Search Results for: employee experience

Where flexible working employees really want to work? Starbucks.

Starbucks CafeLeaving aside the fact that most surveys are designed to further the commercial interests of the firms that commission them, most offer a deal of insight into what drives people and organisations, some of it unwitting. Most telling are often the specific details that lift the veil on the motivations and attitudes of individuals. So it was with a recent survey from Overbury that headlined on the idea that poorly designed offices hamper creativity, but also contained a question that was answered in a way which suggested that the place most staff would like to work would be something akin to their local Starbucks.

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Employee burnout commonplace in third of UK companies

Burnout

Employee burnout is endemic within a third of UK organisations. According to new research from recruitment specialist Robert Half UK three out of ten (30 per cent) UK HR directors reported high levels of employee burnout, which rises to more than a third (35 per cent) for those in London and the South East and publicly listed companies. Two thirds (67 per cent) of UK HR directors cite “workload” as the primary reason for employee burnout, although this figure rises to three quarters (75 per cent) for large and 73 per cent for public sector companies. (more…)

Better offices for all as occupiers shift focus away from cost cutting

Better offices for all as occupiers shift focus away from cost cutting

New research suggests a worldwide shift in workplace strategy, with portfolio optimisation (better offices basically) now the top priority for corporate real estate leaders, overtaking cost reduction for the first time.New research suggests a worldwide shift in workplace strategy, with portfolio optimisation and better offices now the top priorities for corporate real estate leaders, overtaking cost reduction for the first time. JLL’s 2025 Occupancy Planning Benchmark Report found that 73 percent of respondents identified portfolio optimisation as their main focus, compared with 70 percent who cited cost reduction and improved reporting. (more…)

Cities must embrace the radical retrofit of buildings to meet future challenges

Cities must embrace the radical retrofit of buildings to meet future challenges

The Radical Retrofit report by Economist Impact, supported by JLL, argues that making cities more sustainable and resilient will depend on retrofits that improve safety, health and accessibility, while also driving economic valueAs cities continue to grow, the pressure on infrastructure, resources and the environment is intensifying. A new global study warns that urban centres must move beyond new construction and reimagine the buildings they already have. Retrofitting – enhancing and upgrading existing structures -is emerging as a key strategy to cut emissions, improve energy performance and boost urban liveability. The Radical Retrofit report by Economist Impact, supported by JLL, argues that making cities more sustainable and resilient will depend on retrofits that improve safety, health and accessibility, while also driving economic value. Though still in its early stages, the movement is gaining traction across global cities such as Singapore, New York, Paris and Dubai. Yet the pace must accelerate dramatically from today’s retrofit rate of 1 percent per year to at least 3 percent to align with net-zero goals. (more…)

Office utilisation reaches equilibrium, and demands a rethink of workplace strategy

Office utilisation reaches equilibrium, and demands a rethink of workplace strategy

The British Council for Offices (BCO) has published a new report which claims that while office utilisation rates have stabilised, there has been a fundamental shift in how offices are usedThe British Council for Offices (BCO) has published a new report which claims that while office utilisation rates have stabilised, there has been a fundamental shift in how offices are used, with major implications for developers, investors and occupiers. The report, authored by Nigel Oseland of Workplace Unlimited, shows that the long-standing benchmark of 80 percent office utilisation is no longer fit for purpose. Post-pandemic data suggests a more realistic, but nevertheless conservative, figure of 66 percent equating to an effective density of 15 sq. m per occupant, up from the previous 12.5 sq. m. This recalibration reflects a maturing flexible working model that empowers organisations to right-size their space, reduce waste and enhance employee experience. With high-profile organisations in financial services and the public sector under the spotlight for space misalignment, the report offers timely, evidence-based guidance for the sector. (more…)

