Employment

Return to Office: UK Workers Surveyed About RTO Mandates

Posted on

A close-up view of the bottom halves of three smartly dressed colleagues walking across the white lines of a pedestrian street cross-walk to go to work in the morning. The two men on the right carry soft leather briefcases and wear long black coats, and the woman on the left has a large shoulder bag and wears a long grey coat. The woman on the left and the man on the far right of the three have lanyards with their work IDs visible hanging down from their necks, and the rear of a yellow car is visible parked on the side of the street behind the woman and to the left. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Survey Summary: UK Office Workers’ Perspectives on Returning to the Office

Five years after the onset of the pandemic that transformed the world of work, the dynamics of office life are still getting readjusted. According to a 2024 survey, more than 80% of British chief executives foresee a full return to the office within 3 years – but how do employees view this? 

To find out, we polled 400 office workers of private and public sector employers on this hot topic and asked about their preferences and concerns as they transition from remote work back to the office. Here are the key findings.

Who’s Actually Back in the Office?

Our UK survey reveals that a majority of respondents (57%) have returned to the office on a part-time or hybrid working basis at their employer’s request, while 43% are back full-time. These figures confirm that in-person office work has taken over remote work as the new normal, although there’s a substantial shift towards flexible models. 

Continue reading “Return to Office: UK Workers Surveyed About RTO Mandates” →

The Most Highly Paid Office Jobs in London

Posted on

Careers in London - LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondonClerical and desk-based jobs are a popular source of employment in London, although the type of roles available has evolved due to changes in the local and global economy. With the rise of the creative sector, many new and highly paid office jobs have appeared in London, and more specialised office jobs have been created in traditional sectors. Here’s an overview of the top 7 highest-paid office jobs in the nations capital.

1. Finance Officer

Finance officers are mainly responsible for budgeting, auditing, and defining financial policies at a corporate level. This role requires a detail-oriented and analytical personality, as well as an understanding of compliance and strong numerical abilities. This role is more common in large corporations and multinationals within banking, finance, insurance, consulting, but there are also opportunities in the public sector and in smaller companies.

Typical salary:

– Entry level: £30,000.
– City average: £50,000 (approximately 15% higher than the average salary for all other London-based jobs).
– Late career: up to £95,000.

2. Cloud Architect

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growth fields in IT, since an increasing number of companies are moving their operations to the cloud. Some surveys suggest that up to 77% of businesses interviewed plan to adopt cloud computing within two years, so there are plenty of openings in this area. Continue reading “The Most Highly Paid Office Jobs in London” →

How to Look Clever at Work

Posted on

How to Look Clever at Work from LondonOfficeSpace.comIf you sometimes feel overwhelmed during meetings, terrified during presentations, and just a little bit slow during your day-to-day interactions at work, there are ways for you to appear smarter. Using a little science and a lot of research, the sociology world has found ways for you to look smarter at work.

Keep Your Language Simple
Think back to the last time you read an email that was laced with hyperbole. The chances are, you found it irritating rather than impressive. A study conducted by Princeton University in 2005 found that those who use grandiose language don’t appear smarter than their contemporaries who keep things simple. In fact, quite the opposite happens. According to the study, when you use overly complicated language, you disrupt the fluency of the overall conversation. Using language that you’re familiar with, and that others will understand, is far more effective.Smile to Look Intelligent
A study published in PLoS in 2014 found that walking around with a frown on your face will cause others to believe you are of low intelligence. In contrast, being smiley will lead them to believe you are smart. This study investigated the traits found in ‘high intelligence’ and ‘low intelligence’ faces. The majority of faces associated with high intelligence carried expressions of joy, and were often friendly. If you usually walk into work with a glum expression, take a little time to put a smile on your face.Be Self Assured and Use Expressive Speech
A meta analysis carried out by Northeastern University found that those who appear self assured and use expressive speech are perceived as being more intelligent than those who do not. Expressive speech involves varying degrees of tone, with passion and no faltering. In other words, you need to be confident in what you say and how you say it. Clearly this doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and shyness or a lack of confidence in what you are saying doesn’t always correlate with low intelligence. If you struggle with public speaking or speaking up in meetings, focus on those topics you feel confident speaking about and take some time to practice talking to yourself at home. It can work wonders for your expressive speech skills.
Continue reading “How to Look Clever at Work” →

How the Shopping and Retail Industry Boosts London’s Economy

Posted on

In 2013, major international brands from around the world gave London’s economy a boost by bringing a total of 31 new stores to the city. From the acclaimed American clothing store J Crew to luxury brand Tom Ford, each one placed its mark on the capital of England for the first time. After what has seemed like an endlessly tense economic recovery, the introduction of these stores to the capital has proved to bring good news. As of May 2014, London held the title of being the ‘World’s most popular city for international retailers’, making it a go-to shopping destination for people across the globe. How the Shopping and Retail Industry Boosts London's Economy from LondonOfficeSpace.com

