Search Results for: environment

The real reason why your workplace strategy isn’t working

The real reason why your workplace strategy isn’t working

In a world where how we work keeps evolving, it’s worth stepping back to ask: What are you about as an organisation? Not your product. Not your structure. Your purpose. Your direction. Your why. What are you ultimately trying to achieve as an organisation and why? What’s the bigger outcome you’re working toward? How do you want your people, your customers, your industry to be different because you exist? These aren’t just philosophical questions. They’re practical ones because your answers shape everything including your strategy, your team structures and your culture.  It also shapes a seemingly straightforward question on your workplace strategy. (more…)

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

Circular design and human-centred innovation celebrated at BCO National Awards

An office built entirely on circular design principles, a 3,300 sq m living wall and the transformation of a Victorian infirmary into a modern workplace were among the projects recognised at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. Held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the event brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the office sector to celebrate excellence in workplace design, development and operation. (more…)

Britain’s AI ambitions face delays from planning and energy challenges, report warns

Britain’s AI ambitions face delays from planning and energy challenges, report warns

The UK risks losing momentum in the global race to build the infrastructure for AI because of planning and energy constraints, according to a new report from the Centre for British Progress think tank. The study, Unblocking AI Growth Zones, argues that outdated regulatory processes, environmental approvals and pressure on the electricity grid could slow or derail major data centre projects. The authors say that while private investment of more than £30 billion has been committed to new sites, barriers in the planning system may prevent projects from being delivered quickly enough to compete internationally. (more…)

Business leaders are told to move fast and break things. But sometimes they shouldn’t

Business leaders are told to move fast and break things. But sometimes they shouldn’t

Business leaders are often told to embrace uncertainty, shake things up, and move fast. But this mantra masks the dangers of disruption, which can just as easily harm as help.Business leaders are often told to embrace uncertainty, shake things up, and move fast. But this mantra masks the dangers of disruption, which can just as easily harm as help. In recent research with Richard Haynes, Ingo Marquart, and Hai Anh Vu, we examined a disruptive leadership approach called “annealing.” My summary view: Although annealing can prompt change and innovation, most leaders should pause and reflect before trying. (more…)

Mandates fail to bring people back to the office, but design and flexibility might

Mandates fail to bring people back to the office, but design and flexibility might

Rigid return-to-office mandates are doing little to increase attendance, according to new research from international design practice Hassell. The firm’s latest Workplace Futures Survey, titled The Mandate Mirage, suggests that the real motivator for people to work in person is choice, particularly when supported by offices designed to offer more than just a desk. The sixth edition of the survey, which polled 3,000 office workers across the UK, US, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea, finds that strict policies are more likely to generate dissatisfaction than compliance. In the UK, poorly executed mandates cut compliance by up to 41 percent, while organisations that offered bonuses or travel subsidies saw attendance increase by a third. Recently renovated offices also boosted in-person working by 15 percent. (more…)

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

Text to video GenAI will help drive energy consumption of OpenAI to same level as India

A new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developedA new study has raised concerns about the energy consumption of text-to-video (T2V) models, warning that the technology could become one of the most power-intensive forms of artificial intelligence yet developed. The research coincides with reports from within OpenAI that the firm’s energy consumption will match the current energy use of India within 8 years. The paper, Video Killed the Energy Budget: Characterizing the Latency and Power Regimes of Open Text-to-Video Models, published on the open research platform arXiv, presents a detailed analysis of the power usage of advanced open-source video generation systems. Conducted by researchers Julien Delavande, Régis Pierrard and Sasha Luccioni, the study benchmarks several models and quantifies the way in which video generation consumes energy. (more…)

Mitsubishi Estate announces £800 million London Southbank mixed use development

Mitsubishi Estate announces £800 million London Southbank mixed use development

The Japanese developer will deliver a 600,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme, to be called Vista, which will combine offices, studios, galleries and exhibition areas. As part of the development, 40,000 sq ft has been allocated as affordable workspace for creative businesses, a measure intended to support start-ups and smaller firms in the sector.Mitsubishi Estate has announced plans to invest £800 million in the redevelopment of the former ITV Studios site on London’s South Bank, a project that is expected to create 4,000 jobs and provide significant new space for the capital’s creative industries. The Japanese developer will deliver a 600,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme, to be called Vista, which will combine offices, studios, galleries and exhibition areas. As part of the development, 40,000 sq ft has been allocated as affordable workspace for creative businesses, a measure intended to support start-ups and smaller firms in the sector.

