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01/14/2016

WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS (Contd..)
6 Essential Workplace Design Developments for 2016

3. Activity-Based Design
This trend is the combination of two other factors– the need for increased privacy and designing to promote collaboration. Together these can't work in the same space, activity-based design provides separate areas suited for a particular work-style dependent on the task.
The open office aims to increase collaboration but many employees want more privacy to allow them to focus. We've seen the introduction of pods in the last year to provide privacy. These are often small, brightly coloured cubicles for short periods of escape. These need to be strategically placed to remove background noise and stop passers-by interrupting you.
On the other hand, activity-based workplaces can provide quiet zones. These areas show that people want to concentrate and don't want interruptions while reducing any background noise. Some workplaces have introduced silent areas as part of an activity-based working set-up, this is a trend we expect to see more of in 2016.
Activity-based working also allows for specific areas which aid collaboration. Research from Gensler has found that two-thirds of workers believe they are more efficient when they can work closely with others. Each area needs to be designed to promote its specified use, from acoustics to the layout of the furniture. This also means employees have options on how to work, making them feel more empowered and engaged.
Furniture that helps promote collaboration and sharing will grow in 2016. For example, monitor arms that let people turn and show their screen to others nearby are growing more popular. Tables with built-in touchscreens, which enable people to collaborate on projects in real-time, will also be embraced across workplaces.

4. DESIGNING FOR WELL-BEING
Well-being has been one of 2015's hottest trends and will continue to thrive this year. Wellness programmes that offer employees health and fitness facilities have been around for some time. However, workplaces that integrate well-being into their design aren't easy to find. From sit-stand desks to the placement and design of staircases, more architects and designers will use such methods to encourage movement throughout the day.
The WELL Building Standard is the first certification focused on enhancing health and well-being. Although this initiative launched back in 2014, it has begun to gain more traction and its use is expected to grow considerably. Encompassing seven factors: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind, the programme aims to reach the same recognition as the LEED certification.
Sit-stand desks, such as SBFI's Aspect, have grown massively throughout 2015, yet still just a small percentage have access to sit-stand. Although there are many studies showing the effect long periods of sitting can have, some studies have placed the research into question. As a result, we can expect to see more studies published on the issue in future. More studies than not show that sit-stand desks have a positive impact on internal health and we can expect the 2016 studies to follow suit.
Often the improvements sit-stand can make to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, such as back, neck and shoulder pain are forgotten about. An increasing number of employers will begin to offer sit-stand as musculoskeletal pain often results in absences and presenteeism. Studies have also pointed to positive effects such as relieving stress and increasing productivity.

5. BIOPHILIC DESIGN
The well-being trend has been partly responsible for the rise of biophilic design. Most of the studies on biophilic design focus on the effect it has on productivity rather than well-being. Research has shown the positive effect features such as plant, natural light, and views of nature have on employees. According to a Report by Human Spaces, offices with plants and natural light can increase productivity by 6% and creativity by 15%. Yet, 47% of employees work in offices with no natural light while 55% don't have any greenery.
A recent study has suggested as much as 95% of our time is spent in enclosed spaces. When such a large portion of our lives are spent inside, bringing the outside inside is important.
Incorporating greenery has been a developing trend, one of the most popular ways to incorporate this has been living walls. These are not only an impressive design feature but are also often used to represents a company's commitment to the environment.

6. INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
Our final workplace design trend for 2016 is developing workspaces that integrate technology. Furniture and equipment that allow quick set-up and connections will be a high priority.
Products such as the FUSE desktop module have grown popular in the last few years, allowing people to connect devices quickly. Workplaces will continue to adopt such solutions but also look at new ways for employees to connect to power and displays.
Wireless charging will take off in 2016 as more devices are released that support the feature. Apple has held out on wireless charging but it could come featured in the next iPhone. This will be the determining feature that will see wireless charging embraced in numerous workplaces. We can definitely expect to see more furniture with integrated wireless charging.
We'll also see a growing number of solutions that offer connections to shared displays in an aim to promote collaboration. As mentioned earlier, shared tables with built-in touchscreens will find a place in some workplaces. Devices such as Google's Chromecast, which is popular for home use, will be embraced as a workplace solution to enable collaboration on shared projects. Chromecast allows you to wirelessly stream from your laptop, tablet or mobile to another display.
LiFi is a new innovation that provides an internet connection at 100 times faster than WiFi's current capabilities. LiFi transmits wireless data through light, therefore, it is restricted by walls but could be ideal for large open office designs. Although it isn't likely to gain mass adoption in 2016, LiFi is one to watch for the future, with it expected to be a $113bn industry by 2022.

