Business communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom have revolutionised how employees connect. Real-time communication is now possible across locations and time zones and these tools have become essential to the rise of hybrid work. While they enable communication, they don’t always guarantee it. That's because communication isn't just about having access. It's shaped by invisible structures: social hierarchy, cultural expectations and unspoken rules about when

It’s been almost two months since our industry English Channel relay swim, and the energy is still buzzing! Those who know me know I’ve completed a number of long-distance challenges, most of them solo. A solo challenge is a massive personal adventure that pushes you to your absolute limit. However, there is something uniquely special about completing a monumentally difficult task as part of a team. When you work collectively toward an exciting goal - especially while raising

How do you get better at what you do? We take inspiration from the Red Arrows. After every flight, the team sits down together and, without judgment or hierarchy, replays what happened. They analyse their performance, offer honest feedback and learn from each other. It’s a simple but powerful technique that anyone can use. And at HCG, we’ve done just that. At a recent project lunch, our senior consultant, Miles McLeod, walked the team through an ongoing project, sharing the k

“Younger employees just don’t communicate the same way.” It’s a comment we’ve heard more than once. When you look more closely at the return-to-office debate, the tension often comes down to comfort levels and what is the perceived 'norm' of different generations. Different generations have grown up with different ways of connecting, learning and working. For many senior professionals, face-to-face time and the “osmosis” of learning in the office are core to how they develope

The world of work has changed dramatically since COVID-19. The traditional five-day office week is now a rarity, replaced by hybrid...

The last quarter of 2024 has seen headlines highlighting some employers demanding full-time return-to-office arrangements and scaling...

In today’s competitive business landscape, optimising the workplace experience is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical component for...

If you were born between 1997 and 2012, you fall into the Gen Z category. Our marketing executive Marianne Spencer sat down with Lauren...

The concept of the "hushed hybrid" trend has recently emerged in the news, referring to managers who quietly defy company-wide...

In recent years, the concept of neurodiversity has gained significant attention, advocating for a more inclusive and holistic...

Leveraging liminality can be a pivotal moment for re-evaluating cultural norms and identity. Even amidst the backdrop of everyday rituals...

Many times, people rush to reach the end of a project, whether it's a finished workplace or a complete office move. Yet, there is so much...

Collaboration is a bit of a buzz word. I often ask my clients “what is the purpose of your office?” and more often than not, the word...

Many concerns about the idea of a 4 day working week stem from assumptions, such as the need to work longer hours on the four days,...

A week doesn’t go by without the concept of the 4 day working week coming up in one of my conversations. In 2022, 61 organisations in the...

Trends in the office space industry are reflected both on a small and large scale. One trend that has caught our attention, linking...

Canary Wharf, where the headquarters of the world's largest banks stand tall, has been a moving hive of financial activity for almost...

The concept of taking a holiday has often taken a back seat in work. Some individuals still grapple with the idea of taking time off,...

The delivery of a workplace strategy project for an organisation in South Africa reminded me of the importance of sustainability, not...

Ever been trapped in an office reminiscent of a Rubik's cube? Or perhaps you've been in a workspace that was so minimalist, you were...