There is an increasing demand for office spaces to have an arty home-like feel. Understandably so, who wouldn’t want to work in an aesthetically pleasing Instagram worthy space! Afterall, having art up will increase your businesses creativity and productivity.

Why art is important for your business

Employees are far more likely to want to come into an office that makes them smile. Art and creativity go hand in hand and for creative business this is a must! Art is a fantastic way to encourage creativity, imagination and boost productivity, this is vital for innovation. Your client base will also appreciate art that is really representative of who your business is.

How to represent your business through art

Art that highlights your businesses personality is a must. Personalised art is a great way to achieve this! Commissioned work doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, there are places such as Etsy where you can directly search for art work that you can have customised for a reasonable price. From images that relate to what your business does, to motivational quotes, and even your business logo, you will be able to find a multitude of artwork to fit your brief. For example framed posters of UK Cities would be great for a company working across the UK!

Adding a splash of colour

Bold colourful pieces are a good option for boosting a positive atmosphere. It is scientifically proven that certain colours evoke different moods. Warmer shades (red, orange, yellow etc.) evoke feelings of optimism, creativity and happiness. Be warned however red has been shown to increase a persons appetite so be sure to have snacks to hand! Cool colours (green, blue etc.) are calming and relaxing colours however can also bring along some feelings of sadness if not used effectively. Green is the best colour for concentration and focus, it’s a relaxing colour that will inevitably bring about a peaceful and productive workplace. For a mood-boosting colour try orange. This warm colour will creative a welcoming and energetic vibe within your office. Purple is a great way to boost creativity as it is a combination of both the intense warm red tone and the calming cool blue tone! Fun and bright colours are great talking points and will definitely bring a warmer atmosphere to your office.

Art as an investment

For those looking to splurge a little on an work of art this can be a great investment, plus this directly supports the artist ensuring that they can continue producing their work. Purchasing original works of art feels more special than getting a cheap mass produced print and knowing that your piece is unique and original is a great feeling. With careful research you can purchase jaw dropping pieces that will continue to increase in value over the years to come!

Why not even make your own abstract art as a team building activity. Grab some large canvases, acrylic paints and give it a go! This is a great way to bring your office team together and what a great point of conversation to be had with your clients! Many of our available offices allow for you to decorate your space to suit your own vision or have designed the space with productivity and art in mind. Why not check out our arty spaces now!

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What is Pride?

Pride is a huge LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) celebration that takes place yearly in many different countries across the world. It doesn’t matter how you identify, pride should be celebrated by everyone! It celebrates love and diversity amongst people. This year is the 50th year Pride has been celebrated in the UK. Things have changed a lot over the years, we are now seeing a greater representation of LGBTQ+ people in our communities. Pride nowadays is streets adorned with rainbow flags and parties, but it wasn’t always like this.

The origin of Pride

In the 1960’s and the decades leading up to it, LGBTQ+ people were not treated fairly, both from homophobic individuals and the government creating homophobic laws. Due to the unwelcoming nature of the time, a lot of LGBTQ+ people created their own safe spaces within gay bars/clubs. At the time these spaces were some of the only places LGBTQ+ people could freely express themselves. Many of these places were raided by the police as they argued that when LGBTQ+ people were together it was “disorderly”.  Pride began as a political response to a 1969 police raid in a New York pub, ‘Stonewall Inn’ that many LGBTQ+ people went to. 13 people were arrested that morning 28th June. This then lead to the Stonewall Riots. These Riots began to change the rights of gay people.

Why Pride is important to celebrate in your workplace?

Creating a workplace environment that is accepting and safe is important for the wellbeing of employees and everyone who comes across your business. It shows people they are welcome and makes people feel connected.  One of the things that is a great indicator of being an inclusive workplace is through editing your email signature to add in your pronouns, (e.g. she/her, they/them, he/him).

Ways you and your business can celebrate Pride this year:

• listen to a LGBTQ+ podcast (I recommend ‘The Log Books, untold stories from Britain’s LGBTQ+ history’)
• create a plan to ensure your business is LGBTQ+ inclusive all year round (not just during Pride month)
• go to a Queer/Trans art exhibition
• support Queer businesses
• speak up and be vocal about your allyship
• go to a LGBTQ+ activist gathering/march
• educate yourself on Queer history, perhaps by watching a documentary

Have a very happy Pride!

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Do you want to work in a productive hybrid environment?

The best way to increase productivity is by creating an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. A hybrid work environment combines the benefits of working remotely with the help of being co-located, so employees can enjoy both types of environments without choosing one or the other.

The idea behind this design is that creativity needs to be separated from the more traditional task-based work environment. This separation will allow for a hybrid workplace that simultaneously promotes creativity and productivity.

It will also help employees feel less burned out and save companies money on their real estate costs by reducing the square footage needed per employee.

