The field of neuroscience has made great strides in recent years in understanding the inner workings of the human brain. By studying the brain and its neurons, neuroscientists have unlocked many secrets about the way we think and act, providing invaluable insight into our work habits and behaviours.
With people splitting time between the office, home, and anywhere in between, the word “workplace” is no longer synonymous with the office.
The shift has sparked questions about how well-being and productivity differ in a variety of environments. A global survey of 4000 employees found that quality of life and well-being have become top priorities.

Here are five fascinating revelations about the way we work.

1. Our brains are plastic. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire its neural pathways in response to new experiences and environments. This means that our habits and behaviours are not fixed but can be changed through training and practice.
2. We are hardwired for multitasking. Our brains are equipped to handle multiple tasks at the same time, allowing us to juggle complex tasks when needed. However, this can also lead to decreased attention and productivity, so it’s important to remember to focus on the most important task at hand.
3. We learn better through storytelling. Neuroscientists have discovered that the human brain is predisposed to understanding information better through stories and narratives. By presenting facts and data as part of a story, we are more likely to retain and comprehend the material.
4. We respond to feedback. Our brains are wired to respond to feedback, both positive and negative. This means that constructive criticism can be a powerful tool for helping us to learn and grow.
5. We are emotional creatures. Neuroscientists have demonstrated that our emotions and feelings play a major role in decision-making and productivity. By understanding our emotional triggers, we can better manage our work and relationships.
   Understanding the way our brains work can help us enables to gain insight into our human behaviour and design better more productive spaces. When people are forced to work in an environment, not of their choosing, we see a significant increase in boredom.
   The trick is designing destination spaces that people deliberately choose.

Today’s employees are looking for more than just a desk and computer.
In spring 2022 Leesman advisory panel data showed that 60% of employees have a degree of freedom when they come into the office, with 87% of employees having a dedicated home office or work area at home. To leave a bespoke home working environment requires a conscious decision to go to the office.
Employees crave spaces that not only support productivity but also nurture their personal fulfilment and growth and connection with others. We have found that three-quarters of employees we speak to believe that creating a great office working environment is essential to innovation and team performance. We have also found that employers can be concerned about disenfranchising employees by mandating a return to the office. We will show you how you can overcome this challenge.
What is a purpose-built workspace?
A purpose-built workspace is a customised, highly functional, and employee-centric space designed to meet the unique needs of specific teams. Purpose-built workspaces can be either permanent or temporary and can be in a variety of space types and settings. Purpose-built workspaces can incorporate any number of workplace design elements and technologies to create a culture-centric and productivity-driven environment.
Some elements that can be integrated into a purpose-built workspace include: -
Design – Lighting, colour, materials, and spatial design can all be used to stimulate creativity and encourage collaboration.
Technology - Technologies like video conferencing, and digital collaboration tools can help teams stay connected and collaborate more effectively.
Furniture - Workstations designed with the right amount of privacy, and the right kind of equipment and storage, can help employees be more productive in their work.
Functionality - A purpose-built workspace is created with a specific set of needs in mind. It can be designed to encourage collaboration between different teams, foster creativity, or foster a specific work style or culture.

Why do purpose-built workspaces matter?
Headlines about the death of the traditional office space have long been exaggerated. However, we must accept that the ‘global ways of working’ experiment is still ongoing. Although the landscape is settling it will be 2-3 years before we fully understand the impact on employees, society, and organisations. The increasing number of employees looking for more flexible work environments demonstrates that demand for purpose-built workspaces is climbing, and the landscape is different – you must remap.
Employees are demanding more choice in how and where they work, and a flexible approach to workspaces is an essential part of creating an employee-centric company culture. A recent McKinsey study found that the rise of digital and co-working, along with an increase in online collaboration, could reduce office space demand by as much as 46%. As demand for office space continues to drop, organizations need to re-think what purpose-built workspaces look like.

