Search Results for: financial

Two thirds of working parents considering quitting because of childcare costs

Two thirds of working parents considering quitting because of childcare costs

More than two-thirds (70 percent) of working parents in the UK have quit or are considering quitting their job due to lack of affordable childcare optionsMore than two-thirds (70 percent) of working parents in the UK have quit or are considering quitting their job due to lack of affordable childcare options, according to a new poll from Remote. The research explores the financial and mental impact return to office mandates and a lack of flexible hours has on parents, as well as outlining the consequences of what the report calls  the ‘Working Parents Crisis’ on the UK’s workforce shortages.   More →

London office market sees sharp decline in leasing activity

London office market sees sharp decline in leasing activity

The London office leasing market kicked off 2024 with a significant downturn, according to a new report from Devono.The London office leasing market kicked off 2024 with a significant downturn, according to a new report from Devono. After a strong end to 2023, leasing activity plummeted by 45 percent in the first quarter, with only 2.3 million sq ft of space leased. This falls short of the 5-year average for Q1 and marks the lowest total since late 2022. The report attributes the decline to a combination of economic factors, including a recent recession and rising inflation. Businesses are cautious about committing to new office space in this uncertain climate. More →

People are more loyal to employers in the Asia Pacific region than Europe and the US

People are more loyal to employers in the Asia Pacific region than Europe and the US

Employees’ commitment to their employer varies greatly by region, a new global report has foundEmployees’ commitment to their employer varies greatly by region, a new global report has found. According to nudge’s annual Global Financial Wellbeing Report [registration], which surveyed 11,500+ people around the world, how valued employees feel at work varies significantly from East to West. In Europe, attitudes appear to be more cynical in relation to loyalty in the workplace. Two thirds (66 percent) of employees in the UK believe that companies view workers as ‘interchangeable’ and ‘easily replaceable’, followed closely by France (62 percent), Spain (58 percent) and Italy (54 percent). More →

MIT professor pours cold water on the prevailing hype about AI and the economy

MIT professor pours cold water on the prevailing hype about AI and the economy

A study by MIT economist Daron Acemoglu appears to challenge the prevailing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its economic impactA study by MIT economist Daron Acemoglu appears to challenge the prevailing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its economic impact. While many experts predict a future fuelled by AI-driven productivity booms and reduced inequality, Acemoglu’s research paints a more cautious picture. His findings suggest that AI’s impact on productivity and inequality may be far less dramatic than anticipated, and could even exacerbate the gap between the rich and the poor. More →

Not luddite dinosaurs but the sensible voice of caution on AI. And you need to listen

Not luddite dinosaurs but the sensible voice of caution on AI. And you need to listen

In my line of work, it is easy to get away with not being au fait with technology. Having previously laughed off my ineptitude saying ‘there’s a reason I work with people not machines!’ I never considered I had a place in the realm of all things IT and computers. Until I discovered AI. More specifically, Deep Neural Networks. With a specialism in Neuropsychology, I was intrigued by a discipline that aimed to recreate that which we barely understand; the human brain. One of my favourite (and most frustrating) realisations when I began studying more than twenty years ago, was that I could dedicate myself to learning about the human brain 24/7 for the rest of my life… and still barely scratch the surface. Yet here was an AI community telling me they could recreate it. I was beyond intrigued and so began my unexpected delve into the world of all things machine learning and I haven’t looked back. More →

Major US firms scammed by massive North Korean remote work laptop farm

Major US firms scammed by massive North Korean remote work laptop farm

A massive remote work scam may have fooled hundreds of US companies into hiring North Koreans. US prosecutors have accused North Korean nationals of infiltrating over 300 US companies, including Fortune 500 giants using a so-called laptop farm. The elaborate scheme, facilitated by an American accomplice, allegedly saw millions of dollars funnelled back to the sanctioned nation. More →

Seven industry associations join forces to develop  real estate carbon pricing strategy

Seven industry associations join forces to develop real estate carbon pricing strategy

Seven real estate industry associations have announced a new taskforce to develop a comprehensive carbon pricing strategy for the sectorSeven real estate industry associations have announced a new taskforce to develop a comprehensive carbon pricing strategy for the sector that takes a value chain perspective and enables pricing to be incorporated into investment decision making and accelerate its adoption. More →

Wellworking recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work

Wellworking recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work

Wellworking, an award-winning UK supplier of home and office furniture and specialist in workplace wellbeing, has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. This prestigious nationwide workplace survey celebrates Britain’s top employers, and highlights where employee happiness and wellbeing is prioritised. More →

Firms growing concerned about increase in litigation

Firms growing concerned about increase in litigation

 

Seven in ten (71 percent) UK businesses are concerned about rising business litigation, with nearly three quarters (72 percent) reporting an increase in cases brought against their companies over the past five years and three in five (60 percent) anticipating a further rise over the next 12 months, according to a new poll from insurance broker Gallagher. The multi-sector survey of 764 business leaders claims to have found an upsurge in litigation is being driven by a number of factors, notably the rising cost of living (47 percent), economic instability (36 percent) and a more litigious UK society generally (35 percent). More →

Commuting costs continue to put strain on office worker finances

Commuting costs continue to put strain on office worker finances

UK employees are suffering higher cost-of-living expenses, especially due to transportation costs and tensions may rise as many companies enforce return-to-office policies. That is according to the latest study conducted by Capterra on 248 U.K. employees, the majority (69 percent) say their work-related costs have increased over the past 12 months, especially the price of groceries (95 percent), utilities (85 percent), eating out (78 percent), and petrol (63 percent). More →

Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace success

Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace success

A new poll from BSI claims that employee health and employer flexibility are key elements to harness a future age-diverse workforce. Evolving Together: Flourishing in the age-diverse workforce considers how today’s business leaders think businesses and policymakers can respond to demographic changes to enable individuals to thrive and organizations to grow as greater numbers work beyond the age of 65. More →

Bisley extends colour palette with three new hues

Bisley extends colour palette with three new hues

British furniture brand Bisley has introduced three new shades to its curated colour palette. Through a meticulous selection process, the furniture manufacturer chose shades that would enhance its existing colour palette to offer customers even greater choice when purchasing furniture for their homes. The new hues, Marine Green, Berry and Natural Canvas take influence from emerging trends in fashion and interiors. They are alluring as individual shades, but can also complement each other when used together, forming a contemporary colour palette. Additionally, each of the new shades align with existing Bisley colours to create micro collections, giving greater versatility to the range. More →