Search Results for: performance

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Although job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers - an estimated 8.5 million people - say their jobs have a negative impact on their wellbeingAlthough job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers – an estimated 8.5 million people – say their jobs have a negative impact on their mental health (25 percent) or physical health (24 percent), according to the CIPD Good Work Index 2025. The latest poll claims the negative impact of work on wellbeing has remained high for many people for the eight years the survey has been running, despite improvements for some employees on certain areas of job quality. The CIPD Good Work Index, which provides what the troubled trade association claims is the UK’s most in-depth annual survey of job quality, suggests that the strongest factors associated with unhealthy work are excessive workloads, stress, poor relationships with colleagues and the quality of line management. (more…)

Resistance to change is holding the UK back, report suggests

Resistance to change is holding the UK back, report suggests

There is a growing culture of resistance to change across the UK workforce, particularly among women, older employees, and public sector professionals.It used to be said that the UK was a nation of lions led by donkeys. Now it would appear that the country has become as stubborn as mules at every level. The new survey from Right Management claims there is a growing culture of resistance to change across the UK workforce, particularly among women, older employees, and public sector professionals. (more…)

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

The amenity trap: why more isn’t always better

In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better.Over the past decade, amenity has evolved from a ‘nice to have’ to a key part of any office building strategy. In a competitive market with a growing focus on employee experience, landlords are under pressure to differentiate their buildings, and amenity is often the tool of choice. But more isn’t always better. The most successful amenity strategies aren’t defined by volume, novelty, or trend. They’re defined by relevance: to the building, the occupier, and the wider market context. When poorly thought through, amenity can become a sunk cost. When well-executed, it can drive rental growth, increase tenant satisfaction, and support leasing velocity. (more…)

How you handle your home life is reflected in how you handle your work life

How you handle your home life is reflected in how you handle your work life

A new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines – such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities – are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation in their work lifeA new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines – such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities – are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation in their work life. Researchers found that employees who take initiative at home carry the momentum into their professional lives, becoming more resilient and forward-thinking. The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, was led by the University of Bath’s School of Management. Over a period of six weeks researchers followed 147 full-time, dual-income heterosexual couples with children in the US to explore how home life influences work performance. (more…)

UK suffers from a major disconnect between leaders and employees

UK suffers from a major disconnect between leaders and employees

The UK is experiencing one of the largest disconnects in 'proximity leadership' between senior management and employees, according to a new European Workforce StudyThe UK is experiencing one of the largest disconnects in ‘proximity leadership’ between senior management and employees, according to a new European Workforce Study from Great Place To Work. Part of the organisation’s Leadership in Focus series, the study surveyed nearly 25,000 employees across 19 European countries and found a troubling gap between how leaders perceive their management style and how it is experienced by their teams. Proximity leadership refers to the ability of managers to build trust through regular, meaningful engagement—whether in-person, remote, or hybrid. It’s not about physical closeness, but about emotional and psychological presence: showing genuine interest, encouraging participation, listening actively, and recognising contributions. (more…)

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 will testify to the reinvention of the office design sector

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 will testify to the reinvention of the office design sector

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 is not just a showcase of products – it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the power of design to shape a better world.The weather over the last few weeks has been unseasonably pleasant in the UK. Everybody involved in Clerkenwell Design Week will be hoping that continues. It’s a must-see event whatever the weather but there’s no doubt that last year’s show wasn’t helped by the downfall of rain on at least one day.  As the currently bone-dry streets of Clerkenwell prepare to welcome thousands of design enthusiasts, architects, makers and curious minds from across the globe, Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 promises to be one of the best yet. (more…)

Nearly two thirds of Europe’s workers say they experience Impostor Syndrome 

Nearly two thirds of Europe’s workers say they experience Impostor Syndrome 

A new survey by AI-based career tool Kickresume claims that impostor syndrome remains a widespread issue across European workplaces, affecting both personal wellbeing and professional developmentA new survey by AI-based career tool Kickresume claims that impostor syndrome remains a widespread issue across European workplaces, affecting both personal wellbeing and professional development. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,000 people, revealed that 63 percent of workers in Europe have experienced impostor syndrome at some point. More than half—56 percent—said they had turned down or missed out on opportunities as a result of these feelings of self-doubt. (more…)

