Search Results for: economic

BCO calls for paradigm shift as regional cities fall behind on sustainable offices

BCO calls for paradigm shift as regional cities fall behind on sustainable offices

by • Environment, News, Property

A widening gap in the availability of highly sustainable offices across the UK is putting the economic prospects of smaller regional cities at risk and could undermine national net-zero goalsA widening gap in the availability of highly sustainable offices across the UK is putting the economic prospects of smaller regional cities at risk and could undermine national net-zero goals, according to new research from the British Council for Offices. The report, Viability and Sustainability in the Regions, warns that a large share of office space outside major centres may become economically obsolete if current trends continue. It suggests this could lead to what it describes as “sustainability gentrification”, with organisations unable to find space that meets their ESG commitments in cities such as Exeter, Newcastle and Sheffield. (more…)

Health Secretary orders review into acceleration in mental health diagnoses

Health Secretary orders review into acceleration in mental health diagnoses

by • News, Wellbeing

The UK government has commissioned an independent review into the rise in mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, reflecting growing concern about the number of people leaving the workforce because of conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.The UK government has commissioned an independent review into the rise in mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, reflecting growing concern about the number of people leaving the workforce because of conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The announcement signals a renewed focus on welfare spending and the wider economic impact of long-term sickness, with ministers arguing that too many people are becoming detached from work for reasons that may not always require formal medical intervention. (more…)

Flexible working continues to be the enduring theme of workplace conversations

Flexible working continues to be the enduring theme of workplace conversations

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

Economic uncertainty and rapid technological change are reshaping expectations for both employers and employees, with flexible working continuing to be underlying themeEconomic uncertainty and rapid technological change are reshaping expectations for both employers and employees, with flexible working continuing to be underlying theme of most workplace conversations. According to the 2025 Global Workplace Report from WorkL based on feedback from more than half a million employees across over one hundred countries, there are also widening divides between generations, differing attitudes towards career ambition and a continued rise in anxiety linked to automation. (more…)

Time to admit we were wrong about Canary Wharf and other business districts

Time to admit we were wrong about Canary Wharf and other business districts

by • Features, Flexible working, Property

There was a time during and after the pandemic when it looked like time was up for the world’s major business districts. For a start Canary Wharf looked like it would need to completely reinvent itself as firms started to relocate to smaller more central premises. Instead of housing tenants such as HSBC it would focus on becoming a mixed-use space with more homes and leisure facilities. Hell, we even published a feature setting that all out ourselves. But it’s funny how things turn out. The latest news is JP Morgan’s announcement of a vast new headquarters building in the area. The bank, already one of the largest employers in the UK financial sector, has confirmed plans for a three million sq ft tower on the waterfront that will accommodate 12,000 staff and represent an investment estimated at £3 billion. (more…)

AI and robotics could replace as many as 40 percent of US jobs, McKinsey report suggests

AI and robotics could replace as many as 40 percent of US jobs, McKinsey report suggests

by • AI, News

A new analysis from the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that about forty percent of jobs in the United States could be carried out by AI and robots if organisations chose to redesign how work is doneA new analysis from the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that about forty percent of jobs in the United States could be carried out by artificial intelligence (AI) and robots if organisations chose to redesign how work is done. The report claims that existing technology is already capable of automating more than half of all work hours across a wide range of roles, spanning both manual and cognitive tasks. (more…)

Shift to a low carbon economy could create millions of jobs but risks widening global divides

Shift to a low carbon economy could create millions of jobs but risks widening global divides

by • Environment, News

The shift to a low carbon economy is expected to reshape labour markets across the world over the next five years, with almost 14.4 million jobs set to be affected by 2030The shift to a low carbon economy is expected to reshape labour markets across the world over the next five years, with almost 14.4 million jobs set to be affected by 2030, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. The research suggests that while 2.4 million roles will be phased out, the emergence of new industries and technologies will generate around 12 million new positions, resulting in a net gain of 9.6 million jobs. Yet the report warns that the scale of disruption, combined with persistent economic and geopolitical pressures, could deepen existing inequalities both within and between countries. (more…)

Stress accounts for a quarter of UK short term workplace absence

Stress accounts for a quarter of UK short term workplace absence

by • News, Wellbeing

Stress now accounts for more than a quarter of short term workplace absence in the UK, according to new research from Simplyhealth and the CIPD.Stress now accounts for more than a quarter of short term workplace absence in the UK, according to new research from Simplyhealth and the CIPD. The latest edition of the Health and Wellbeing at Work report, one of the most extensive surveys of its kind, shows that 26 percent of short term absences are attributed to stress. The authors also suggest that almost two thirds of HR professionals reported stress related absence in their organisation during the past year. (more…)

World’s business districts regain strength but face ongoing challenges

World’s business districts regain strength but face ongoing challenges

by • News, Property

The world’s major business districts are recovering their appeal after the disruption of Covid-19, according to new research from EY and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The 2025 Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report shows that nearly two thirds of surveyed stakeholders now consider these districts more attractive than before the pandemic. The study assesses 30 leading districts across Europe, North America and Asia using 2,400 data points measuring macroeconomic performance, talent, real estate, innovation and sustainability. The findings suggest that long-established hubs retain their dominance, with Midtown Manhattan, the Financial District in New York, Tokyo Marunouchi, Paris La Défense (pictured) and the City of London occupying the top five positions. Collectively, the districts generate USD 4.5 trillion in annual GDP and provide more than seven million jobs. (more…)

Younger workers are upbeat about career prospects but expect more from employers

Younger workers are upbeat about career prospects but expect more from employers

by • News, Technology, Workplace

Younger workers are the most optimistic about their career prospects but also the most likely to look for new opportunities if their ambitions are not met,Younger workers are the most optimistic about their career prospects but also the most likely to look for new opportunities if their ambitions are not met, according to PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey. The study, which gathered responses from 2,023 UK employees across 28 sectors, found that 62 percent of Generation Z professionals (aged 18 to 28) feel optimistic about the future of their roles, almost double the proportion of Generation X workers at 35 percent. Despite economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Gen Z also show the highest levels of motivation, with 71 percent saying they look forward to going to work compared to 55 percent of Gen X respondents. (more…)

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

Government issues new guidance on managing surplus property

by • News, Property

The UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estateThe UK Cabinet Office has published updated functional guidance titled Managing Surplus Government Property, setting out how government departments should identify, evaluate and dispose of surplus real estate within the central government estate. The document was released on 10 November 2025. The guidance replaces the earlier Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land and reflects a broadened scope, placing greater emphasis on reviewing multiple options and combining factors when considering disposal or reuse of property assets. (more…)

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

by • News, Technology, Wellbeing, Workplace

A quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplaceA quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplace, according to new research commissioned by Investors in People. The nationally representative survey, conducted by Censuswide, found that nearly 20 percent of workers feel worn down by the volume of organisational change. More than a third said they can cope but find it increasingly exhausting. The findings form part of Investors in People’s latest white paper, Finding the Frequency [registration], which explores how British organisations can manage change more effectively and build resilience among employees. (more…)

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

UK regions receive additional £20 million to support science and technology growth

by • News, Property, Technology

Three UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South EastThree UK regions will receive an additional £20 million each to support science and technology development as part of a government initiative to drive innovation outside London and the South East. The Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City regions will see their total funding rise to £50 million each through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The announcement coincides with the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, where government ministers, local leaders and business representatives are discussing ways to strengthen regional economies through research, innovation and private investment. The funding is intended to help local partnerships expand projects in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences, translating research activity into commercial growth. (more…)

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