Search Results for: performance

Why the organisations seeing real returns from agentic AI are empowering employees, not cutting jobs

Why the organisations seeing real returns from agentic AI are empowering employees, not cutting jobs

by • AI, Comment

The launch of the UK Government’s AI Skills Compact reflects an important shift in how policymakers and businesses are thinking about artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing AI simply as a route to greater efficiency or reduced headcount, leaders are starting to recognise that long-term competitiveness will depend just as much on equipping people with the skills to work alongside AI as investing in the technology itself. (more…)

AI could increase the relevance of the physical workplace, Gensler report suggests

AI could increase the relevance of the physical workplace, Gensler report suggests

by • AI, News, Workplace design

Workers who regularly use artificial intelligence are spending less time working alone and more time learning and socialising with colleagues, suggesting that the spread of AI could increase rather than diminish the importance of the physical workplaceWorkers who regularly use artificial intelligence are spending less time working alone and more time learning and socialising with colleagues, suggesting that the spread of AI could increase rather than diminish the importance of the physical workplace. Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2026 found that 30 per cent of workers regularly use AI tools in both their professional and personal lives, a group the architecture and design firm describes as “AI power users”. A further 36 per cent are classed as late adopters who rarely or never use AI. (more…)

Inconsistent recycling bin colours are creating compliance challenges for UK workplaces

Inconsistent recycling bin colours are creating compliance challenges for UK workplaces

by • Environment, News

A lack of consistency in recycling bin colours across UK local authorities is creating unnecessary complexity for organisations attempting to comply with England’s Simpler Recycling regulations, according to new research based on Freedom of Information requests. Analysis by commercial waste services provider Direct365 found at least 80 different combinations of bin colours are currently in use across 190 local authorities, raising concerns that the absence of a national colour-coding system is undermining efforts to improve recycling performance. (more…)

Why most marketing teams are using AI wrong (and how to fix it)

Why most marketing teams are using AI wrong (and how to fix it)

by • AI, Company news

Nearly nine in ten marketers now use generative AI somewhere in their workflow, up from roughly half just two years ago. That’s one of the fastest adoption curves any marketing technology has ever seen. And yet, according to McKinsey’s ongoing research into marketing’s use of AI, most organizations still haven’t scaled AI beyond isolated pilots, and a majority of European marketing teams in particular haven’t advanced their gen-AI maturity at all. (more…)

Railpen secures planning approval for major Smithfield office scheme

Railpen secures planning approval for major Smithfield office scheme

by • News, Property

Railpen has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of 12 Smithfield, paving the way for a major office scheme in the City of LondonRailpen has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of 12 Smithfield, paving the way for a major office scheme in the City of London as the surrounding area undergoes significant regeneration. The £34 billion Railways Pension Scheme manager plans to transform the existing building into a 122,000 sq ft office development, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2028. The scheme is intended to provide new office space alongside retail, café and amenity uses, overlooking the historic Smithfield Market site. The project forms part of wider investment in the Smithfield district, where around £400 million is being invested ahead of the opening of the new London Museum in 2028. The museum will occupy part of the former Smithfield Market complex and is expected to become the centrepiece of a new cultural quarter. (more…)

Westminster event backed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin tackles disability employment barriers

Westminster event backed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin tackles disability employment barriers

by • News, Wellbeing

An event at the Palace of Westminster this week will bring together politicians, business leaders and figures from the entertainment industry to discuss ways of improving employment opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent peopleAn event at the Palace of Westminster this week will bring together politicians, business leaders and figures from the entertainment industry to discuss ways of improving employment opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent people. The reception, organised by inclusive entertainment company 0UTLYER, takes place on 15 July and coincides with the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Disability Employment. Titled Breaking Barriers, Backing Talent, the event aims to encourage collaboration between policymakers, employers and industry leaders on improving access to careers, particularly within the creative industries. (more…)

