Search Results for: sustain

Bigger and better than ever, Workspace Design Show London returns

Bigger and better than ever, Workspace Design Show London returns

In just a few days, the eagerly-awaited Workspace Design Show, the trade show that brings together the UK workplace interiors community, will open its doorsIt’s back. The Workspace Design Show London is bigger and better than ever, with over 5,000 workplace professionals, including architects, designers, developers, and end-user occupiers, joining together to explore the present and future of workspace design and management. In just a few days, the eagerly-awaited Workspace Design Show, the trade show that brings together the UK workplace interiors community, will open its doors. Held at London’s Business Design Centre, handily placed in the heart of Islington, from 26-27 February 2025, the event offers attendees the chance to explore the latest industry trends, see the latest products, and find inspiration in the thought-provoking talks programmes. (more…)

New study reveals link between workaholism and organisational harm

New study reveals link between workaholism and organisational harm

The hidden ethical costs of workaholism have been highlighted in a recent study led by Aston University and University of Leipzig scholarsThe hidden ethical costs of workaholism have been highlighted in a new study led by Aston University and University of Leipzig scholars. Workaholism is an inner pressure to working, that provides a sense of fulfilment but can lead to physical and psychological problems, relationship issues and burnout. The study, published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, showed that it can interfere with moral self-regulation and subsequent ethical behaviour, particularly in organisations that prioritise bottom-line results and self-interest. (more…)

We still display status in office design, but in new and subtle ways

We still display status in office design, but in new and subtle ways

There was a time, not so long ago, that one of the most important factors to consider when designing an office was the corporate hierarchy. The office was once the  embodiment of the corporate structure. In Joanna Eley and Alexi Marmot’s 1995 book Understanding Offices, quite a lot of space is dedicated to the idea of the ‘space pyramid’, which means simply that the higher up the organisation you were, the more space you were allocated and the better your furniture and surroundings. Even then, the idea of office design as a signifier of dominance was starting to wear thin, as the authors acknowledge. Ostentatious displays of status were already seen as somewhat gauche, but they were to be fatally undermined by the technological advances to come.

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BSI launches research into how young people are affected by hybrid working

BSI launches research into how young people are affected by hybrid working

Young people who began their careers around the start of the Covid-19 pandemic or soon after are being invited to share their experiences of the workplace, as part of an inquiry into the effects of hybrid workingYoung people who began their careers around the start of the Covid-19 pandemic or soon after are being invited to share their experiences of the workplace, as part of an inquiry into the effects of hybrid working. To mark five years since the first lockdowns began globally, business standards and improvement company BSI is investigating the impact of the restrictions on younger workers, and how transformed ways of working have shaped subsequent career journeys. As part of this BSI has opened a public call for evidence, inviting submissions from individuals or groups with relevant experience on the topic. (more…)

Lack of space continues to  hold back a ‘return to office’

Lack of space continues to hold back a ‘return to office’

Workers are resisting the so-called return to office due to a lack of desk space, following widespread reductions by companies in the wake of CovidWorkers are resisting the so-called return to office due to a lack of desk space, following widespread reductions by companies in the wake of Covid. A fifth of workers cited a shortage of desks and facilities among their top three reasons for avoiding the office, according to a survey by real estate consultancy Remit Consulting. The firm claims that businesses may have scaled back desk numbers too aggressively after the pandemic spurred a rise in home working. (more…)

Workspace Design Show reveals first names for must-visit talks programme

Workspace Design Show reveals first names for must-visit talks programme

Workspace Design Show is delighted to reveal the first raft of names who will make up its speaker programme for the upcoming edition in February 2025Now a firm fixture on the design event calendar, Workspace Design Show has revealed the first raft of names who will make up its speaker programme for the upcoming edition in February 2025. Once again bringing the commercial interior design industry’s most inspiring and creative leaders together, the Workspace Design Talks programme features senior figures from architecture and design such as Alessandro Ranaldi, Partner, Head of Workplace Consultancy, Foster + Partners; Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR at Sheppard Robson and Adrienne Lau, Senior Associate, Heatherwick Studio, Cristiano Testi, Principal Director, tp bennett, and Angela Bardino, Senior Associate Director – Interiors, Jacobs. (more…)

Do you have leadership paralysis?

Do you have leadership paralysis?

UK firms are bullish about the use of GenAI but their employees are not so certain, according to a new poll. LeadershipThere are so many different theories on how to lead change. Tom Peters says we should not discuss change but organisational revolution (Peters,1991); Chris Argyris talks about change management as flawed advice (Argyris, 1985); Kotter puts forward a top down change transformation process (Kotter, 1995); Beer, Eisnestat and Spectors, discuss a bottom-up process (Eisnestat and Spectors, 1990) and that is just to name a few ways of looking at this aspect of leadership. (more…)

These are very early days in our relationship with Generative AI

These are very early days in our relationship with Generative AI

The future of Generative AI in the workplace isn’t about replacing humans – it’s about enhancing what we do best.The launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a milestone moment for artificial intelligence, bringing what was once a niche technology firmly into the mainstream. Suddenly, AI and especially Generative AI, wasn’t just the prerogative of data scientists and tech developers. It was a feature in everyday conversations, a presence in business strategies, and a catalyst for innovation across industries. In the months since, platforms like Gemini and Perplexity have emerged, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve while expanding its role in the workplace. (more…)

Older workers will be essential in a changing global economy

Older workers will be essential in a changing global economy

A new report from consulting firm Bain & Company underscores the rising importance of older workers as global populations age and labour markets face growing talent shortagesA new report from consulting firm Bain & Company underscores the rising importance of older workers as global populations age and labour markets face growing talent shortages. The study focuses on the demographic of employees aged 50 and above, whose experience, stability, and institutional knowledge make them invaluable assets to businesses. It reveals that while older workers often demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic, organisations frequently overlook their contributions due to outdated stereotypes and rigid employment practices. (more…)

London office market showing unmistakeable signs of life, especially for Grade A space

London office market showing unmistakeable signs of life, especially for Grade A space

The London office market is demonstrating strong signs of recovery, with declining vacancy rates and robust demand for high-quality spaces.The London office market is demonstrating strong signs of recovery, with declining vacancy rates and robust demand for high-quality spaces. Both occupier and investor activity surged in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting renewed confidence in the capital’s commercial real estate sector. Despite challenges posed by elevated supply levels, the market’s recovery trajectory points to a potential upswing in rents and investment activity heading into 2025, driven by stabilising vacancy rates and continued demand for Grade A office space. (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…)

That conversation about hybrid working? Same as it ever was

That conversation about hybrid working? Same as it ever was

The term hybrid working may only have been in widespread use for a few years, but the ideas behind it stretch back decadesRecently I wrote a short article based on a 1993 Architects’ Journal interview with IBM’s then design manager of property, Peter Wingrave. It reminded me how discussions about new ways of working – now including that neologism hybrid working – have been a constant throughout my career. In that interview, Wingrave is quoted as saying: “I think there are interesting times ahead for offices. We are already seeing the slow breakdown of the traditional office which people come to in the morning and leave at night…We would like our offices to catch the social spirit of an old gentleman’s club; you just pop in when you need to. You get more out of people that way… we’re lucky if our marketing areas are ever 40 per cent occupied … It’s crazy to build, run, heat, light and decorate a building as if people were there when 60 per cent of the time you know they are not”. (more…)