Search Results for: population

March 27, 2018

Ageing population and low fertility rate is leading to European labour force shortage

Europe faces an increasing labour force shortage, which means that between 2017 and 2025, 184 out of 263 metropolitan areas from the EU-28 will record a negative growth rate in their working age population. According to a recent analysis by GlobalData this is due to a combination of lower fertility rates across most European Union (EU) countries, which is causing a reduction the growth rates of the youth population, while increased life expectancy is leading to a steady rise in the growth of the elderly population. But according to Ramnivas Mundada, Economic Research Analyst at GlobalData, ‘‘Measures such as increasing the levels of post-retirement employment opportunities, offering more support for women returning to the workplace and investing in youth employment, education and training could help to mitigate the impact of these demographic changes over the long term.’’

(more…)

March 14, 2013

Ageing population is the greatest demographic challenge

by Sara Bean • Facilities management, Knowledge, Legal news, News, Workplace, Workplace design

Image credit: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/photo_2475828_old-hands-on-clean-table.html'>logoboom / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Forget Gen Y, a new report published today by the House of Lords Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change warns that it’s our rapidly ageing population that will have a huge impact on society, work and public services. Predicting a 50 per cent rise in the number of those aged 65+ and a 100 per cent increase in those aged 85+ between 2010 and 2030, the report advocates enabling people to work for longer, many of whom are legally entitled to do, since the removal of a statutory retirement age in 2011. According to the report, “Ready for Aging?” working for longer would increase income from work, potentially increase savings, and reduce the time of dependence on those savings.

(more…)

March 19, 2026

Half of SMEs using AI with limited impact on headcount (so far)

by Neil Franklin • AI, News

More than half of UK firms are now using artificial intelligence, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce, marking a sharp increase in adoption but with little immediate effect on workforce size. The survey, carried out in partnership with Atos, suggests that 54 percent of businesses are actively using AI. This represents a notable rise from previous BCC findings, which showed adoption at 35 percent in 2025, 25 percent in 2024 and 23 percent in 2023. (more…)

January 9, 2026

Hobbies have the power to improve creativity and personal lives

by Neil Franklin • News, Wellbeing

Hobbies could do more than improve your personal life, they could make you more creative and better at work, according to new research published today. The study by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Erasmus University Rotterdam explored how ‘leisure crafting’ – intentionally shaping your free time through goal setting, learning and connection – does not just boost well-being outside the office but can spill over into creativity, engagement, and meaning at work, especially for older employees. Published in the journal Human Relations, the findings show that giving people simple, doable advice about how to grow through their hobbies can make a real difference in their daily lives. (more…)

November 28, 2025

Time to admit we were wrong about Canary Wharf and other business districts

by Mark Eltringham • Features, Flexible working, Property

There was a time during and after the pandemic when it looked like time was up for the world’s major business districts. For a start Canary Wharf looked like it would need to completely reinvent itself as firms started to relocate to smaller more central premises. Instead of housing tenants such as HSBC it would focus on becoming a mixed-use space with more homes and leisure facilities. Hell, we even published a feature setting that all out ourselves. But it’s funny how things turn out. The latest news is JP Morgan’s announcement of a vast new headquarters building in the area. The bank, already one of the largest employers in the UK financial sector, has confirmed plans for a three million sq ft tower on the waterfront that will accommodate 12,000 staff and represent an investment estimated at £3 billion. (more…)

November 13, 2025

Most daily behaviours are driven by habits, rather than conscious decisions

by Marvin Gort • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

A new study suggests that a significant majority of daily behaviours are driven by habit rather than conscious decision-making, raising important questions for organisations about how routines form and how workplace environments shape behaviour. The research, published in the journal Psychology & Health, was conducted by Amanda L. Rebar of the University of South Carolina alongside colleagues from the University of Surrey and Central Queensland University. The team sought to measure the extent to which people’s daily behaviours are initiated and carried out automatically, rather than deliberately, and how often those behaviours align with personal intentions. (more…)

October 21, 2025

How modern FNP programs prepare nurses for a changing workplace

by Freddie Steele • Company news

The healthcare landscape is evolving faster than ever before. From the rise of telehealth to new models of patient-centered care, nurses today face a dynamic workplace that demands not only clinical expertise but adaptability, leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs are stepping up to meet this challenge and equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a changing environment.

Modern FNP programs recognize that healthcare is no longer confined to traditional hospital settings. Graduates may find themselves working in clinics, community health centers, telemedicine platforms or even corporate wellness programs. To prepare for these diverse roles, FNP programs emphasize flexible learning pathways that combine online coursework, simulations and in-person clinical experiences. This hybrid approach mirrors the evolving nature of the healthcare workplace itself where technology and adaptability are essential for success.

For example, a nurse pursuing an FNP program may complete a significant portion of theoretical learning online, allowing them to balance work, family or other commitments while still gaining essential knowledge. Clinical rotations in multiple healthcare settings ensure exposure to a wide variety of patient populations and workplace environments. This combination prepares graduates to adapt quickly and perform effectively no matter where they practice.

Bridging clinical expertise and leadership skills

Healthcare organizations today require practitioners who can make independent decisions, lead teams and coordinate care across multiple settings. Modern FNP programs integrate leadership training, evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration into their curriculum. Nurses graduating from these programs are not only clinically competent but also prepared to take on managerial roles, lead quality improvement initiatives and contribute to organizational strategy.

Leadership training often includes exercises in conflict resolution, team communication and project management. Students may participate in simulated scenarios where they lead a patient care team, making decisions under pressure while coordinating with physicians, nurses and support staff. These experiences build confidence and practical skills, ensuring graduates can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare workplaces.