Most organisations are investing in AI. Far fewer are preparing leaders for it

Most organisations are investing in AI. Far fewer are preparing leaders for it

by • AI, Comment

Businesses are racing to adopt new technologies, but many still lack the leadership frameworks, behaviours and organisational confidence needed to turn AI into meaningful, scaled value.The gap between AI adoption and leadership readiness is becoming one of the defining challenges facing organisations today. According to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workforce report, only one in five employees believe their manager actively supports their team’s use of artificial intelligence, while just one in four say their organisation has communicated a clear strategy for integrating the technology into work. While investment in AI continues to accelerate, leadership capability is struggling to keep pace. Businesses are racing to adopt new technologies, but many still lack the leadership frameworks, behaviours and organisational confidence needed to turn AI into meaningful, scaled value. (more…)

AI can automate work, but it can’t automate trust

AI can automate work, but it can’t automate trust

by • AI, Comment, Technology

As AI becomes more involved in decisions around hiring, performance and progression, employees are asking more questions about how those tools are being used and where the boundaries should sitBusinesses are moving quickly to bring artificial intelligence into the workplace, exploring how it can support everything from recruitment and workforce planning to performance management and employee services. Employee confidence in this technology, however, is struggling to keep up. Research suggests only 46 percent of people say they trust AI systems, while almost a third (31 percent) of employees are concerned they could be replaced by the technology. (more…)

Government updates office design standards with new workplace guidance

Government updates office design standards with new workplace guidance

by • News, Workplace design

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has published a revised version of its Government Workplace Design Guide, introducing a new office design framework intended to standardise the layout of government offices while reflecting changes in the way civil servants work.The Government Property Agency (GPA) has published a revised version of its Government Workplace Design Guide, introducing a new office design framework intended to standardise the layout of government offices while reflecting changes in the way civil servants work. Launched on 2 July, the updated guidance introduces a Core Design Requirements (CDR) framework, which the GPA says will provide a consistent approach to creating inclusive, accessible, sustainable and digitally enabled workplaces across the government estate. (more…)

Hourly movement breaks offer best balance between wellbeing and productivity, study finds

Hourly movement breaks offer best balance between wellbeing and productivity, study finds

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace design

Taking five-minute movement breaks every hour offers the best balance between improving wellbeing and maintaining work performance, according to a large new study published in the British Journal of Sports MedicinTaking five-minute movement breaks every hour offers the best balance between improving wellbeing and maintaining work performance, according to a large new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers found that regular walking breaks throughout the working day reduced fatigue, improved mood and increased work engagement without negatively affecting productivity. The findings suggest that hourly movement breaks may be a practical way for employers to help reduce the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. (more…)

Narcissistic leaders are more likely to oppose remote work, study suggests

Narcissistic leaders are more likely to oppose remote work, study suggests

by • Flexible working, News

business leaders with stronger narcissistic tendencies are significantly more likely to resist remote work and hybrid working arrangements because they see them as a threat to their power and statusNow, we don’t usually want to fan the dying embers of the tedious, endless RTO v WFH conversation, but this is a potentially interesting addition to consider. According to a new study from researchers at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, business leaders with stronger narcissistic tendencies are significantly more likely to resist remote and hybrid working arrangements because they see them as a threat to their power and status. Published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, the study suggests that opposition to remote work may not be driven solely by concerns about productivity, collaboration or organisational performance. Instead, it may also stem from leaders’ personal motivations and psychological needs. (more…)

Data centres are the most significant building type in the world right now. And we need to talk about that

Data centres are the most significant building type in the world right now. And we need to talk about that

by • Features, Technology, Workplace design

Data centres have always been a slight anomaly in the Built Environment sector, part property and part critical infrastructure (talking in wattage rather than square footage for example), lacking aesthetic appeal and they are not significant employers, they are often considered a necessary evil to support our hyper-communicative lifestylesThe Data Centre Congress which took place from June 1st to 4th in Cannes is to data centres what mipim is to the more traditional markets in property, a place where the good and the great – from investors and operators, to the engineers and power providers, gather to network and contemplate the challenges and the future of the sector. In Q1 last year there was a slight chill through the sector after Microsoft halted data centre plans across the US and Europe to the tune of 2GW, citing caution around the overexpansion of AI and uncertainty around tariffs. What seemed like bombshell news at the time, felt like a mere blip and a distant memory at the 2026 edition and this juggernaut of activity is showing zero signs of slowing, a market that is currently worth over $300 billion is set to rise to $699.13 billion by 2034. (more…)

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