The rise of flexible workspaces
Flexible workspaces, which allow employees the freedom to work anywhere and at any time, are becoming a standard offering in most office environments. However, often this approach to implementing this in the workplace fails to meet the needs of a growing number of employees looking for more than just a desk and computer.
More and more employees want the flexibility to work remotely, and we genuinely believe working from home is a valid part of the workplace strategy. But for many employees, working from home is far from a perfect solution. Studies show that employees who work from home often report feeling less productive, and less creative, and report higher levels of stress.
Moreover, the data shows that while a desk and computer are essential to productivity, having an office to go to is not. This is where the rise of flexible workspaces comes in. These types of workspaces do not seek to eliminate the need for an office space entirely, but rather to re-imagine what an office looks like.

The rise of collaboration spaces
There is more to collaboration than just having a few meeting rooms in your office. Collaboration spaces are designed to foster creativity and promote interaction between different departments, teams, and individuals. The rise of hybrid has shifted the focus from a single desk to collaborative team spaces, often incorporating elements of technology to promote digital collaboration. Collaboration spaces can be located within an organisation’s regular office space, or they can be designed to promote creativity and innovation in a dedicated space.

The Outlook
The rise of employee-centric workspaces is bringing new life to the modern office. Something Officescape has been advocating for the past 10 years. New types of workspaces, such as collaboration spaces, are providing employees with the level of engagement and creative stimulation needed for optimal creativity and productivity. Employees also benefit from the sense of community and connection created by these types of workspaces, and the level of flexibility that many of these offices offer.

Next Steps
Employees are looking for specific reasons to utilise the office. Not only are they looking for space that supports their activities better than their home environment but is also seeking meaningful connections.
Workplace consultancy is a process of discovering strategically what your organisation needs to build your future workplace strategy.
Organisations wishing to support their employees' needs to use space will simply need to go beyond knowing what tasks their employees do. A data-driven approach will show where to target your investment to deliver a maximum return. You will need less physical space but inevitably build a closer relationship between employer and employee and employees themselves.
Make Informed decisions
Workplace consultancy takes a step back from how things are currently done and explores the art of the possible.
Through accurate and meaningful data collection, a series of strategies can be created which offer realistic approaches to the workplace enabling informed decision-making.
Benefits can include:
We can reduce an organisation's commercial space requirements by an average of 45%
Staff engagement and productivity are improved.
A well-designed and aesthetically pleasing environment will attract and retain talent.
A quality workspace design leads to a less stressful and productive atmosphere improving culture and staff wellbeing.

Heidi Manger is our Workplace Design Consultant
Heidi’s predominant role not only supports, engages, and drives the client’s vision of ‘their new way of working but also delivers successful tailored design solutions that translate into business performance efficiencies. With 20+ years of experience in up to 280,000 sqft of commercial interiors and workplace strategy; she leads, fully engages, and is committed to creating prestigious CAT A and B project solutions. Namely, Heidi drove the rebrand and the design of the iconic Honda Building, in London now known today as the Heathrow Approach Building. Works included over 90,000 sqft of prime CAT A refurbishment, and CAT B, with external and landscaping design transformations

Designing a new laboratory facility can be an exciting but challenging task. There are many factors to consider to ensure that the new facility is efficient, effective, and safe for your team. With so much detail to consider it can often be difficult to understand what comes first. We will outline some of the key considerations that should be top of mind when designing a new laboratory facility.
Understanding the space: One of the most important considerations when designing a new laboratory facility is space planning. It's important to decide how much space is needed for each department, as well as how the space will be used. This includes allocating space for equipment, storage, and personnel.
Equipment specifications: Selecting the right equipment is crucial for the success of your laboratory. It's important to choose equipment that not only fits your specific needs but also understands the impact this has on the building and services. If in any doubt always consult with an expert.
Safety and Compliance: Safety is always a top priority in laboratory facilities. It's important to ensure that the new facility is designed with safety in mind, including proper ventilation, waste management, and emergency systems. Compliance with regulations, the category your lab fits into. It is also important to ensure the facility is designed to meet all planning requirements.
Flexibility: The life science industry is constantly evolving, and your laboratory needs to be able to adapt to changing technologies and research methods. When designing a new laboratory facility, it is important to consider how the space can be modified in the future to accommodate new equipment and research needs.
Collaboration: Collaboration is key to success in the life science industry. When designing a new laboratory facility, it is important to consider how the space can be designed holistically to promote collaboration and innovation among researchers. This includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and other areas designed for collaboration.
At Inuti, we understand the importance of brief and understanding that designing a laboratory facility is a complex process. Our unique methodology and our team of experts have years of experience in laboratory design and can help you through every step of the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you design a new laboratory facility that will help your team achieve success in the life science industry.

