remote work

May 1, 2025

Office-to-Residential Conversions Gain Momentum in Chicago

Office Adaptive Reuse, Chicago, commercial real estate, Construction, Development, downtown Chicago, Housing Market, housing shortage, mixed-use development, office conversion, office market, post-pandemic trends, real estate trends, remote work, residential conversion, Urban Renewal

The trend of office-to-residential conversions continues in Chicago, driven by remote work and high housing demand. Adaptive reuse projects are transforming outdated office spaces into apartments, bringing new life to underutilized buildings and contributing to the city's housing stock. This shift addresses the challenges of a changing commercial real estate market while providing much-needed residential options, particularly in downtown areas. For example, the conversion of the 37-story 100 N. LaSalle St. is expected to yield approximately 430 apartments, showcasing the scale and potential of this ongoing urban revitalization strategy.

April 17, 2025

Best Places to Find Home Office Furniture in Ireland

Office budget furniture, Chairs, Cork, Desks, Dublin, Ergonomic Furniture, Furniture Deals, furniture shopping, Galway, home office furniture, Home Office Setup, Interior Design, Ireland, luxury furniture, Office Design, office furniture stores, online furniture stores, remote work, working from home

Finding the perfect home office furniture in Ireland involves exploring a variety of options, from budget-friendly flatpack retailers like IKEA and JYSK to higher-end furniture stores such as Harvey Norman and EZ Living Interiors. Those seeking unique or antique pieces can explore independent furniture stores and antique shops scattered throughout the country. Online marketplaces like DoneDeal and Adverts.ie offer secondhand furniture for bargain hunters, while specialist office furniture suppliers cater to ergonomic needs and larger office setups. Considering factors like budget, style, and functionality will help narrow down the best places to shop for a productive and comfortable home workspace.

April 8, 2025

Shrinking the Traditional Home Office

Office Compact Living, Downsizing, Functionality, furniture, Home Decor, Home Office, hybrid work, Interior Design, Multifunctional Spaces, Office Design, organization, remote work, Shrinking Homes, Small Spaces, storage, Traditional Design, Work From Home

Traditional home offices are shrinking as homeowners prioritize multi-functional spaces. Larger, dedicated offices are becoming less common in favor of smaller, more adaptable areas that can serve as guest rooms, hobby spaces, or even workout areas. This shift reflects a changing work landscape and a desire for flexible living arrangements, allowing homeowners to maximize the utility of their space.

April 3, 2025

Companies Offer 'Recharge Days' to Combat Return-to-Office Frustration

Office burnout, Company Perks, Employee Benefits, Employee Morale, hybrid work, Mental Health, Office Life, Productivity, Recharge Days, remote work, return to office, RTO, Wellness, work-life balance, workplace culture

Some companies are attempting to entice resistant employees back to the office with "recharge days," offering extra paid time off specifically designed for re-acclimating to in-person work. These days are intended to address employee burnout stemming from the commute and the shift away from remote work flexibility. However, some workers see this perk as a superficial attempt to address deeper concerns about work-life balance and the perceived loss of autonomy enjoyed during the pandemic's work-from-home period.

March 31, 2025

Gen Z Office Staff Shun Desks Despite Little Reward

Office Australia, burnout, career development, employee engagement, Flexibility, Future of Work, Gen Z, hybrid work, job satisfaction, Mental Health, Millennials, office work, Productivity, remote work, Technology, work-life balance, workplace culture

Gen Z office workers are increasingly resistant to the expectation of working from the office, finding little incentive in commuting and facing higher costs without commensurate salary increases. They value flexibility and question the benefits of presenteeism, particularly when their work can be effectively performed remotely. This preference for remote work clashes with some employers' push for a return to the office, creating a disconnect between company expectations and the desires of younger employees.

March 22, 2025

The American Dream Is Now a Hybrid Work Model

Office American Dream, Commuting, Flexibility, Future of Work, hybrid work, Office Culture, Productivity, real estate, remote work, return to office, Transportation, Travel, Urban Planning, work-life balance

The traditional American Dream, once characterized by a house in the suburbs and a stable 9-to-5 job, is evolving alongside the changing work landscape. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, many Americans are redefining success and prioritizing flexibility and travel. The ability to work from anywhere is enabling some to explore new locations and cultures, blending work and leisure in a way that was previously unattainable for most. This shift is impacting not only individual lifestyles but also real estate markets, travel patterns, and the very definition of work-life balance.

March 2, 2025

Flexible Living Takes Off in 2025

furniture 2025 predictions, Accommodation, Bleisure Travel, Business Travel, Coliving, Coworking, Digital Nomads, flexible living, Gen Z, Housing Trends, hybrid work, Lifestyle, Millennials, real estate, remote work, Short-Term Rentals, Travel, Travel Technology, Travel Trends, work-life balance

The rise of "flexible living" is anticipated to surge in 2025, driven by several converging factors. Remote work's continued popularity, coupled with a desire for greater work-life balance, fuels the demand for adaptable housing and lifestyle solutions. This trend encompasses various arrangements, including co-living spaces, apartment-style hotels, and short-term rentals, catering to individuals seeking greater freedom and mobility. Economic shifts and evolving demographics, such as a growing number of digital nomads and remote workers, further contribute to the increasing appeal of flexible living options. These arrangements allow individuals to easily relocate for work, leisure, or personal reasons, providing a more dynamic and adaptable lifestyle.

February 19, 2025

McKinsey Forecasts $800 Billion Office Market Loss

Office commercial real estate, Economic Impact, Future of Work, hybrid work, McKinsey, office market, office space, Post-Pandemic Office, Property Values, Real Estate Forecast, Real Estate Loss, remote work, Urban Planning, workplace trends

McKinsey & Company predicts a potential $800 billion decline in the value of global office buildings by 2030, driven by remote work and evolving workplace preferences. This substantial decrease reflects a shift in demand, as companies reassess their office needs and employees embrace hybrid work models. The analysis considers various factors, including reduced office footprints and lower lease renewal rates, indicating a significant and long-term impact on the commercial real estate market.

February 14, 2025

Post-COVID Office Casual Creates Confusion for Business Wear Retailers

Office Business Casual, Business Wear, Clothing Trends, Dress Code, fashion, hybrid work, Office Casual, Office Life, Post-Covid, remote work, retail, Retail Industry, return to office, Sales, Work From Home, Workplace Attire

Post-COVID Office Casual Creates Confusion for Business Wear Retailers The shift to casual office attire following the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for retailers specializing in business wear. The once-clear lines between formal and informal office attire have blurred, making it difficult for retailers to predict consumer demand and adjust their inventory accordingly. The pandemic […]

February 3, 2025

Gen Z's No-Show Work Trends: Career Catfishing and Office Ghosting

Office career catfishing, employee behavior, Gen Z, Gen Z in the workplace, ghosting, Great Resignation, hiring, hybrid work, interview no-show, job hopping, job market, labor shortage, Millennials, no-show, office ghosting, quiet quitting, recruitment, remote work, talent acquisition, work ethic, workplace etiquette, workplace trends

Gen Z's approach to work is sparking new trends like "career catfishing" and "office ghosting." Career catfishing involves embellishing or fabricating qualifications to land a job, while office ghosting refers to abruptly ceasing all communication and abandoning a role without notice. These behaviors, along with a greater willingness to quit jobs that don't meet expectations, reflect a shift in workplace dynamics and attitudes towards employment. This generation prioritizes work-life balance and mental well-being, sometimes leading to unconventional approaches to navigating their careers.