Search Results for: finance

Workplace AI doesn’t appear to be having a negative effect on wellbeing for now, research suggests

Workplace AI doesn’t appear to be having a negative effect on wellbeing for now, research suggests

by • AI, News, Wellbeing

A new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports offers a cautiously optimistic view of how artificial intelligence is affecting workers’ wellbeingA new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports offers a cautiously optimistic view of how artificial intelligence is affecting workers’ wellbeing. Contrary to common fears, the research finds no clear evidence that AI exposure is harming workers’ mental health or job satisfaction. In some cases, it may even be contributing to small improvements in physical health, particularly among workers without a college degree. (more…)

Data centres are the real powerhouses behind AI

Data centres are the real powerhouses behind AI

by • AI, Comment

For many year data centres have remained anonymous and physically low-key with a light air of mystery and suspicion around what actually happens in these technical boxes on the landscape. Yet, they are so vital to our lives, and this is only set to increase as the players in the datacentre world need to stand up to be counted.The Datacloud Global Congress took place during the first week of June, handily nestled between BCO Milan and London Tech week where the government announced an £86 billion boost to science and tech, with the intention of propelling Britain to world-leading status for research and innovation. These are three events with very different content, yet are also intrinsically linked for progressive and high performance societies and organisations. This was the 20th anniversary of Datacloud Global Congress, the flagship event for the sector – “mipim for data centres” some say. (more…)

Half of company directors think their board is of no value to the business

Half of company directors think their board is of no value to the business

by • Business, News

Almost half (46 percent) of company directors in the US and UK think their boards do not add enough value to their organisation. according to the Board Value Index from Board Intelligence.Almost half (46 percent) of company directors in the US and UK think their boards do not add enough value to their organisation, according to the Board Value Index from Board Intelligence. The Board Value Index is based on responses from more than 200 executive and non-executive directors from companies with over $50 million in turnover across the UK and US. Almost a third (31 percent) of directors surveyed said that their board adds no value at all, with half of that group believing their board is actively holding their organisation back. (more…)

Young women say they need help to escape the trap of insecure work

Young women say they need help to escape the trap of insecure work

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing, Workplace

New research from Young Women’s Trust suggests that insecure workers are feeling trapped, disposable, undervalued and unprotectedYoung women are urging employers to improve flexibility, provide more notice of shift rotas and cancellations, and invest in training and skills development for workers on zero-hours and fixed-term contracts – as new research from Young Women’s Trust suggests that insecure workers are feeling trapped, disposable, undervalued and unprotected. Young women are one of the groups most exposed to the challenges of insecure work because they’re more likely to enter the industries that use it. They’re also paid less than men in insecure jobs. On top of this, there’s a ‘sticky floor’ effect whereby young women feel trapped and unable to leave – almost 3 in 10 (27 percent) said that they don’t feel confident enough to move out of insecure work when they want or need to. Many also cited the lack of opportunities to develop their skills leaving them feeling ill equipped to find permanent employment. (more…)

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

by • Furniture, News

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for GrowthThe British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document supports BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members. (more…)

New research claims there is a lack of support for many neurodiverse employees

New research claims there is a lack of support for many neurodiverse employees

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

nearly one in three neurodiverse employees are dissatisfied with the support they receive from their employerA significant proportion of employees feel unsupported in the workplace when it comes to neurodiversity, according to new research from City & Guilds. The organisation’s latest annual Neurodiversity Index 2025 reveals that nearly one in three neurodiverse employees are dissatisfied with the support they receive from their employer, while over a third of neurodivergent respondents reported that they had no onboarding support when starting their jobs. (more…)

A better focus on workplace wellbeing could add around £1 billion to UK economy, report claims

