businessinfomag.uk magazine 04 Landlords to create more shared workspace Office landlords are planning a big increase in square footage dedicated to flexible workspace, reveals new research by infinitSpace. The owner of the ‘beyond’ flexible workspace brand, which also creates/ manages flexible workspaces on a whitelabel basis, commissioned an independent survey of 250 UK office landlords and found that respondents expect an average of 54% of their office space to be dedicated to flexible or coworking spaces by 2030, a 50% increase on the current level of 36%. One in ten landlords (10%) predicts that their portfolio will consist almost entirely (91-100%) of flexible or coworking space by 2030, up from 3% of landlords now. Nearly two-thirds (59%) said converting office space into flexible workspaces is a key part of their strategy to keep up with market demand for shared space. Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “Demand for flexible workspaces is on the rise, and our research shows that landlords are looking to adapt their portfolios and buildings to fit this trend. But there are important lessons as they do so. “While demand is booming, businesses are surrounded by greater choice than ever and are becoming more discerning when hunting for a workspace to call home. Competition is tough in the flex market, and to stand out from the crowd, attract occupants and futureproof their assets, landlords must ensure their new workspaces are perfectly aligned with businesses’ demands. “The next steps for office landlords? Taking stock of their existing assets and devising a strategy to optimise workspaces to address the needs of the modern workforce. And, of course, thirdparty workspace providers are always on hand to provide support, from conception to operation.” www.infinitspace.com ... A day to remember How did you mark the inaugural National Social Engineering Day on August 6? The national day established by KnowBe4, provider of a security training and simulated phishing platform, and officially recognised by the National Day Calendar, will be celebrated on the same day every year to highlight the risks associated with social engineering tactics used in an estimated 98% of cyberattacks. KnowBe4 CEO Stu Sjouwerman said: “The establishment of National Social Engineering Day serves as a crucial NESCAFÉ B2B takes partnership with Deborah Meaden to next level NESCAFÉ B2B by Nestlé Professional has announced the winners of a competition to win bespoke advice from serial entrepreneur and business guru Deborah Meaden (see Business Info Issue 155). The seven winners are: Patrick Ellis from Sawn to be Wild; Katie Harrison from Picture News; Kym Morris from Legionella & Fire Safe Services; Dr Haris Mazhar from Cintillate; Jack Bussey from JJB Construction; Jamie Smith from InScout Network; and Simon Poole from Splash Projects. All won the opportunity to discuss their business challenges with Deborah Meaden and NESCAFÉ B2B business experts in front of a live audience in Soho, London. Advice from the sessions will be aired in three short films on Nestlé Professional’s website and YouTube channel from September, supported by written collateral. www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/ nescafe/discussions-with-deborah B U L L E T I N BULLETIN When too much buzz is bad for biz As employers try to entice workers back into the office with the promise of a vibrant, lively working environment, new research from Jabra highlights the damaging effects of noise on concentration and productivity. Overall, 71% of UK workers say noisy environments make them mentally tired, with 50% complaining that noise makes it difficult to focus: 49% find it difficult to lead or participate in calls when colleagues are conducting their own calls without headphones on; 47% say it is difficult for them to be productive under such circumstances. To avoid noise and limit distractions, over half of UK workers say their employers expect them to take calls and join online meetings in a separate room (53%) and use professional headphones (66%). Almost three-quarters (72%) say clear, high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks and projects. On the flip side, 58% of UK workers say poor quality audio during conference calls negatively impacts their wellbeing. When it comes to how employers should address audio issues in the workplace, allowing employees to work from home more frequently was cited by 39%, followed by providing noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment (36%) and creating dedicated, designated areas for specific activities e.g. quiet zones or collaborative zones (34%). Almost two thirds (64%) of UK workers agree that employers should invest more in creating an inclusive, neurodiverse workplace that accommodates employees with diverse reactions to and tolerance of noise and distractions. www.jabra.com
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