Occupiers seek broader value from workplace strategies

Occupiers seek broader value from workplace strategies

A new report from Cushman & Wakefield, in partnership with CoreNet Global, claims to highlight how corporate occupiers are adjusting their real estate and workplace strategies in response to ongoing cost pressures and shifting organisational prioritiesA new report from Cushman & Wakefield, in partnership with CoreNet Global, claims to highlight how corporate occupiers are adjusting their real estate and workplace strategies in response to ongoing cost pressures and shifting organisational priorities. The What Occupiers Want 2025 survey is based on responses from over 230 senior real estate leaders across global markets. While cost remains the primary driver of decision-making, the findings suggest that occupiers are placing increased emphasis on performance, employee experience and long-term value. (more…)

The pace of office downsizing appears to be slowing to a stop

The pace of office downsizing appears to be slowing to a stop

The majority of organisations have already reduced their real estate footprint – but the pace of office downsizing is slowingA new report from Leesman claims that the sharp reductions in office space seen in last five years may now be levelling off. According to the Focus Forward study, which draws on data from 132 senior corporate real estate (CRE) leaders worldwide, the majority of organisations have already reduced their real estate footprint – but the pace of office downsizing is slowing. The report states that 68 percent of organisations surveyed had downsized over the previous 18 months. However, only 49 percent said they intended to reduce space in the next 18 months. Of those, just 11 percent anticipated what the report refers to as “considerable” reductions. (more…)

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better.Over the past decade, amenity has evolved from a ‘nice to have’ to a key part of any office building strategy. In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better. The most successful amenity strategies aren’t defined by volume, novelty, or trend. They’re defined by relevance: to the building, the occupier, and the wider market context. When poorly thought through, amenity can become a sunk cost. When well-executed, it can drive rental growth, increase tenant satisfaction, and support leasing velocity. (more…)

Workforce pressures spark calls for merger between HR and IT functions (say IT bosses)

Workforce pressures spark calls for merger between HR and IT functions (say IT bosses)

A growing number of IT leaders believe the solution to declining productivity and rising digital complexity in the workplace could lie in merging HR and IT departmentsA growing number of IT leaders believe the solution to declining productivity and rising digital complexity in the workplace could lie in merging HR and IT departments, according to a new poll. A global study by digital employee experience firm Nexthink, based on a survey of 1,100 IT leaders, found that 93 percent of respondents believe closer integration between the two functions would improve productivity, employee engagement and satisfaction. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) predict a full merger between HR and IT will take place within five years, while a further 31 percent expect significantly closer collaboration. (more…)

Only half of Europeans say they work in psychologically healthy workplaces

Only half of Europeans say they work in psychologically healthy workplaces

Only a little over half of employees across Europe believe they work in psychologically healthy workplaces, according to a new pollOnly a little over half of employees across Europe believe they work in psychologically healthy workplaces, according to a new poll from Great Place To Work [registration]. The research, which surveyed nearly 25,000 employees across 19 countries, highlights significant disparities between industries and regions, with the UK falling slightly below the European average. The authors argue that, while many organisations have recognised the importance of fostering mentally healthy workplaces, the survey suggests that progress remains slow. (more…)

Small businesses remain upbeat about flexible working

Small businesses remain upbeat about flexible working

More than 80 percent of SME decision makers expect to see positive outcomes to their workforce from policy changes to flexible working rulesMore than 80 percent of SME decision makers expect to see positive outcomes to their workforce from policy changes to flexible working rules, a new poll  from NatWest Mentor suggests. In April 2024, under the previous Conservative government, new flexible working legislation was introduced across England, Scotland and Wales creating significant changes to how employees make flexible working requests and how employers must respond. (more…)

Working life in 2024 is defined by stress, poor management and loneliness

Working life in 2024 is defined by stress, poor management and loneliness

Despite living in an era of progress, people feel that stress, disengagement, and declining mental health are prominent in daily working lifeThe 2024 State of the Global Workplace report by Gallup sets out to provide a comprehensive analysis of employee experiences worldwide, revealing a large number of people who feel they are under increasing strain. Despite living in an era of remarkable technological and economic advancements, workers face significant challenges, with stress, disengagement, and declining mental health prominent in people’s daily working life. The report suggests that 41 percent of employees experience high levels of daily stress, with poor management practices being a major contributing factor. One in five workers report daily loneliness, an issue particularly pronounced among remote employees. (more…)