Search Results for: workplace

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…)

Furniture Makers organising fifth conference for HR professionals

Furniture Makers organising fifth conference for HR professionals

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is organising its fifth annual HR conference, Routes to a Stronger Workforce 2025. Sponsored by Blum UK, the event is taking place on Thursday 10 July 2025 (10:00am – 3:00pm) at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, and is tailored for HR professionals working in the furniture and furnishing industry. The conference will be chaired by Emma Welch, group HR director at Ocee International, and will feature expert-led sessions on topics such as debt management, mental health, and apprenticeship recruitment. (more…)

Gallup report suggests that firms and their employees are not on the same page when it comes to AI

Gallup report suggests that firms and their employees are not on the same page when it comes to AI

A new Gallup study suggests there is a notable gap between corporate enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) and employee preparedness to integrate the technology into their everyday work.A new Gallup study suggests there is a notable gap between corporate enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) and employee preparedness to integrate the technology into their everyday work. While ninety-three percent of Fortune 500 Chief Human Resources Officers say they have begun to integrate AI into their organisations, only thirty-three percent of employees are aware. Despite growing investment in AI, employee use remains limited. Nearly seventy percent of workers say they never use AI in their roles, and only ten percent engage with tools on a weekly basis. White-collar workers are more likely to use the technology, with fifteen percent reporting weekly usage, compared to just nineteen percent of production and frontline employees who say they use it at all. (more…)

Younger people increasingly willing to give up remote work for secure work, study suggests

Younger people increasingly willing to give up remote work for secure work, study suggests

New data from over two million job seekers suggests that younger people are becoming less focused on remote work options as they face a more competitive jobs market.New data from over two million job seekers suggests that younger people are becoming less focused on remote work options as they face a more competitive jobs market. The latest Work Index from Flexa, which tracks workplace preferences based on real-time job search behaviour, found that Gen Z candidates (aged 16 to 28) are now the least likely age group to seek remote-first roles. In March 2025, just 24 percent of Gen Z job seekers expressed a preference for fully remote positions, compared to 35 percent of Gen X (aged 45 to 60). (more…)

Leading UK practice tp bennett acquires Dubai-based design consultancy Bluehaus

Leading UK practice tp bennett acquires Dubai-based design consultancy Bluehaus

UK architecture and design firm tp bennett has acquired Bluehaus Group, a Dubai-based architectural, design and engineering consultancy, as part of its strategy to expand its international operationsUK architecture and design firm tp bennett has acquired Bluehaus Group, a Dubai-based architectural, design and engineering consultancy, as part of its strategy to expand its international operations. The two firms have worked together on a range of projects over the past 15 years. Bluehaus, which has operated in the region for more than two decades, brings experience in sectors including hospitality, healthcare, education, retail and workplace, alongside a client list that includes EmiratesNBD, Amazon, Credit Suisse and Dubai Holding. (more…)

Workforce pressures spark calls for merger between HR and IT functions (say IT bosses)

Workforce pressures spark calls for merger between HR and IT functions (say IT bosses)

A growing number of IT leaders believe the solution to declining productivity and rising digital complexity in the workplace could lie in merging HR and IT departmentsA growing number of IT leaders believe the solution to declining productivity and rising digital complexity in the workplace could lie in merging HR and IT departments, according to a new poll. A global study by digital employee experience firm Nexthink, based on a survey of 1,100 IT leaders, found that 93 percent of respondents believe closer integration between the two functions would improve productivity, employee engagement and satisfaction. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) predict a full merger between HR and IT will take place within five years, while a further 31 percent expect significantly closer collaboration. (more…)

Online gig economy is failing to meet even the most basic labour standards

Online gig economy is failing to meet even the most basic labour standards

Most of the world’s leading online gig economy platforms are failing to uphold even the most basic labour standardsA major new report from Fairwork, a research network backed by the University of Oxford and WZB Berlin that researches the online gig economy, suggests that most of the world’s leading online work platforms are failing to uphold even the most basic labour standards. The Fairwork Cloudwork Ratings 2025 assess 16 of the world’s most widely used online work platforms on five core principles: fair pay, conditions, contracts, management, and representation. (more…)

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces Design Guild Mark 2025 holders

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces Design Guild Mark 2025 holders

At a time when sustainability is a given, aesthetics, innovation of materials and creativity have all been key factors in the success of the 16 outstanding submissions who received the coveted Design Guild Mark 2025At a time when sustainability is a given, aesthetics, innovation of materials and creativity have all been key factors in the success of the 16 outstanding submissions who received the coveted Design Guild Mark 2025. Additionally, one entrant received the accolade of the Jonathan Hindle Prize for an exceptional entry. The presentation takes place at KI’s stunning new showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week today (20 May), with a presentation by the notable design leader,  Sebastian Conran, who has led his own product and brand development consultancy Sebastian Conran Associates for many years. (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…)

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

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

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 stressThere’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…)