Search Results for: environments

The coming year will see a recalibration of the workplace, report suggests

The coming year will see a recalibration of the workplace, report suggests

by • News, Workplace

WORKTECH Academy has published a new trends report setting out what it describes as the key forces reshaping work, workplace and workforce strategy in 2026.WORKTECH Academy has published a new trends report setting out what it describes as the key forces reshaping work, workplace and workforce strategy in 2026. The report, The World of Work in 2026, claims to identify twenty trends grouped into four “megatrends”: Human Performance Reset, Workplaces Without Walls, Sustainable Growth and Back to Basics. Together, they suggest organisations are moving away from short-term fixes and “spectacle”, and towards building long-term resilience through adaptability and human capability. (more…)

Fashion has an unexpected influence on commercial interior design

Fashion has an unexpected influence on commercial interior design

by • Comment, Workplace design

Fashion and interior design have always moved in parallel, reflecting both personal identity and the emerging needs of societyFashion and interior design have always moved in parallel, reflecting both personal identity and the emerging needs of society. For example, corporate dress codes shifted to be more relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic, coinciding with the increase in remote and hybrid working patterns. This relationship is more visible than ever, as the aesthetics of today’s fashion week runways, and the re-emergence of mid-century design come full circle to influence the look and feel of our commercial office spaces. (more…)

Sleepless nights are taking a toll on UK workers

Sleepless nights are taking a toll on UK workers

by • News, Wellbeing

Widespread sleepless nights are undermining workplace performance across the UK according to findings of a survey released by the Mental Health FoundationWidespread sleepless nights are undermining workplace performance across the UK according to findings of a survey released by the Mental Health Foundation. The poll of 2000 UK adults aged 18+ found that the average person only gets three nights of good quality sleep per week.  This lack of meaningful rest has resulted in one in three UK workers (33 percent) admitting that poor sleep makes it harder to concentrate at work while more than one in five (22 percent) shared that tiredness has led them to make more mistakes than usual. One in eight respondents (13 percent) reported having fallen asleep at work. (more…)

How leadership can drive positive changes in workplaces

How leadership can drive positive changes in workplaces

by • Company news, Workplace

Leadership has the power to reconnect people to their workplaces, rebuild trust, and create environments where employees feel motivated to contribute.The contemporary American professional landscape is at a turning point. While people are sticking with their employers, they feel more disconnected than ever. Gallup calls this the ‘Great Detachment’. (more…)

Ninth Workplace Design Conference in Ljubljana to explore positive workplace change

Ninth Workplace Design Conference in Ljubljana to explore positive workplace change

by • Company news, Events, Workplace design

The ninth annual Workplace Design Conference has been confirmed for Thursday, 8 October 2026, with organisers announcing that WDC26 will take place at Ljubljana Castle, one of Slovenia’s most recognisable cultural landmarks. Hosted in the professionally equipped Hribar Hall, high above Ljubljana’s Old Town, the conference will once again bring together an international audience of workplace strategists, business leaders, designers, consultants and solution providers to explore how the design of work environments can support performance, productivity and positive organisational change. (more…)

A new study suggests that GenAI really is addling your brain

A new study suggests that GenAI really is addling your brain

by • AI, News, Wellbeing

A new study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has raised questions about the potential impact of artificial intelligence tools on critical thinking and learning, particularly when GenAI is used as substitutes for cognitive effort rather than as supports for it.A new study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has raised questions about the potential impact of artificial intelligence tools on critical thinking and learning, particularly when GenAI is used as a substitute for cognitive effort rather than as an assistant. The researchers examined how the use of large language models affects brain activity, memory and skill development over time. Although the findings have yet to undergo peer review and are based on a relatively small sample, the authors say they chose to release the results early because of the speed with which AI tools are being adopted in education and knowledge work. (more…)

Life at the coalface: How the agile workplace first appeared in the mid 20th Century