Workplace design in 2016 is all about designing for people. More employers recognise that taking care of their employees wants and needs means a healthier, happier workplace and, in turn, increased productivity, higher retention and an improved bottom line.
Many of the key decision makers of the next few years have experienced both cubicles and the open office. They are aware of how the workplace can affect the people that work within it. We'll hopefully see the impact of this as more companies place workplace design high on their list of priorities.

01/14/2016

WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS (1)
6 Essential Workplace Design Developments for 2016

Workplace design trends often evolve gradually, representing a continuous development. The aim is to improve the work environment to create a place where employees are enabled to work more productively and collaborate with ease. However, 2016 could be the year that we begin to see a revolution rather than an evolution. Here's why:

Generation Z starts entering the workplace

The first years of Generation Z, those born between 1994 and 2010, will complete their education and start their careers. Gen Z has grown up with a greater access to technology than any generation before. Due to the current skills shortage, companies are keen to recruit this generation. The workplace will be an essential tool to attract and retain this generation.

Millennials will make up the largest generation within the workplace

As more Baby Boomers retire, Millennials, those born between the early 1980s and the mid-2000s, will become the largest generation. SHRM reports that 68% of HR professionals think this will have a major impact on the workplace over the next five years. Many Millennials will also take up managerial positions in 2016.

New technology advances

Technology trends, such as the growth of wearables and the development of tablets as useful work tools, will continue to influence design. The launch of products such as the iPad Pro and Windows Surface Pro show the ability for tablets to replace laptops and allow employees to become increasingly mobile.

Recognising the impact of workplace design

More companies are realising the real impact workplace design has on productivity and a company's bottom line. Research from Gensler, a global architect and design firm, reveals that poor workplace design costs U.S. businesses an estimated $330billion in lost productivity each year.

There are many other factors which will contribute to the changing workplace landscape in 2016 but these are a select few that are most current for the coming year. Here's how such changes will affect the approach to workplace design:

1. DATA-DRIVEN DESIGN
In the past, workplace design and office layout have been based on assumptions, current trends or looking at other companies results. This is no longer necessary as the capabilities to collect and analyse information is becoming easier. Wearable devices and big data have made it possible to know how employees work and interact. This is already being used to influence workplace design.
US company, Humanyze, have created "sociometric ID badges". A combination of infrared sensors, accelerometers, Bluetooth and microphones enable them to collect data. Employee movements, encounters, speech patterns and posture are all collected but are kept anonymous.
Clients, such as Bank of America and Deloitte, cross-reference the data with information including sales, revenue and retentions rates. The results are analysed to find which encounters and behaviours are making contributions to the company.
Another company helping develop data-driven design is Enlighted. Enlighted's Sensors are fitted to each light fixture within an office space. They gather information on occupancy and movement, allowing a company to understand how the workplace is utilised.
These new technologies mean data can be used to create an office design that encourages work methods and collaboration in the most positive way specifically for the company.

2. FUTURE-PROOF WORKPLACE DESIGN
With continuous changes in technology and expected shifts in working culture, many organisations are creating workspaces with flexibility built in. It is increasingly difficult for companies to predict which job functions there will be in the next few years. Many essential positions now didn't exist five years ago, and companies can't accurately predict what new staff they will need.
With a more flexible workspace and adaptable furniture, new technologies can be integrated with ease. According to a study from YouGov, 50% of businesses are uncertain about their ability to keep up with technological advances. Thus, companies need spaces and furniture that can adapt to new equipment.
The workspace is the second highest expense for a business, utilising the available space is essential. Companies want room to grow and expand but don't want to pay for space that goes unused. Consequently, adaptable furniture will become a popular choice for many offices.
Using data to influence design, as previously mentioned, also helps to future-proof the workplace. Continuous monitoring of how the workplace is used allows companies to adapt to changes before they become an issue and can impact turnover.

