Office Politics: Apprenticeships aren’t the only way to nurture young talent Office Politics: Apprenticeships aren't the only way to nurture new talent This week is National Apprenticeships Week – a focal point of the national drive to make more training accessible for young people. But rather than a laser-like focus on apprenticeships or to focus on the Kickstart false-start – what it should be about is businesses recognising that apprenticeships aren’t the only way, and there are [...]
Offices will reinvent themselves to play host to the capital’s social capital When Mark Twain’s obituary was prematurely published by an American newspaper, he responded with the now iconic assurance that “the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Over a century later, the same could be said of the capital’s offices. For much of the past year, a growing Niagara of newspaper articles have speculated about [...]
Office Politics: Keeping staff sane in a world gone mad The past twelve months have made it impossible for most of us to work like we did before. What’s more, these lockdowns have made it apparent that working from home all of the time is tougher than many of us ever imagined. So how can employers truly support their teams to get through it and [...]
London needs offices to thrive to secure its global future January 15, 2021 Are cities dead? There are plenty who think so – but Britain should hope they’re wrong. “The history book has not yet been written for cities” is the rallying cry emanating from Government. Those were Rishi Sunak’s words, echoing the Prime Minister’s faith when he spoke with FTSE 250 leaders last week that, post-pandemic, we [...]
An introvert’s confession: I really need the office January 15, 2021 I’m an introvert. When people first get to know me they find it ridiculous I tell them this. I apparently do a very convincing impression of someone who isn’t panicking, but the truth is socialising is a very difficult thing for me. When faced with social situations, my flight or fight reflex kicks in, and [...]
Government’s communications failures can be remedied – if they’re fixed soon January 12, 2021 The Prime Minister’s lockdown announcement last week has left a collective sense of déjà vu and a frustration at seemingly being back to square one ten months into the pandemic. Whilst we are facing an evolved virus, a key component to our fight against the virus has not changed: human behaviour. Rallying behind an approach [...]
Crowdsourcing ideas only works if you do it right January 11, 2021 You’re the boss who knows change is necessary to keep your customers and colleagues on board – and even more so after a few rocky months. Like many in the same situation, you’re thinking: “My employees are a rich source for spotting problems, I’ll ask them what they’d change.” In theory, the approach has mass [...]
Steve Jobs had it right: the office is a hub for creativity January 7, 2021 IN 1986 Steve Jobs became the majority shareholder of a little-known company called the Lucasfilm Graphics Group. For the small sum of $5 million, Jobs acquired a motley crew of 40 computer scientists and graphic artists. But it wasn’t long before the company started making a loss. Products weren’t shifting. Something had to give. Under [...]
Coronavirus: What Olympians can teach us about working from home (seriously) April 6, 2020 After spending four years laser-focused on a single goal, last week world class athletes woke up to the news that the Olympic Games has been postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Athletes will now have to keep up the momentum until June 2021 which will no doubt take some readjusting and a fresh [...]
Now that coronavirus has closed our pubs, fancy heading online for a pint? March 27, 2020 Adland is a sociable place. Creative ideas are often sparked by chance conversations and unexpected influences. That’s why our people work closely together and why we’ve just opened our lovely, sunny new space at the Tea Building in Shoreditch. It’s got the latest technology, colourful rugs, comfy chairs and nice big windows. But thanks to [...]