A better focus on workplace wellbeing could add around £1 billion to UK economy, report claims

by • News, Wellbeing

The commission's report on workplace wellbeing argues that a proactive and preventive approach to employee health could prevent at least 100,000 people from exiting the workforce over the next five years, potentially saving the government over £1 billion during this period.Enhancing support for individuals with health conditions to remain in employment could lead to significant economic benefits for the United Kingdom, according to a new report from the Commission for Healthier Working Lives. The commission’s report on workplace wellbeing argues that a proactive and preventive approach to employee health could prevent at least 100,000 people from exiting the workforce over the next five years, potentially saving the government over £1 billion during this period. (more…)

Demand for high quality office space continues to grow worldwide, and so do its costs

Demand for high quality office space continues to grow worldwide, and so do its costs

by • News, Property, Workplace design

Rents for prime office space across the globe rose by 0.3 percent and fit out costs by 0.2 percent in the final quarter of 2024, says SavillsRents for prime office space across the globe rose by 0.3 percent and fit out costs by 0.2 percent in the final quarter of 2024, says Savills, as demand for top quality office space continues to grow in many markets around the world. According to Savills in its latest quarterly Prime Office Costs report, in the fourth quarter of last year, average net effective costs rose slightly, by 0.1 percent, continuing a moderate upwards trend of 1.9 percent over 2024. London (West End), Hong Kong, and New York (Midtown) remain the top three locations in terms of costs of the 35 markets Savills examines. (more…)

Third of people hide their use of workplace AI from employers

Third of people hide their use of workplace AI from employers

by • AI

35 percent of workers admit to using workplace AI covertly to do tasks they were supposed to do themselves and didn’t tell their boss aboutA new poll from Access Group claims that 35 percent of workers admit to using workplace AI covertly to do tasks they were supposed to do themselves and didn’t tell their boss about, posing questions about the security of AI in the workplace. This figure jumps to 55 percent among 18-29 year-olds, with over a quarter (26 percent) confessing they’ve done this ‘many times’. In contrast, only 14 percent of over-60s admit to having used AI to gain an advantage. (more…)

Economic and political uncertainty continue to dampen commercial property market sentiment

Economic and political uncertainty continue to dampen commercial property market sentiment

by • News, Property

The outlook for the European commercial property market is cautiously optimistic despite growing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about economic growthThe outlook for the European commercial property market is cautiously optimistic despite growing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about economic growth, with London, Madrid and Paris emerging as the standout performers, according to a new report by PwC and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The report – Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2025 outlines how market players believe ‘a new normal’ is emerging as valuations have come down and interest rates regain some level of predictability in a market characterised by higher inflation and interest rates, and geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This led to more than 80 percent of survey respondents expecting business confidence and profits to stay the same or rise in 2025, with around half predicting increases in both. (more…)

The rise of the part time office opens up a new frontier for market growth

The rise of the part time office opens up a new frontier for market growth

by • Comment, Flexible working, Property

The part-time office offers companies the ability to rent office spaces on a part-time basis, writes David RawlenceAs businesses, large and small, continue to adapt to post-pandemic realities, the demand for flexible working solutions continues to surge. The part-time office offers companies the ability to rent office spaces on a part-time basis—often for just one to three days a week— whilst opening a unique opportunity for occupiers, landlords, operators, and investors. (more…)

Bosses are too cocky when it comes to modern risks to their businesses

Bosses are too cocky when it comes to modern risks to their businesses

by • Business, News

CEOs face sleepwalking into reputational disaster through over-confidence which masks inadequate crisis planning to mitigate modern day risksCEOs face sleepwalking into reputational disaster through a concerning over-confidence which masks inadequate crisis planning to mitigate modern day risks, according to a new report [registration] from PHA Group. The survey questioned 150 CEOs across the UK’s £240bn professional services sector on confidence and planning in navigating business critical issues. Examining issues from workforce management and whistleblowing to climate change and regulation, CEOs from law firms, insurance, finance and accounting, consultancy and recruitment conveyed confidence but also revealed a lack of investment and planning. (more…)

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