London Knocking Dubai from the Hot Shopping Top Spot

With approximately 57% of the world’s major international brands now owning stores in London, the city is ahead of Dubai, New York, Paris, and Shanghai, all of which have enviable shopping reputations of their own. To complement its reputation for shopping prestige, London carries a cosmopolitan vibe, which appeals to young and rich fashion lovers looking to make the most of their cash in an environment that’s enjoyable. Worldwide, Regent Street and Westfield are now well-known amongst the globe’s shopping elite. Eric Eastman of CBRE has since noted that London now attracts more international visitors than any other city in the world, with a considerable number of them coming from China.

Thanks to more major brands investing in the city, areas outside of the main shopping hubs are now attracting investment. This has seen some of Covent Garden’s boutique shopping spaces give way to bigger brands, which are beginning to fight for space within the city. Continue reading “How the Shopping and Retail Industry Boosts London’s Economy” →

The Best of London: Jobs, Business Locations and Events

Posted on

London skyline LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondonWithout a doubt London is one of the most important business locations in the World. Lets take a look at some of the most popular and highest paying jobs, the most sought after business locations, the top business incubators and the essential networking events and conferences to attend in London.

The Most Sought After Careers and Popular Jobs in London

Being the capital of one of the strongest economies in the world, it is not surprising that London attracts thousands of jobseekers every year, who arrive in the British capital hoping to give a boost to their career by landing a position in the city. According to a March 2013 report published by local London newspaper The Evening Standard, the official unemployment rate in the city is at a four-year low, and currently stands at 7.8 per cent. Data collected by the Greater London Authority show that during 2013, the total number of jobs available in the city has increased by 3.9 per cent when compared to the previous year.

Read more

The Most Highly Paid Careers in London

As Britain’s biggest financial hub, London has plenty to offer in terms of high paying careers. From the towering buildings of Canary Wharf financial experts manipulate the stock market using a combination of expertise and risk. Within London and around its edges, pilots and flight engineers jet lucky holiday makers off to exotic destinations. If you fancy a career change, or just a little inspiration, these highly paid careers in London can set you right.

Read more

The Top Businsess Locations in London

Continue reading “The Best of London: Jobs, Business Locations and Events” →

The Most Sought After Careers and Popular Jobs in London

Posted on

Popular Jobs in London LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondonBeing the capital of one of the strongest economies in the world, it is not surprising that London attracts thousands of jobseekers every year, who arrive in the British capital hoping to give a boost to their career by landing a position in the city. According to a March 2013 report published by local London newspaper The Evening Standard, the official unemployment rate in the city is at a four-year low, and currently stands at 7.8 per cent. Data collected by the Greater London Authority show that during 2013, the total number of jobs available in the city has increased by 3.9 per cent when compared to the previous year.

London is also the most popular UK city for graduates who are in search of their first job. This trend has been specially notorious since the economic recession hit, according to the Higher Education Careers Services Unit. But where exactly are the most popular jobs in London and what are the key trends for the near future? In this article we take a look at the most fruitful sources of employment in the British capital and at some interesting data about them.

Finance and banking

With hundreds of financial institutions from all over the world headquartered in London, the city naturally attracts jobseekers who are interested in pursuing a career in finance. The city’s status as a leading financial centre at international level is one of the main reasons why the finance job market in London escaped the worst of the recession. In May 2012, a survey carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research showed that financial jobs in the City were down by nearly 100,000 when compared to the pre-recession years. However, the sector has since stabilised and currently the number of finance jobs available is on the rise. Banking jobs have increased by 3.2 per cent, whereas the bulk of finance jobs available is 1.8 per cent higher than last year.

According to the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, approximately 66 per cent of all graduates who are currently working as financial analysts began their career in London. One thing is clear: the finance job market in London is changing, and while jobs some types of finance and banking are becoming scarce, there are new opportunities in areas like fund management and insurance.

Construction

Construction is a booming sector in London that has benefited from the celebration of the Olympic Games and from some large-scale infrastructure projects, like the Thames Tideway Tunnel or Crossrail, which will require large numbers of construction workers until 2019. All in all, there are nearly 700 ongoing construction projects around London. In the residential sector, there are more than 200,000 London homes with approved building permission. According to the Construction Skills Network, at the end of 2012 there were 260,000 people employed in the construction sector in Greater London.

However, the London Assembly Economy Committee has recently published a report affirming that there are important skills shortages in this particular labour market, especially when it comes to dry liners, glazers, plasterers, and building envelope specialists. These are the areas where the best paying constrution jobs can be found.

