the best available stock in a competitive market. (more…)

Growing number of businesses want people back in the office, but not in all sectors

Growing number of businesses want people back in the office, but not in all sectors

by • Flexible working, News

Over two fifths (41 percent) of businesses have emphasised the need for people to work in a physical workspace such as an office over the past year, according to a new pollOver two fifths (41 percent) of businesses have emphasised the need for people to work in a physical workspace such as an office over the past year, according to a new poll from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). While most of the firms (67 percent) who require onsite working say it hasn’t impacted recruitment or retention, one in ten relevant businesses (9 percent) have seen staff leave in response. (more…)

How AI is already changing the world of work

How AI is already changing the world of work

by • AI, Comment, Workplace

AI is already changing the world of work, but not everybody is reacting to it in the same way, writes Laura AndersonAI is rapidly transforming the world of work. That much is clear. Understanding how different generations are adapting to this shift is therefore crucial for any organisation looking to the future.  Our recent study focusing on the generational differences in attitudes towards some of today’s biggest topics sheds some light on what might be driving these trends. Perhaps the most important finding was that nearly two-thirds of Gen Z feel concerned about AI’s impact on their future (only Baby Boomers reported more concern) – even though over half are still using AI day to day. (more…)

Average length of London flex office agreements reaches a new high

Average length of London flex office agreements reaches a new high

by • News, Property

New research from CBRE has found that the average London flex office agreement now stands at 22 months, a record highNew research from CBRE has found that the average London flex office agreement now stands at 22 months, a record high since CBRE started tracking the data in 2020. In addition to longer commitments from occupiers, pricing in the capital has increased in recent years for best-in-class locations, with CBRE’s data showing H1 2025 rents in Mayfair & St James’s achieving an average of £315 per sq ft, and a top rate of £380 per sq ft, the highest in the UK. (more…)

Why winning the AI race starts with workforce readiness

Why winning the AI race starts with workforce readiness

by • AI, Comment, Workplace

While AI is heralded as a transformative force across industries, a quieter challenge threatens to slow its momentum: the growing shortage of skilled AI professionals. Behind the buzz of breakthroughs lies a stark reality — companies are racing to adopt AI, but many are leaving their people behind. Recent data shows the skills required for AI-exposed jobs are evolving 66 percent faster than for other roles — a dramatic leap from just 25 percent a year ago. The demand for AI talent is surging in the UK, where the job market is cooling off. Yet, as job postings requiring AI skills continue to climb, this only underscores a critical imbalance felt across the job market. (more…)

Poorly designed and managed workplaces costing the UK over £70 billion a year, report claims

Poorly designed and managed workplaces costing the UK over £70 billion a year, report claims

by • Facilities management, News, Workplace design

A new report suggests that the quality of workplace environments could have a significant impact on the UK’s economic performance.A new report suggests that the quality of workplace environments could have a significant impact on the UK’s economic performance. According to a new report published by facilities management company MITIE, ineffective workspaces may be costing the economy up to £71.4 billion in GDP each year. The study claims to highlight how various physical and environmental workplace factors can affect employee productivity. (more…)

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