01/12/2016

The 2017 Genesis G90 Hyundai Sedan New Luxury | MORE THAN A 90

What we have in the Genesis G90 is the first vehicle from an all-new luxury brand created by Hyundai, similar to what Acura is to Honda and Lexus is to Toyota. The G90’s size mirrors the Mercedes S-class, with an exterior that is formal and understated. The interior is redolent with leather and luxury, including a 22-way adjustable driver’s seat, Lexicon audio, and “VIP” 14-way adjustable rear seats. The standard engine will be a 311-hp V-6; a 365-hp V-6 and a 420-hp V-8 will be optional.

01/12/2016

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01/12/2016

BE A LEADER NOT A MANAGER
6 Essential Leadership Styles In Senior Management:

Great leaders earn the respect of their employees, and managers oftentimes just want to be popular with their staff. You will also find that successful leaders are transparent with their information, while managers often dole it out as if it were a reward. Successful leaders also take personal responsibility when things go wrong, instead of blaming the team. In the end, a great leader will care more about the results than the minutiae of the processes.

There are many attributes that make a great leader. Great leaders are aware of how to get people to follow them to achieve success as a team or individually. Top leaders possess similar traits and behaviours, such as enthusiasm, honesty and a list of goals, to name a few. Although, just because you have these traits or behaviours does not mean that you will automatically make it to the top.

A great leader needs to be flexible in their leadership approach; to make use of multiple leadership styles. An effective leader should be able change their leadership style to best suit the situation. Here are 6 essential styles that should be employed by leaders when the need arises.

1. The pacesetting leadership style
The pacesetting leader shows through example. To sum up this style, it would be “Do as I do, now.” This works most effectively when the team is already switched-on and highly trained, and the leader needs quick results. If you use this exclusively, however, this style can be overwhelming and discourage innovation.

2. The coercive leadership style
The coercive leader is after immediate compliance. Their motto is “Do what I tell you.” This style is most effective in times of crisis, such as in a company turnaround or a takeover attempt, or during an actual emergency like a tornado or a fire. This style can also help control a problem employee when other methods have been unsuccessful. The huge downside is that it can alienate people and stifle initiative and creativity.

3. The coaching leadership style
The coaching leader is focussed on developing people for the future. You could call this style “Try this.” The coaching style works best when the leader wants to help their team build lasting personal strengths that make them more successful for now and for the future. It works less well when teammates are resistant to change, or if the leader lacks proficiency.

4. The authoritative leadership style
The authoritative leader is effective at directing the team toward a common vision and focuses on end goals, leaving the way they get there up to each individual. This style could be summed up in the phrase “Come with me.” This method works best when the team needs a new vision because circumstances have changed, or when explicit guidance is not required. Authoritative leaders inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and bring enthusiasm for the mission. It is not the best style when the leader is working with a team of experts who are more knowledgeable than them.

5. The democratic leadership style
The democratic leader relies on group consensus to reach a solution. If this style were summed up in one phrase, it would be “What do you think?” The democratic style is most effective when the leader needs the team contribute to a decision, plan, or goal, or if they are uncertain and need fresh ideas from qualified colleagues. In an emergency situation, when time is of the essence for another reason or when teammates are not informed enough to offer sufficient guidance to the leader, another style would be wiser.

6. The affiliative leadership style
The affiliative leader works to create emotional ties that bring a feeling of bonding and belonging to the company. If this style were summed up in one phrase, it would be “People come first.” This works best in times of stress, when teammates need to heal from a trauma, or needs to rebuild trust. Steer away from using this style exclusively, as a sole reliance on praise and nurturing can foster mediocre performance and a lack of direction.

01/02/2016

Houston, Texas

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Merry Christmas To You All. From All Of Us At BIG GOLF COMMUNICATIONS | Feliz Navidad!!!

12/18/2015

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12/12/2015

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