Emphasizing technology and innovation

Digital transformation is changing healthcare delivery. Electronic health records, remote patient monitoring and telehealth platforms are now standard tools in many practices. FNP programs are adapting by incorporating training in healthcare technology, data analysis and telehealth. By familiarizing students with the tools they will use in practice, these programs ensure that graduates are ready to thrive in technologically sophisticated workplaces.

For instance, students may practice conducting virtual consultations or learn to interpret patient data from remote monitoring devices. They also gain skills in digital documentation, privacy compliance and cybersecurity, which are increasingly important when it comes to protecting sensitive patient information. By integrating technology into the curriculum, FNP programs produce graduates who are capable of improving efficiency and patient outcomes through innovation.

Prioritizing well-being and workplace resilience

The pandemic highlighted the critical importance of well-being in the healthcare workforce. Nurses are at risk of burnout due to long hours, high stress and the emotional demands of patient care. Modern FNP programs increasingly focus on self-care, stress management and professional resilience. By fostering emotional intelligence and coping strategies, these programs help nurses sustain long and demanding careers.

Courses may include mindfulness techniques, time management strategies and guidance on maintaining work-life balance. Mentorship programs provide additional support, helping students navigate the challenges of both education and professional practice. Graduates who have been trained to prioritize well-being are better equipped to manage stress, contribute positively to their teams and maintain high-quality patient care over time.

Preparing for the future of healthcare

Modern FNP programs aren’t just about clinical skills. They are about preparing nurses for a rapidly changing workplace that values flexibility, leadership and technological competence. Graduates are ready to meet the challenges of healthcare environments that range from traditional hospitals to community clinics, telehealth platforms and corporate wellness programs. They are equipped to support patient-centered care while also advancing organizational goals and improving workplace resilience.

Healthcare organizations benefit from hiring nurses trained in these comprehensive programs. FNP graduates bring advanced clinical knowledge, strong leadership capabilities and the ability to adapt to new technologies. They are prepared to implement evidence-based practices, mentor junior staff and contribute to innovations in patient care delivery. In short, FNP programs are shaping a workforce that is ready for the demands of modern healthcare.

Building a resilient healthcare workforce

The role of the Family Nurse Practitioner is now more important than ever before. Modern FNP programs prepare nurses to meet the needs of a complex and changing healthcare workplace by combining clinical expertise, leadership training, technological skills and well-being strategies. Graduates leave these programs ready to deliver high-quality care, lead teams and adapt to new challenges. For nurses pursuing advanced education and healthcare organizations seeking a resilient workforce, FNP programs provide the tools and training necessary to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

August 31, 2025

Measuring and rewarding what people do at work? It’s a rat trap, baby, and you’ve been caught

by Mark Eltringham • Features, Wellbeing

Life imitates art. Scientists have discovered that lab mice may be conducting their own experiments on us. A paper published in the journal Current Biology speculates that mice seem to be testing their testers. They do this by deviating from simple behaviours such as responding to rewards to work out what might happen. “These mice have a richer internal life than we probably give them credit for,” explained Kishore Kuchibhotla, senior study author and an assistant professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. “They are not just stimulus response machines. They may have things like strategies.” (more…)

August 13, 2025

Where are the iconic office furniture products of yesterday?

by Mark Eltringham • Comment, Workplace design

Originally published November 2023: Occasionally, this image goes viral on social media. It is of a group of Bauhaus design students from around 1927. They are called Martha Erps, Katt Both and Ruth Hellos. The full image (reproduced below) shows them with legendary office furniture designer Marcel Breuer, who Erps would later marry. The story of the photograph can be found here. On social media, though, the standard response from people of a certain vintage – my vintage admittedly – is to suggest that they were last seen supporting Echo and the Bunnymen at the Barrowland Glasgow in 1984. (more…)

August 4, 2025

How AI is already changing the world of work

by Laura Anderson • AI, Comment, Workplace

AI is rapidly transforming the world of work. That much is clear. Understanding how different generations are adapting to this shift is therefore crucial for any organisation looking to the future. Our recent study focusing on the generational differences in attitudes towards some of today’s biggest topics sheds some light on what might be driving these trends. Perhaps the most important finding was that nearly two-thirds of Gen Z feel concerned about AI’s impact on their future (only Baby Boomers reported more concern) – even though over half are still using AI day to day. (more…)

June 6, 2025

Milan proves to be the perfect setting for an optimistic BCO conference

by Anna King • Comment, Property

If anyone was asked to think of where to find the best examples of an office, I doubt very many people would reply ‘Milan’ but that may just be the reason that this year’s BCO conference was a resounding success. With Milan and its layers of history, culture, design and the vital ‘caffè’, we are reminded that workspaces are about so much more than function. A view certainly held by Amber Luscombe, Head of ESG at Oxygen, “This is my third BCO conference I was expecting more of the same, but the discussions have moved on with engaging speakers, stimulating conversations and a more positive – yet realistic – outlook from the attendees. So many factors influence, surrounds and support good office design, from fostering a sense of belonging and community to wellbeing and nature and they were all on the table at Milan.” (more…)

May 19, 2025

Moments of wonder can help to fend off depression and stress, research finds

by Mark Eltringham • News, Wellbeing

There’s a famously apocryphal story about the making of the 1965 biblical epic The Greatest Story Ever Told. During a rehearsal, John Wayne, playing the Centurion at the Crucifixion, was asked by director George Stevens to deliver his line about Jesus Christ being the Son of God “with awe.” So, in the next take, the actor changed the line from the Bible to: “Awe, truly this man was the son of God.” Turns out that a daily dose of awe may be just what we all need. A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal Nature suggests that brief moments of wonder and amazement can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and stress, even in individuals coping with persistent physical and mental health challenges. (more…)