Businesses should shift their focus away from functional workplace issues, such as cost per square metre, and towards the productivity boost that can be delivered through well-designed workspaces, according to a new study from Interserve – ‘Designing and delivering effective workplace experiences – a practical guide’. Part of a two-year research project by Interserve with workplace consultants, Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA), the report sets out a six-stage programme for businesses to create effective workplace experiences which, ... Continue reading

An unhealthy workforce significantly hurts the UK’s economy and society due to lost productivity, reduction in income tax receipts, increases in long-term sickness and increased healthcare costs, according to research by The Work Foundation. The costs to the taxpayer – benefit costs, additional health costs and forgone taxes – are estimated to be over £60bn. And the combined costs of sickness absence, lost productivity through worklessness, and health-related productivity losses, are estimated to be over £100bn annually. This is greate... Continue reading

When looking at pension scheme changes and issues of age discrimination, it is important to remember that such discrimination can occur in two ways: Direct discrimination means treating a member less favourably than another on grounds of age or apparent age. Indirect discrimination is applying a provision, criterion or practice which, though apparently age-neutral, in practice puts workers of a particular age or age group at a disadvantage  Where changes to a pension scheme are potentially age discriminatory, those changes can be ob... Continue reading

Training and consulting specialist International Workplace – formerly known as Workplace Law – has appointed Stacey Collins CMIOSH as its new Head of Environment, Health and Safety. Stacey joins the business after 15 years at law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP where, as Health, Safety and Environment Manager he developed management systems for health and safety and environment successfully certified to OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 management standards. Stacey managed client side H&S on a £24m 18-month refit of Freshfields head offic... Continue reading

This year’s FM Industry Ball will take guests back to the Roaring Twenties with a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed evening on 20 June 2017. The lavish Grand Connaught Rooms will be transformed into a glittering ballroom reminiscent of one of Jay Gatsby’s famous Long Island parties to raise money for The Children’s Trust, the leading UK charity for children with brain injury. Now in its fourth year, the FM Industry Ball is truly an event for the industry organised by the industry. Glamorously-dressed guests will be greeted by a glitzy st... Continue reading