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Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

Exhibitors to look out for at Workspace Design Show in Amsterdam

This November, Workspace Design Show returns to RAI Amsterdam, Hall 5 with the theme Activate the Senses — transforming the exhibition floor into a vibrant journey through sound, light, texture, and space. Over two inspiring days, 5–6 November 2025, the Benelux workplace design community will gather to explore how multi-sensory design is reshaping the way we work. Alongside 150+ international exhibitors, visitors will encounter interactive features and installations created by the likes of Biophilic Design Academy, Casper Schwarz Architects, UNS, Mecanoo, and Tank Design. (more…)

Young people aren’t lazy or disloyal. They just expect different leadership

Young people aren’t lazy or disloyal. They just expect different leadership

As they join the workforce in greater numbers, this new cohort is helping to redefine what work and leadership meanFor decades, the idea of a “good job” was measured with a simple formula: a stable contract and competitive salary. That rule does not seem to hold in the same way for Generation Z, broadly understood as those born between 1995 and 2010. As they join the workforce in greater numbers, this new cohort is helping to redefine what work and leadership mean. Salary still matters, of course, particularly when it comes to gaining independence in a time of high living costs, but many young people no longer see pay as the decisive factor in choosing or staying in a job. Instead, they are attentive to whether companies are genuine in their values, whether their work carries purpose, and whether employers are aware of their social impact. (more…)

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

Global commission on healthy indoor air launches at United Nations

The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air qualityA new international initiative was launched in New York during Climate Week to address what experts describe as one of the most overlooked public health issues of our time. The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air has been formed to drive action on indoor air quality, bringing together nearly 170 leaders from over 30 countries across health, academia, business and the built environment. The Commission was announced at a United Nations side event and is backed by the International WELL Building Institute. Its members include former United States Surgeon General Dr Richard Carmona, leading scientists and researchers, deans of major universities, as well as executives and sustainability leaders from real estate, technology, and manufacturing. Architecture, engineering and building science are also strongly represented, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of the challenge. (more…)

Adoption of workplace AI is inconsistent and riddled with contradictions

Adoption of workplace AI is inconsistent and riddled with contradictions

New research claims to reveal the significant divides in how organisations are adopting artificial intelligence, with some reporting positive outcomes and others citing fear, risk and job losses.New research claims to reveal the significant divides in how organisations are adopting artificial intelligence, with some reporting positive outcomes and others citing fear, risk and job losses. The study, carried out by The Adaptavist Group as part of its latest Digital Etiquette: Unlocking the AI Gates report, surveyed 900 professionals responsible for introducing and onboarding workplace AI in the UK, US, Canada and Germany. It found a sharp split between the 42 percent of respondents who believe their company’s AI claims are over-inflated and the 36 percent who do not. (more…)

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

Bloom: Modular comfort for modern workspaces, introduced by Ocee and Four Design

The Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces - no matter how people like to workThe Bloom modular sofa system from Ocee & Four Design promises a new approach to flexible shared seating, perfect for modern workspaces – no matter how people like to work. With single-sided and double-sided seating options, Bloom invites conversation, collaboration and comfort from every angle. Made with 19 different modules, Bloom can adapt alongside the needs of any organisation – evolving with environments to keep pace with ever-changing commercial trends and demands. Featuring active seating zones integrated into the rear of single units, Bloom encourages spontaneous moments of pause. It is ideal for informal interactions in modern workspaces, hospitality and public settings. (more…)