Hospitality

London is an industry leader in the hotel and catering industry, and according to some recent reports, the hospitality industry in the capital has outpaced the rest of the country and is showing growth levels that are higher than those of the pre-recession years. By 2020, it is expected that there will be 5,000 new hotel rooms in the city, in addition to the 8,000 that opened up on occasion of the Olympics.

Yet, the latest State of the Nation report shows that the city is experiencing critical skill shortages, especially when it comes to chefs and qualified hospitality managers. While vacancies for front of the house staff and waiting staff are always available in London, the highest paying hospitality jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Retail

Retail is one of the most important contributors to the economy of London. According to data published at the London’s Economic Plan website, the retail industry employs more than 400,000 people, a figure that represents approximately 9 per cent of all jobs in Greater London. It is expected that within the next ten years, there will be a further 75,000 retail vacancies available in the city.

By far, the most popular retail jobs are to be found in specialist clothing stores, which employ 78,000 jobs across London. Next are food retail outlets, which provide more than 22,000 people, followed by outlets selling electrical goods, books, and furniture, in which more than 10,000 people are employed.

How to Deal with Workplace Disputes

Posted on

How to Deal with Workplace Disputes LondonOfficeSpace.com @officeinlondonAlthough many working relationships proceed without major problems, in some cases workplace disputes can cause valid concerns to both employers and employees. In this article you will find a useful information on how to proceed and what to expect when faced with a potential workplace dispute.

Understanding the legislation that concerns the management of workplace disputes

The legislation governing workplace disputes has as its main objective finding an early solution to any problem that may affect the working relationship between employers and employees. Whenever a dispute arises, the current regulations are there to help the process be solved quickly and without unnecessary difficulties.

In 2009, some changes were made to the Employment Act to include detailed procedures regarding the management of workplace disputes. In January 2013, the Employment Relations Ministry proposed a series of amendments to the current workplace dispute guidelines and called for the implementation of new statutory codes of practice on this matter. The new codes of practice will introduce modifications to the maximum amount that can be paid as unfair dismissal compensation, as well as outline in detail what constitutes improper behaviour and what factors should be taken into account when negotiating financial compensation at the end of a working relationship.

Types of workplace disputes and how to deal with each of them

Disputes in the workplace will usually fall within one of the following categories: grievances or disciplinary issues. In both cases, employers and employees are advised to raise their concerns informally before proceeding with a formal grievance or a disciplinary procedure.

Grievances can be defined as concerns or complaints that an employee has regarding his or her working conditions, treatment at work, or the application of the relevant statutory rights. There are a series of defined steps that must be taken when raising a grievance, and the details will be outlined either in your contract of employment or in your employer’s human resources or company handbook. In most cases, the procedure for raising a grievance involves:

a) informing your employer about the issue in a dated and signed letter, in which you also suggest what response you expect from them. It is recommended that you keep a copy of this letter

b) once they receive the letter, your employer must arrange a meeting in which you can discuss the issues involved in detail. During this meeting, employees have the right to be accompanied by a work colleague or by a trade union representative, when applicable

c) you should receive a written statement from your employer that describes the actions they have decided to implement with regards to your grievance

Most workplace disputes should be settled at this stage. If they are not and you do not agree with the way your employer has handled the grievance, you must inform them in writing about your intention of appealing their decision. A further meeting will then be arranged, and whenever possible, it is recommended that a senior manager is present at the appeal meeting.

On the other hand, disciplinary issues are raised by employers and concern employees’ behaviour, absences, or their failure to meet contractual requirements and standards. The procedure for dealing with disciplinaries involves the same steps as above.

What to do if a workplace dispute cannot be settled through grievances or disciplinaries

If the issue that caused a workplace dispute persists following a grievance or disciplinary procedure, the current employment legislation recommends that advice is sought from an independent third party before taking things further. The Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has been created specifically for that purpose. Employees who are or might be involved in a workplace dispute are encouraged to speak to an ACAS advisor or to visit their website to find specific guidance on how to proceed. ACAS also provides a free of charge early conciliation service that may help find a solution without needing to go to an employment tribunal. Alternatively, employees that are represented by a trade union can contact their union representative. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau and the Civil Mediation Service can also be of help.

The organisations listed above can act as mediators and advise employees on whether or not they have a right to raise their issues at an employment tribunal. The last step before going to a tribunal would be to involve an arbitrator (usually ACAS), whose decisions are legally binding for both parties. It must be kept in mind that employees who wish to make a claim before a tribunal must do so within a maximum of three months following the date of the incident. Making a claim should be considered the last resort to solving a workplace dispute.

Further information on Workplace Disputes, as well as guides on a range of other employee rights can be found here Employee Rights, Maternity Rights, Equal Opportunities and
Office Relocation: Employee Rights, Office Occupational Health and Safety.