Life at the coalface: How the agile workplace first appeared in the mid 20th Century

by • Comment, Wellbeing, Workplace design

agile working began in the coal fields of NottinghamshireThe idea of diffusion of innovation has become so embedded in our culture, and most recently so associated with the adoption of new technology, that we might assume it happens in predictable ways. The steps between innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards seem intuitive and certain even when their peaks might be unsure. And yet history teaches us that sometimes new ideas can take years or even decades to take hold, even when they are potentially world-changing and relevant for the era in which they were formulated. (more…)

Beyond compliance: how the EU Accessibility Act will redefine workplace inclusion

Beyond compliance: how the EU Accessibility Act will redefine workplace inclusion

by • Comment, Workplace

he European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into effect on 28 June 2025. Since that date, any new product or service entering the EU market must meet common accessibility requirements. It’s a significant step toward ensuring that Europe’s 87 million people living with disabilities can use everyday products and services fully and confidently and will have a profound effect on workplace inclusion.The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into effect on 28 June 2025. Since that date, any new product or service entering the EU market must meet common accessibility requirements. It’s a significant step toward ensuring that Europe’s 87 million people living with disabilities can use everyday products and services fully and confidently and will have a profound effect on workplace inclusion. The Act is designed to support both individuals and businesses. Until now, accessibility laws have varied widely across member states, creating unnecessary complexity for organisations and uneven experiences for people with disabilities. (more…)

Neuroinclusive workspace design – addressing the current industry shortfalls

Neuroinclusive workspace design – addressing the current industry shortfalls

by • Comment, Workplace design

There is one area which is emerging as the next critical evolution in workplace strategy: neuroinclusive workplace designIn recent years, there have been significant developments in making workplaces more inclusive and accessible for a diverse range of individuals. However, there is one area which is emerging as the next critical evolution in workplace strategy: neuroinclusive workplace design. Neurodivergent employees often bring unique strengths in areas like innovative problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional pattern recognition, but many workplaces are still failing to adequately accommodate these individuals. (more…)

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…)

JLL sets out the five key corporate real estate trends for next year

JLL sets out the five key corporate real estate trends for next year

by • News, Property

A new analysis from JLL claims to highlight how global occupiers are rethinking corporate real estate as a strategic tool for talent, culture and performanceA new analysis from JLL claims to highlight how global occupiers are rethinking corporate real estate as a strategic tool for talent, culture and performance rather than treating it purely as a cost. The report identifies five priorities expected to influence workplace strategy in the year ahead, reflecting continued pressure on portfolios alongside rising expectations for employee experience and sustainability. JLL says organisations are increasingly shifting to more flexible “elastic portfolios” as they look to balance cost control with growth. Office utilisation remains well below target levels, prompting a move away from long, fixed leases in favour of portfolios that can expand or contract according to market conditions, workforce needs or new business opportunities. The firm argues that portfolio management is now closer to a continuous process than a periodic exercise.

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Call for accessible design for laboratories to make sure organisations don’t miss out on talent

Call for accessible design for laboratories to make sure organisations don’t miss out on talent

by • News, Workplace design

The Royal Society of Chemistry has called for urgent changes to the accessible design and culture of laboratory spaces after a new report revealed widespread barriers facing disabled researchers.The Royal Society of Chemistry has called for urgent changes to the design and culture of laboratory spaces after a new report revealed widespread barriers facing disabled researchers. The organisation warns that the chemical sciences could lose out on major discoveries unless universities, industry and policymakers act to create more inclusive environments. The Disability-Inclusive Laboratories in the Chemical Sciences report draws on contributions from more than 400 chemists and sets out a detailed picture of the physical, cultural and organisational obstacles that shape disabled scientists’ careers. According to the findings, almost a third of disabled chemists have experienced bullying or discrimination linked to disability, while more than a quarter say they do not feel a sense of belonging at work. Three-quarters report a lack of awareness among colleagues about their support needs. (more…)

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