Here are seven characteristics of a productive hybrid work environment and other details you need to know.

What is a hybrid work environment?

A hybrid team is a flexible work structure in which some workers operate remotely, and others work from a central location or office.

A Hybrid Work Environment is a work environment with office and home components.

The objective of this type of work environment is to enable employees to have more flexible working hours or to reduce the number of company offices.

And some people may enjoy the combination of the quieter atmosphere at home with the faster-paced convenience of an office.

11 characteristics of a productive hybrid work environment

The modern work environment is changing.

More people are looking for a balance between the stability of full-time employment and the flexibility of hybrid working.

A productive hybrid work environment uses the right combination of online and offline work methods to boost output, increase employee satisfaction, and reduce costs.

Here are 11 characteristics of a productive hybrid work environment:

1) Flexible hours – Employees have more flexibility in their schedules because they’re not tied down at a desk all day long. They are given the freedom to work when they’re most productive.

2) Remote access – Employees have 24/7 remote access, which means they can still be productive even if they’re on vacation or sick.

3) More collaboration – Employees are more collaborative because they see each other face-to-face regularly. They are encouraged to work together on projects even if there is no hierarchy. They can share their experience and knowledge, making more innovative ideas to succeed.

4) Flexible office space options – Employees have the choice of working from home, cafés, co-working spaces, and even their own private offices. In addition, they can change their location whenever they want.

5) More flexible work style – Employees are given the freedom to choose how they do their work which makes them more motivated and allows them to develop a stronger sense of ownership towards their projects.

6) Greater focus on results – There is no distinction between personal time and working time because employees focus primarily on results instead of how they spend their time.

7) Intuitive cloud technology – Employees use intuitive software, making doing everyday tasks like collaborating, sharing, and storing files easier. It helps them to their work and gives employers an accurate representation of what they do.

8) Reduced business expenses – Since employees have more flexibility with where they work, less office space is needed, which means a drop in real estate costs for the company.

9) Greater work-life balance – Employees are given more time to spend with their family and friends, contributing to a happier life.

10) Collaborative culture – Employees share a collaborative culture because they’re not confined to their cubicle and office space.

11) A happy workforce – Productivity goes up, and stress levels go down when employees aren’t chained to their desks all day long.

Hybrid Work Environment Benefits to Business and Employees

• Flexible Hours
• Virtual Management
• Time Management
• Stronger collaboration
• Increased Talent Pool and Development Opportunities
• Improved Work-Life Balance and Happier Employees
• Reduction in Costs

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There is a strong relationship between health, wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. When employees are healthy and feel good mentally and emotionally, they are more productive. Conversely, when employees are struggling with their health or wellbeing, their productivity suffers. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between these three factors and discuss ways to improve productivity.

The importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace

The health and wellbeing of employees is extremely important to productivity in the workplace. Numerous studies have shown that when employees are healthy and feel good mentally and emotionally, they are more able to get more completed.

There are a number of factors that contribute to employee health and wellbeing, including:

• Physical health: Employees who are physically healthy are less likely to miss work due to illness or injury. They also have more energy and stamina, which leads to increased productivity. Many of our available office spaces have on-site gyms!
• Mental health: Employees who are mentally healthy are better able to focus and concentrate on their work. They are also less likely to experience stress and anxiety, which can lead to increased productivity.
• Emotional health: Employees who are emotionally healthy are more likely to be positive and motivated. They are also less likely to experience negative emotions such as anger and frustration, which can lead to decreased productivity.

How to improve your health and wellbeing in the workplace

There are a few key ways to improve your health and wellbeing in the workplace:

• Eat healthy foods and snacks throughout the day.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Take breaks often to move your body and get some fresh air.
• Make time for relaxation and stress relief activities, such as yoga or meditation.
• Talk to your supervisor about any concerns you have regarding your health or wellbeing.

Tips for improving productivity in the workplace

One way to improve productivity in the workplace is by promoting employee health and wellbeing. This can be done in a number of ways, such as providing health insurance benefits, offering wellness programs, and encouraging employees to take breaks during the workday. Another way to improve productivity in the workplace is by ensuring that employees have a good work-life balance. This can be accomplished by offering flexible working hours, allowing employees to take time off when needed, and providing child care benefits.

Many of the offices we list have their own on-site gyms available for those working there to use, this is a great feature to ensure physical exercise is easily accessible during the work week. A lot of our available spaces also offer wellness and mindfulness classes which is a great way to help destress and work on your mental health. Fully-stocked kitchens and on-site cafes are great for maintaining a regular and healthy attitude towards food and eating regularly, after all no one likes being hungry whilst working!

When you are healthy and have a good work-life balance, you will inevitably be more productive. By promoting employee health and wellbeing, and by ensuring that employees have a good work-life balance, employers can improve productivity in the workplace.

