Workplace Unplugged

FM & Property Awards 2026 opens final two weeks for entries

Karyee Lee — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:44:25 GMT

The FM & Property Awards 2026, supported by The Workplace Event and The Facilities Event are now open for entries.

What the updated EHRC Code of Practice actually means for FM and HR teams

Karyee Lee — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

What changed on 5 August, and why now? On 5 August 2026, the Equality and Human Rights Commission's updated Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations became statutory, meaning it now carries legal weight when courts and tribunals interpret the Equality Act 2010. It replaces the 2011 version.

Should People Worry About Their Accents in the Workplace?

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:39:04 GMT

A recent survey has found that one in ten people in the UK feel anxious or self-conscious about their accent when in professional settings.

A More in Common survey of over 3,300 adults across England, Scotland and Wales found that accent-related anxiety or 'accent bias' is still an issue in British workplaces.

Smart Buildings Are Entering a New Era of Resilience

Karyee Lee — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:36:59 GMT

Smart buildings have long been associated with connected technology, sensors, automated lighting and systems that promise to make buildings more efficient.

2026 Workplace Leaders Top 50: Patrick Young

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:30:01 GMT

The Workplace Leaders Top 50 list has been announced and with the celebration event taking place at London's Hurlingham Club this summer, we sat down with 2026 winner Patrick Young, Strategic Client Director at Mitie.

How did you get into the workplace and FM industry?

Should Your Office Dress Code be Altered During Summer Heatwaves?

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:53:25 GMT

To shorts or not to shorts? That is the question.

With the UK on the brink of yet another period of 30+ degree summer weather this week, office workers up and down the nation stand faced with difficult decisions to make around their choice of workplace attire.

Workplace Harassment Laws to Change from 30 October

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:58:27 GMT

The UK's workplace harassment laws will evolve this autumn, with the Employment Rights Act bringing new changes coming into force from 30 October 2026.

The next phase of legislative reform raises the bar from a compliance perspective and will require employers to revisit whether their current approach to harassment in the workplace is sufficient.

Productivity Hacks - More Snacks, More Breaks and More Time Away from Your Desk

Andrew Hulbert — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Workplace behaviour is evolving in ways that go far beyond traditional views of productivity. Recent insight highlights a clear shift towards more intentional breaks, with a growing number of employees recognising the importance of stepping away from their desks to maintain focus and performance.

2026 Workplace Leaders Top 50: Sonia Mangat

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:35:31 GMT

The Workplace Leaders Top 50 list has been announced and with the celebration event taking place at London's Hurlingham Club this summer, we sat down with 2026 winner Sonia Mangat, Head of Responsible Sourcing at Sodexo.

How did you get into the workplace and FM industry?

Mitie Agrees £3.1bn Takeover by OCS

mtilley@nineteengroup.com (Mark Tilley) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:40:43 GMT

OCS has announced a £3.1bn acquisition of Mitie, aligning two businesses that specialise in facilities management and transformation.