April 2014 – London Office Buzz

The Best of London: Jobs, Business Locations and Events

Posted on April 25, 2014

Without 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.

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.

The Top Businsess Locations in London

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

Office Interiors Inspired by Nature

Posted on April 11, 2014

Bringing natural elements into an office space can create a fresh and positive working environment. From using natural materials to incorporating features that evoke the outside environment, there are a number of ways businesses can successfully bring the natural world indoors.

Natural Designs

Incorporating certain design elements into the look of an office is a great way of evoking natural imagery and brings office space closer to natural spaces. For example, windows can be frosted with designs that recreate natural sightings including trees, flowers and wildlife. Sugamo Shunkin Bank in Japan has created an office that uses leafy decor, including using decorative stencils and frosting on windows that mimic large trees with colourful leaves. A forest-like environment is also created thanks to seven indoor courtyards with trees and grass. Continue reading “Office Interiors Inspired by Nature” →

The Work – Life Balance

Posted on April 4, 2014

Whether you are an employer or an employee, chances are that you are aware of how important it is to maintain the right work-life balance. Taking a balanced approach to both your working and your personal life is an essential element of success, as the negative effects of an unbalanced lifestyle have been well documented. A happy and highly motivated task force results in enhanced productivity, a healthy working environment, and better interpersonal relationships both at home and at work.

However, it is not always easy to apply the principles of the work-life balance concept. If you are having difficulties with this, read through this article to achieve a better understanding of the factors involved and to learn some useful tips.

Taking a closer look at the work-life balance concept

As you probably know, the work-life balance concept is a relatively recent ‘invention’. During the nineteenth century, the duration of a typical working day was well over ten hours. Soon after, trade unions and workers’ associations campaigned for the reduction of the working day to eight hours. The eight-hour working day is now seen as standard in the majority of industrialised countries, but according to statistical data, a large percentage of workers still spend more than eight hours per day at the workplace or taking care of work-related matters.

This is why the work-life balance concept came into being. The expression itself was coined in the early 1970s, as researchers found that the boundaries between the professional and the personal spheres were often blurred. Later on, studies showed that this imbalance could lead to mental and physical fatigue, poor productivity, and a range of health conditions, including a weak immune system, depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disorders.

Nowadays, employers and employees recognise that balancing the personal and the professional is an essential element of good health and successful businesses. But how exactly can this be achieved? Continue reading “The Work – Life Balance” →