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Slow progress on sustainable buildings, RICS report claims

Slow progress on sustainable buildings, RICS report claims

While demand for sustainable buildings and investment remains steady, particularly in regions such as Europe, significant gaps persist in terms of skills, knowledge, and financial incentivesThe latest sustainability report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) highlights the continued challenge of embedding sustainable practices within the built environment, despite some signs of progress. While demand for sustainable buildings and investment remains steady, particularly in regions such as Europe, significant gaps persist in terms of skills, knowledge, and financial incentives. (more…)

Third of people hide their use of workplace AI from employers

Third of people hide their use of workplace AI from employers

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…)

Life science interiors: here’s how to create a petri dish for scientific breakthroughs

Life science interiors: here’s how to create a petri dish for scientific breakthroughs

The design of life science interiors is crucial for fostering scientific breakthroughs by balancing precision, functionality, and collaboration. Life science research has grown exponentially in recent years, driving an increasing demand for specialised laboratory spaces. These facilities – including wet labs, dry labs, and their supporting infrastructure – all serve a unique purpose. Like a Petri dish providing the perfect environment for scientific experiments, life science interiors need to balance precision with functionality. When designed well, they create the ideal conditions for innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. (more…)

The bill for upgrading office buildings worldwide could hit £1 trillion

The bill for upgrading office buildings worldwide could hit £1 trillion

A significant proportion of global office space is at risk of obsolescence, with up to £1 trillion required to revitalise aging office buildingsA significant proportion of global office space is at risk of obsolescence, with up to £1 trillion required to revitalise aging office buildings, according to a new report from real estate firm JLL. The report, titled Opportunity through Obsolescence, sets out to highlight the challenges posed by outdated structures, increasingly stringent regulations, and shifting tenant preferences, but also identifies opportunities for property owners and cities to create long-term value through investment and adaptation. (more…)

Hybrid working means people feel as if they are always at work

Hybrid working means people feel as if they are always at work

The increasing uptake of hybrid working could be encouraging workers to respond to work requests and communication as if they are ‘always on’The increasing uptake of hybrid working could be encouraging workers to respond to work requests and communication as if they are ‘always on’, according to a Censuswide survey commissioned by Moneypenny of over 2,000 general UK consumers. The survey suggests that the majority (56 percent) are accepting work related communications out of hours. Of these workers, 13 percent said they’ve received work-related comms at any time of night or day. (more…)

How commercial property owners can boost revenues and occupancy in light of the Autumn Budget

How commercial property owners can boost revenues and occupancy in light of the Autumn Budget

The Autumn Budget is anticipated to introduce a series of tax increases that could directly impact commercial property ownersThe Autumn Budget is anticipated to introduce a series of tax increases that could directly impact commercial property owners, including changes to capital gains tax (CGT), national insurance contributions, and business rates. These changes could have a ripple effect across the property market, influencing both investment decisions and tenant demand. These are the key areas of concern for commercial property owners. (more…)

Hybrid working leads people to use their commute as exercise

Hybrid working leads people to use their commute as exercise

The widespread adoption of hybrid working has led to a boom in active commuting - where workers combine their commute with physical exerciseThe widespread adoption of hybrid working has led to a boom in active commuting – where workers combine their commute with physical exercise – resulting in improved wellness, productivity, and job satisfaction, according to a new poll from IWG. The increased use of local flexible workspaces by hybrid workers has been central to this shift, says the firm, which provides local flexible workspaces. Almost two thirds (62 percent) of commutes to local workspaces are now mostly or entirely active, a 38 percent increase compared to commutes to city centre offices. (more…)

Remote workers are more likely to miss out on promotions

Remote workers are more likely to miss out on promotions

A new report claims that more than a quarter of remote workers believe they have missed out on a job promotion or opportunityA new report claims that more than a quarter (27 percent) of office workers who work flexibly believe they have missed out on a job promotion or opportunity. Even so, most remote workers say they still wouldn’t want to give up on flexibility. The Work Remastered 2024 survey of 1,000 office workers in the UK and US, carried out by consultancy United Culture claims to highlight a disconnect between what leaders and employees want. (more…)

If firms want people to ‘return to office’, they should offer a better experience

If firms want people to ‘return to office’, they should offer a better experience

A new report from the British Council for Offices (BCO) argues that if employers want their staff to 'return to office', they need to approach the workplace in the same way they would their customers by creating spaces that offer experiences workers actively seek outA new report from the British Council for Offices (BCO) argues that if employers want their staff to ‘return to office’, they need to approach the workplace in the same way they would their customers by creating spaces that offer experiences workers actively seek out. The report, titled Towards Experience Utopia, claims to serve as a comprehensive guide for creating optimal working environments that integrate the best aspects of both remote and in-office work. Commissioned by the BCO Occupiers Group, which includes major employers like NatWest, PwC, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs, the report highlights how the shift towards hybrid working has transformed the expectations of employees. (more…)

Want sustainable buildings? Invest strategically in smart technology

Want sustainable buildings? Invest strategically in smart technology

Strategic investment, innovative technology, and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainable buildingsStrategic investment, innovative technology, and collaboration are essential for achieving sustainability and value goals in the real estate sector, according to a new report from Colliers. The  report Realising ESG Performance: The Value-Driven Transformation of Europe’s Built Environment [registration] claims to provide insights into how the real estate industry can embrace sustainable buildings and comply with regulatory demands while creating long-term value. (more…)

Is retirement no longer an option for many people? This report thinks so

Is retirement no longer an option for many people? This report thinks so

More than two-thirds of UK adults believe that retirement in their 60s will soon be a thing of the pastMore than two-thirds of UK adults believe that retiring in their 60s will soon be a thing of the past, according to new research from Canada Life. The findings, released in the company’s inaugural Life100+ report [promotional content], claims to highlight shifting expectations as people prepare for longer lifespans, with retirement plans and financial security becoming major concerns. (more…)

Reactions to the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill

Reactions to the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill

Details of the UK's new Employment Rights Bill were released yesterday. The legislation represents what the government claims is a significant overhaul of workers' rights, offering more protections and benefits and helping to promote practices like flexible workingDetails of the UK’s new Employment Rights Bill were released yesterday. The legislation represents what the government claims is a significant overhaul of workers’ rights, offering more protections and benefits and helping to promote practices like flexible working. Key elements of the bill include granting workers access to statutory sick pay and parental leave from the first day of employment, and introducing a ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts. It also aims to curb controversial “fire and rehire” practices and gives employees the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one, rather than after two years of service. However, businesses will still be allowed to operate probationary periods to ensure fit for roles, with discussions suggesting a maximum of six months. (more…)