Search Results for: wellbeing

People are more loyal to employers in the Asia Pacific region than Europe and the US

People are more loyal to employers in the Asia Pacific region than Europe and the US

Employees’ commitment to their employer varies greatly by region, a new global report has foundEmployees’ commitment to their employer varies greatly by region, a new global report has found. According to nudge’s annual Global Financial Wellbeing Report [registration], which surveyed 11,500+ people around the world, how valued employees feel at work varies significantly from East to West. In Europe, attitudes appear to be more cynical in relation to loyalty in the workplace. Two thirds (66 percent) of employees in the UK believe that companies view workers as ‘interchangeable’ and ‘easily replaceable’, followed closely by France (62 percent), Spain (58 percent) and Italy (54 percent). (more…)

Not luddite dinosaurs but the sensible voice of caution on AI. And you need to listen

Not luddite dinosaurs but the sensible voice of caution on AI. And you need to listen

In my line of work, it is easy to get away with not being au fait with technology. Having previously laughed off my ineptitude saying ‘there’s a reason I work with people not machines!’ I never considered I had a place in the realm of all things IT and computers. Until I discovered AI. More specifically, Deep Neural Networks. With a specialism in Neuropsychology, I was intrigued by a discipline that aimed to recreate that which we barely understand; the human brain. One of my favourite (and most frustrating) realisations when I began studying more than twenty years ago, was that I could dedicate myself to learning about the human brain 24/7 for the rest of my life… and still barely scratch the surface. Yet here was an AI community telling me they could recreate it. I was beyond intrigued and so began my unexpected delve into the world of all things machine learning and I haven’t looked back. (more…)

Rigid return to office mandates and fixed places of work are backfiring

Rigid return to office mandates and fixed places of work are backfiring

A new study by Great Place To Work claims that forcing employees back to the office with so-called return-to-office mandates can have negative consequencesA new study by Great Place To Work claims that obliging employees back to the office with so-called return-to-office mandates and restricting their choice of work location can have negative consequences for the business. The report based on a survey of 4,400 US workers, claims to reveal a strong correlation between work location flexibility and positive employee experiences. Compared to those without a choice, employees with control over their work environment are three times more likely to want to stay with their company, and significantly less likely to become disengaged – a trend that has been referred to as “quiet quitting.” They’re also more likely to put in extra effort, foster good relationships with their managers, and feel their workplace fosters a healthy psychological and emotional environment. (more…)

Inclusivity, sustainability and user-centric design dominate BCO South West Regional Awards

Inclusivity, sustainability and user-centric design dominate BCO South West Regional Awards

What are claimed to be the South West of England’s and South Wales’s most outstanding workplaces have been announced, with British Council for Offices Awards going to six office buildings across the region. Held at The Coal Exchange Hotel, the BCO’s annual South of England and South Wales Awards Dinner celebrated the high-calibre of the region’s offices in terms of design, fit-out operation and sustainability. (more…)

Daylight Award ceremony announces two new laureates

Daylight Award ceremony announces two new laureates

On the UNESCO International Day of Light, The Daylight Award announces the 2024 laureates: Spanish architect and professor, Alberto Campo Baeza for his architecture, and German professor of chronobiology Till Roenneberg, for his research. The two categories of The Daylight Award – scientific research and architectural design – recognise a duality with the aim of directing knowledge, based on research at the highest level, to the benefit of architectural thinking and practice. Research has created a scientific grounding for the use of daylight in architecture. – states the jury. (more…)

We must embrace AI for sustainable workforce transformation

We must embrace AI for sustainable workforce transformation

Some say AI will take on “80 percent of the jobs that exist today”, but history has shown that technological advancements have consistently led to the creation of new job rolesEach technological revolution has gotten faster; and the era of Artificial Intelligence is accelerating at an unprecedented rate—an intimidating prospect, given Musk’s recent prediction of AI surpassing human intelligence. Some say the tech will take on “80 percent of the jobs that exist today”, but history has shown that technological advancements have consistently led to the creation of new job roles, elevating the standard of living and improving overall productivity. (more…)

Wellworking recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work

Wellworking recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work

Wellworking, an award-winning UK supplier of home and office furniture and specialist in workplace wellbeing, has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. This prestigious nationwide workplace survey celebrates Britain’s top employers, and highlights where employee happiness and wellbeing is prioritised. (more…)

CIPD Festival of Work moves to London’s ExCeL for free, two-day event 

CIPD Festival of Work moves to London’s ExCeL for free, two-day event 

The CIPD Festival of Work returns this June at a brand-new venue: the universally beloved ExCeL London.The CIPD Festival of Work returns this June at a brand-new venue: the universally beloved ExCeL London. The CIPD says the free, two-day event will be a jam-packed, interactive line-up that celebrates innovative ideas and discusses the dilemmas facing the world of work. The Festival will aim to bring together a wide range of exhibiters and over 150 international inspirational thought leaders and leading experts, across seven stages. They will be discussing a diverse range of topics that will ’empower everyone, no matter their profession or sector, to promote meaningful and positive change and create a better world of work’.  (more…)

Workers may have new rights to request flexible working, but let’s not celebrate too soon

Workers may have new rights to request flexible working, but let’s not celebrate too soon

New flexible working rules are intended to normalise flexible work. However, in reality, they may do the opposite, says Molly Johnson-JonesThe new flexible working rules which came into force this month have been touted as a win – normalising and bringing clarity to the world of flexible work. However, in reality, they will do the very opposite. Under the new rules, workers now have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. However, employers can take up to 2 whole months to respond to requests, and they do not have to be clear about their stance on flexible work beforehand. This is a huge oversight. Many workers rely on flexible working, and therefore need to know if arrangements are possible before they start new roles. Employers must be clear about their approach to flexible working from the outset, if we want to normalise flexibility in a way that allows both businesses and workers to benefit. (more…)

European and Asian cities dominate latest smart city rankings

European and Asian cities dominate latest smart city rankings

European and Asian Cities Take Lead in Smart City Race, North America Falls Behind. Zurich named world's top smart cityZurich tops the 2024 Smart City Index, with European and Asian cities dominating the rankings. The report, released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center’s Smart City Observatory and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), analyses data and resident surveys from 142 cities globally. Seven of the top 10 smartest cities hail from Europe. These leading cities prioritize initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life, such as green spaces, cultural events, and social engagement. Additionally, they focus on attracting talent, fostering sustainable investments, and tackling inequality. (more…)

Older people less keen on early retirement than younger generations

Older people less keen on early retirement than younger generations

Early retirement is a specific life goal for 65 percent of working-age adults around the world, with 70 percent of Gen Z employees (the highest proportion of any generation) actively working towards this aspirational goal. This compares to just 51 percent of the over 55s.Early retirement is a specific life goal for 65 percent of working-age adults around the world, with 70 percent of Gen Z employees (the highest proportion of any generation) actively working towards this aspirational goal. This compares to just 51 percent of the over 55s. The findings appear in a new study, commissioned by nudge Global, into the financial wellbeing of 11,577 working-age adults from 17 countries around the world. (more…)

West End gateway for Leeds takes shape with green light for McLaren’s mixed use neighbourhood

West End gateway for Leeds takes shape with green light for McLaren’s mixed use neighbourhood

Leeds City Council has McLaren’s mixed use Wellington Square development of build-to-rent homes and commercial space in Leeds’ West End. The new neighbourhood, designed by Howells Architects, will transform a 2.47 acre site into a lively gateway to Leeds city centre with a landmark tower, high-quality new homes and innovative workspace in the city’s professional core and Innovation Arc, which establishes the area as a hub for research and innovation. (more…)