Your Rights as an Employee: Office Occupational Health and Safety

Posted on

There are many factors that can influence job satisfaction and productivity levels in the office. Although elements like economic retribution, good working relationships with colleagues, and autonomy are all very important, health and safety considerations cannot be taken out of the equation. The importance of health and safety in the workplace should not be underestimated, as the well-being of both employers and staff depends on it.

Since potential hazards are everywhere, it is important to be familiar with and understand what regulations are in place in order to protect your health and well-being at work, as well as which are your rights as an employee in terms of health and safety. This article provides an overview of the most important aspects of the current health and safety legislation, with the objective of helping you understand better your rights in the office.

Continue reading “Your Rights as an Employee: Office Occupational Health and Safety” →

Top Creative Companies in East London

Posted on

East London, especially the Tech City and Shoreditch area is a major European hub for tech companies. Much of these tech companies are start-ups offering a variety of creative and innovative services. Tech City especially has a reputation for creativity. Entrepreneurs from all over the world reach out to this hub, seeking to leverage the facilities on offer, such as the presence of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, financiers, creative artists and others, support services offered by Universities and government and more. Very few places in the world match such facilities.

Fast Growing Companies

Prominent start ups that have made it big in recent years include 7Digital, Eventbrite, INQ Mobile, Last.fm, Mendeley, Mind Candy, Moo Print, Playfish, SpliceTV, Spotify, Stylistpick, Ustwo, We7 and more. Continue reading “Top Creative Companies in East London” →

The Ten Best Companies to Work for in London

Posted on

There are a large number of companies to work for in London, and many seem to offer extremely attractive contracts and benefits. Choosing between all of the companies in the capital and making sure that you have made the best choice can be rather tough, especially when you consider all the various aspects such as pay, working environment and benefits. What follows is ten of the best companies to work for in London, most of which have won awards for the excellent packages that they offer their employees.

Shine Communications, which has offices in Islington, is a public relations consultancy agency that was established back in 1998. Shine Communications currently employs just over 50 people and recently won the title of the UK’s Best Small Company to Work For. Shine Communications has a reputation for respecting its staff and treating them as individuals, along with asking their opinions on various aspects of the company’s management. The company offers flexible working hours and an early finish on Fridays, as well as plenty of holidays, especially on special occasions such as their birthdays. The company is also noted for their charity work and competitive salary packages.

Electrical cable supplier Eland Cables is known for its fun and friendly working environment, while special team building exercises are run throughout the year. Eland Cables, which has its corporate head office in Kentish Town, also offers flexible working hours, along with a number of schemes in place to help protect the environment.

The Eurostaff Group recruitment consultancy agency regularly rewards its staff for their hard work with treats such as a weekend in Marrakesh. Around 60 people currently work for this caring company, and staff turnover is just 5%. The company offers a comparatively high salary to their staff as well as perks such as mobile phones and performance related pay. The Eurostaff Group also rewards their employees for working hard with incentives such as trips to Las Vegas and Paris. The Eurostaff Group have offices across Europe and a London base in Southwark.

The Softwire software development company boasts a workforce of 58 people. The happiness and wellbeing of Softwire staff is taken seriously, and the company has even developed an app to monitor general happiness and give instant praise. People who care about their working environment are sure to love working at Softwire.

Goodman Masson, established in Barbican, is a recruitment consultancy company that goes to great lengths to ensure that their staff feel secure by helping them financial in a number of ways. Although the starting salary is already very competitive, the company offers extra bonuses such as helping them to save money on their mortgage payments. Staff also have the option to trade some of their salary for extra holiday time, while staff members who want to purchase a car or make any other type of major purchase will be offered a loan.

The Berkeley Partnership management consultancy company, situated in Chancery Lane, show their appreciation for staff who work hard in a number of different ways. The company features 50 employees and 15 partners. Refreshingly, there is no boss as such, as each of the partners take it in turns to manage different divisions of the company. This helps to ensure that staff are treated fairly, which is reflected by the company’s 10% staff turnover rate.

The Karmarama advertising agency, located in Hammersmith, is perhaps best known for their high profile work for charity, which includes a 24-hour table tennis marathon. While the company’s staff are encouraged to work hard, they also play hard, and the advertising agency provides an onsite fitness centre and games room. Staff who perform well also receive excellent bonuses and other rewards.

The SilverDoor Serviced Apartments property management company, which has offices in Chiswick, believe in treating each of their 54 members of staff as individuals and goes to great lengths to create a personal image and profile for new employees. Team building exercises are regularly organised and SilverDoor Serviced Apartments ensures that the high profits that are generated by the sale and rental of apartments is shared with their employees.

Having fun at work is one of the main concerns at Mind Candy. The average age of employees at this children’s entertainment company is just 30, and staff are encouraged to tackle their workload in a playful and innovative way. Employees spend their days thinking up new ideas for children’s games and putting them into practice, and this a great place to work for people who are young at heart. Mind Candy’s workspace is in Shoreditch.