Ping pong, perks, pizza and beanbags won’t get you a better workplace culture

Ping pong, perks, pizza and beanbags won’t get you a better workplace culture

Organisations have become increasingly inward-looking, preoccupied more with symbolic purpose statements and curated internal experiences of workplace culture than delivering real value to the business or its customersBusiness has taken a wrong turn. Since the 2008 financial crisis, best practice has led companies to believe that the route to driving greater productivity and performance is to establish a workplace culture that prioritises purpose, meaning, and how people feel. As a result, organisations have become increasingly inward-looking, preoccupied more with symbolic purpose statements and curated internal experiences than delivering real value to the business or its customers. However, in today’s challenging economic climate, and with UK productivity at an all-time low, this navel-gazing approach is not only proving ineffective, but is also actively holding companies back. What began as a well-meaning shift towards cultivating happier employees has become a harmful distraction from genuine employee engagement and performance. (more…)

Sustainability and wellbeing yet again key themes of South West BCO Awards

Sustainability and wellbeing yet again key themes of South West BCO Awards

Seven office developments across the South of England and South Wales have been recognised as the region’s most outstanding workplaces at the annual British Council for Offices (BCO) AwardsSeven office developments across the South of England and South Wales have been recognised as the region’s most outstanding workplaces at the annual British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. Among the winners were three Bristol-based projects, highlighting the city’s growing reputation for innovative, inclusive and sustainable office design. The awards ceremony, held at We The Curious in Bristol, celebrated excellence in office design, fit-out, and environmental performance. With a strong emphasis this year on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), wellbeing, and inclusivity, the judges praised the winning projects for their forward-thinking, occupier-focused approaches. (more…)

The world needs amazing leaders like never before. But where are they?

The world needs amazing leaders like never before. But where are they?

rapid changes in today’s environment can put even the best leaders under immense strain and cause ripple effects within the organisationDemand for integrity and strength in leadership has never been greater. A wave of quickly evolving AI technologies, combined with geopolitics and other pressures, is increasing this need at an unprecedented pace. The rapid changes in today’s environment can put even the best leaders under immense strain and cause ripple effects within the organisation. In fact, even those changes that are expected to bring efficiency and simplicity like GenAI, translate into confusion, anxiety, and complexity in many situations. According to McKinsey research, a staggering 56 percent of employees report that their leaders are either mildly or highly toxic. Even more concerning, 75 percent of employees identify their boss as the most stressful part of their workday. (more…)

Regional BCO Awards show how London’s best offices are redefining the way we work

Regional BCO Awards show how London’s best offices are redefining the way we work

The awards recognise excellence in the design, fit-out, operation and environmental responsibility of London's best offices.In a city where tradition meets the cutting edge, London’s office spaces are undergoing a quiet revolution. At the British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards, held today at the London Hilton on Park Lane, seven projects were celebrated—not just for their architectural merit, but for what they reveal about the evolving needs of workers, employers, and communities alike. This year’s winners, chosen from across the capital, signal what the BCO claim is a new era of workplace thinking—where sustainability, community engagement, and human experience carry as much weight as style and status. The awards recognise excellence in the design, fit-out, operation and environmental responsibility of London’s best offices. The 2025 cohort offers more than inspiration; it sets a bold new benchmark for the offices of tomorrow. (more…)

Workspace Design Show returns to Amsterdam with a new, future-focused agenda

Workspace Design Show returns to Amsterdam with a new, future-focused agenda

After a successful debut in 2023, the Workspace Design Show will return to Amsterdam this November, promising to shape the future of workplace interiors.After a successful debut in 2023, the Workspace Design Show will return to Amsterdam this November, promising to shape the future of workplace interiors. Taking place from 5–6 November 2025 at RAI Amsterdam, the event is recognised as the UK and Europe’s leading exhibition dedicated to the evolution of workplace environments. Bringing together some of the most creative minds in architecture, design, occupier strategy and sustainability, the Amsterdam edition will focus on how to create more effective, inspiring, and future-proof workspaces. Innovation, sustainability and wellbeing will be at the heart of the 2025 show, with an outstanding speaker programme planned across three dedicated stages: Workspace Design Talks, Occupiers Forum, and Sustainability Talks. The sessions aim to deliver critical insights and practical strategies for designing the workplace of tomorrow. (more…)