July 10, 2024

Addressing bad behavior with good policy

by Laura Dribin • Comment, Wellbeing, Workplace

The COVID-19 outbreak (and subsequent lockdowns) did a number on us in our workplaces and in our homes—and we are still paying the price in so many ways. Did employees and managers get so used to remote work that they totally forgot that humans are social creatures and social interaction is vital to our wellbeing. Sometimes it feels that way. I have spent most of my career working on and managing large global projects. Issues that arose always seemed to be focused on headquarters- and/or remote-location considerations but nothing so serious that it would hinder the project team(s) from working together. More →

July 6, 2024

Top careers with a master’s degree in public health

by Freddie Steele • Company news

Choosing to pursue a master’s degree in public health can open doors to a dynamic range of career opportunities that contribute meaningfully to society. These careers span across various facets of health, including data analysis, policy development, and direct community intervention. With the increasing complexity of public health challenges, professionals with advanced degrees are more in demand than ever. Individuals equipped with a higher level of knowledge and expertise are poised to take leadership roles in tackling these challenges head-on. In this article, we will discuss the promising career paths that a Master’s in Public Health can lead to. More →

July 4, 2024

CIBSE announces new future focussed building performance project

by Neil Franklin • Environment, Facilities management, News

CIBSE has launched what it claims is a ground-breaking initiative titled Building Performance Reimagined [registration], a project aimed at transforming the landscape of building engineering and sustainability. Commissioned by CIBSE and researched by Arup, the Building Performance Reimagined project diverges from conventional engineering paradigms. Rather than focusing solely on system sizing, maintenance or controls, the initiative takes a holistic, future-oriented perspective on building performance. More →

July 3, 2024

Why AI is not getting the green light for sustainability

by Stephanie Fitzgerald • AI, Comment, Environment, SF, Technology

We might think of online and digital solutions such as AI as more sustainable and eco-friendly. We have email signatures reminding us to think before hitting print and are encouraged to send e-cards with seasonal greetings to save the trees. Our overall preference to switch to all things online means that we rarely question, or even consider, the environmental impact of our computers. It’s also how the truly enormous impact of AI has, thus far, stayed off our radar. More →

July 1, 2024

A new renaissance in leading change at the most disruptive time in history

by Jennifer Bryan • Business, Comment, JB

Last January, we talked about the three biggest disrupters of our time: technology, UN sustainability goals, and societal shifts. These three disrupters have put us at a cultural crossroads we have not experienced for 100 years. As a result, we need to think differently when it comes to decisions about leading change. The world will not look, feel or be the same in 10 years time – we will not interact and live the same as we do now. The world will be very very different. According to Dex Hunter Torricke, “The next 10 years are going to be the most disruptive we have ever experienced.” More →

July 1, 2024

The rise of supercommuters linked to adoption of flexible and hybrid working

by Jayne Smith • News, Working lives

New research from Trainline claims that the number of UK “supercommuters” using rail to travel longer distances to work has doubled since Covid. Almost half (47 percent) of current supercommuters surveyed made the lifestyle change either during or post-pandemic, and over four in five (84 percent) of these new supercommuters say hybrid working has enabled this switch in their commuting habits. More →

June 28, 2024

Looking for a job now as savage an experience as a dating app

by Neil Franklin • News, Workplace

Nearly two thirds of people say they find looking for a job a negative experience with almost a quarter saying that the process is ‘soul-destroying’, according to a new poll from HiBob. The survey also suggests that three in five (58 percent) UK professionals have been ghosted by a prospective employer during the interview process, with two in five (39 percent) having been ghosted more than once. The report concludes that the recruitment process could be becoming as savage as online dating, where four in five single people say they have experienced ghosting. More →

June 26, 2024

Save the Knowledge Worker – insights and strategies for remote-work success

by Neil Franklin • Features, Flexible working, Premium Content, Wellbeing

Undoubtedly, the remote work revolution is in full swing. But it’s messy. Kolekti’s new Save the Knowledge Worker report found a colossal 96 percent of workers desire some form of remote work, and one in three employees is willing to quit if forced to return to the office full-time. And yet, which business leader can say their organisation has perfected the strategy for remote work? Most are still experimenting, tinkering, and tweaking. Even the end destination may be unclear for some. More →

June 25, 2024

Camira original closed loop recycled polyester now contains 25 percent textile-to-textile waste

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Environment, Workplace design

Global textile manufacturer and designer of commercial, hospitality and residential fabrics, Camira has redefined its original closed loop recycled polyester, X2 for 2024. To mark its 50th year in business and enduring commitment to tackling the global textile waste problem, Camira has significantly increased the percentage of textile-to-textile waste in its popular recycled polyester fabric, X2. Originally launched in 2012, X2 now contains 25 percent textile-to-textile recycled polyester, along with 75 percent post-consumer recycled polyester from plastic bottles. More →

June 25, 2024

Are these the top ten emerging technologies for 2024?

by Neil Franklin • Environment, News, Property, Technology

The World Economic Forum has published its annual Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report featuring technologies with the greatest potential to make a positive impact in the world in the next three to five years. Among the technologies mentioned in the report are AI (obv), immersive building tech, intelligent materials and microbes that can sequester carbon. More →

June 25, 2024

People are pushing back against so-called return to office mandates

by Marvin Gort • Flexible working, News

A poll by Skillshub suggests there is a potential clash between firms issuing so-called return to office mandates and people unwilling to give up the flexibility and wellbeing benefits they say they have gained through remote and hybrid work. The survey claims that a significant proportion of UK employees (nearly half – 42.6 percent) are prepared to consider quitting their jobs if forced back to full-time office work. This sentiment extends even to hybrid models with a majority office presence (3+ days a week) – almost a fifth (18 percent) would consider leaving, with a significant number (10.1 percent) strongly considering it. More →

June 22, 2024

Pattenmakers search for the winner of the Future Leader FM Award 2025

by Jayne Smith • Company news, Facilities management

Livery company the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is looking for the next winner of its coveted annual FM award. This Award recognises a future leader in FM, rewarding a talented early-career professional with a unique personal development opportunity funded by the livery. The Award is open to newcomers working in the Workplace and FM sectors, who have a maximum of 5 years’ experience. Entry is free, and all the information needed to enter is available here, including a link to the online entry form. The deadline for receipt of entries for the Pattenmakers Future Leader FM Award is: 5th August 2024. https://www.pattenmakers.co.uk/future-leader-fm-award-2025/ More →