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It’s no secret that work-life balance is a hot topic in today’s society. With so many people working long hours and trying to balance family responsibilities with their job, it can be difficult to find time for anything else. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of a healthy work-life balance, and how you can achieve this.

Why work-life balance is important

There are a number of reasons why finding this balance is more important than ever in 2022. First, the workforce is rapidly changing. In the past, work-life balance was something that was only important to a small subset of people. But as the workforce has evolved, so has the importance of work-life balance. Today, more and more people are looking for ways to achieve a healthy work-life balance. And in 2022, this trend is only going to continue. It’s important to be able to manage your time effectively and have a good work-life balance. Otherwise, you run the risk of burnout. Secondly, the workforce is also becoming more diverse. With so many different cultures and lifestyles represented in the workplace, it’s important to be respectful of everyone’s needs and find a balance that works for everyone. Lastly, technology is changing the way we work. In 2020 there was a huge increase in the need for businesses to have the most up to date technology. With new tools and applications being developed all the time, it’s important to take the time to learn how to use them effectively and not let them take over your life.

How to achieve work-life balance in today’s world

There are multiple things you can do to achieve work-life balance in today’s world. First, it’s vitally important to set boundaries. When you’re working, make sure you’re focused on your work and not letting other aspects of your life interfere. Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to balance everything, there’s no shame in asking for help from your friends, family, or even your employer. Lastly, make time for yourself. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health and taking time to do things you enjoy outside of work. Many of our offices have amenities that make this a real possibility. From wellbeing based activities such as; yoga classes, personal training, community events, and many more. For a lot of pet owners it can be an extra challenge to find that work-life balance. Dogs are the most commonly owned pets in the UK. Due to this, we understand the ever growing demand for dog friendly offices, giving you the time to spend quality time with your furry friends during your work day.

The benefits of a healthy work-life balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance has a number of benefits. It can improve your physical health. When you’re able to manage your time effectively and reduce stress, you’ll be less likely to experience physical health problems. It can also improve your mental health. When you have a good work-life balance, you’ll be less likely to experience anxiety and depression. This likely will have a knock-on effect with your sleeping patterns, a lack of stress will ensure you are well-rested. Additionally, it can improve your work life. When you’re able to manage your time effectively, you’ll be more productive at work and less likely to make mistakes. Having a good and consistent work-life balance will improve your whole life!

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Mindfulness is becoming an increasingly popular topic in the business world. More and more people are recognizing the benefits of mindfulness and are looking for ways to implement it into their work lives. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 tips that employers can use to promote mindfulness in the workplace.

Understand the basics of mindfulness and its benefits

One of the first things employers should do if they want to promote mindfulness in the workplace is to understand the basics of it and its benefits. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and promote overall well-being. There are many resources available on mindfulness, so employers should take some time to educate themselves on the topic. Lots of popular apps are available including the Headspace: Mindful Meditation app. Many of our office spaces run mindfulness classes and activities.

Encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day

It is important for employers to encourage their employees to take breaks throughout the day, especially if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Taking a few minutes to relax and clear your mind can do wonders for your productivity and mental state. Employees should be encouraged to take breaks as needed, and they should not feel guilty about doing so.

Provide a quiet space for employees to relax or meditate

If your workplace is noisy or chaotic, it can be difficult for employees to relax or concentrate. Providing a quiet space for employees to take a break or meditate can be a great way to promote mindfulness in the workplace. This could be a small room that is designated for relaxation, or simply an area where employees can go to escape the noise. Some of our available offices offer quiet rooms as well!

Organize team-building exercises that focus on mindfulness

Team-building exercises are a great way to promote mindfulness in the workplace. There are many different types of team-building exercises that focus on mindfulness, so employers should take some time to research what would be most beneficial for their employees. Some examples of mindful team-building exercises include yoga, walking meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

Encourage employees to be mindful of their words and actions

It is important for employers to encourage their employees to be mindful of their words and actions. This means being aware of how your words and actions affect others and making sure that they are positive. Mindful communication can help reduce conflict in the workplace and promote a more positive work environment.

Offer training on how to practice mindfulness in the workplace

In order to really promote mindfulness in the workplace, employers should offer training on how to practice mindfulness in the workplace. This will help employees understand what mindfulness is and how they can implement it into their work lives. There are many different types of mindfulness training available, so employers should take some time to find a program that would be most beneficial for their employees.

Offer yoga or meditation classes during lunchtime or after work

Another great way to promote mindfulness in the workplace is to offer yoga or meditation classes during lunchtime or after work. This gives employees an opportunity to learn about and practice mindfulness in a relaxed setting. It also allows them to take some time for themselves, which can help reduce stress levels. Have you checked out our offices that offer yoga classes yet?

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