The life science industry is a rapidly growing and truly global industry with a unique resilience to recession. In the UK, the sector had an annual turnover of £89 billion in 2020 and employs 268,000 people in 6,620 businesses (Department of Health & Social Care, Bioscience and Health Technology Sector Statistics 2020).
There is a huge demand for lab space which cannot currently be satisfied in the traditional golden triangle of London, Oxford and Cambridge. Existing buildings previously occupied as offices have been targeted to satisfy this demand, as well as repurposing existing office space that is already part of a company's real estate portfolio.
This is often seen as an attractive option for companies looking to expand their research capabilities without the expense or space to construct a new facility. However, converting office space into lab space presents unique challenges that must be overcome to ensure the safety and functions of the laboratory.
The British Council of Offices (BCO) Guide to Specification of Offices has supplied the definitions of shell & core, CAT A and CAT B giving a reliable framework and reference point for professionals over many years and continues to adapt to the challenges presented by the changing workplace. However, building laboratory space has many variables that do not naturally fit within these traditional definitions. Converting office space into lab space presents unique challenges that must be overcome to ensure the safety and functions of the laboratory.
Our insight provides a high-level view of some of the fundamental considerations when considering converting the office to a laboratory.
Safety - One of the biggest challenges in converting office space into lab space is ensuring the safety of the laboratory. Wet Labs will require various levels of specialised ventilation and extraction, plumbing systems and often other safety features like emergency showers and eyewash stations. It's of great importance to capture all requirements of risk assessments and data sheets and required ACH (air changes per hour) at the feasibility stage of the project. The higher the classification the more complexity is needed to convert the space. CL3 and CL4 labs are highly bespoke and therefore not suitable for office conversion.
Space Limitations- Office space is typically not designed to accommodate the specialized equipment and workstations needed for a laboratory. It's important to carefully evaluate the space and decide how to perfect it for laboratory use. Solutions such as using modular furniture and equipment that can be easily reconfigured to maximize the use of the space. Ask the challenging questions at the outset on what the space needs to achieve.
Noise and Vibration- Laboratories require specialized flooring and equipment to minimize noise and vibration, which can interfere with experiments and equipment performance. A critical part of the design process is ensuring the proper flooring is used that enables the correct operation of equipment. It's important to create a comfortable and efficient working environment for laboratory staff.
Electrical and Plumbing Requirements - Specialised electrical and plumbing systems are needed to accommodate the unique needs of the facility. Converting office space into lab space may require significant upgrades to the existing systems. Our team of global experts can evaluate the existing systems and recommend the necessary upgrades. It's important to ensure that the laboratory has enough power coming into the facility and if a UPS is needed. Gasses also need careful consideration not only in day-to-day operation but also for storage and monitoring.
At Inuti we understand how not only the economic benefits of converting office space but also how to evaluate your existing space, recommend the necessary safety features and equipment and create a customised layout that meets your specific needs.

The life science sector is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving industries in the world. With the advent of ever-changing technologies, the industry has seen a meteoric rise in the number of companies, which have helped drive significant advances in the field.

This growth has also brought with it a heightened focus on commercial real estate (CRE). CRE is a vital factor for the life science sector, as it ensures the availability of necessary infrastructure, such as laboratories and other facilities. Furthermore, CRE helps to attract and retain talent, as well as to provide the resources necessary for continued growth.

We looked at the current market conditions and the factors driving demand, as well as the implications of those factors and share our thoughts on the potential opportunities and challenges that the sector may face in the year 2023.
Big pharma is expected to be a major driver of this activity, as it acquires small start-ups with promising scientific advancements. With investment starting to normalise post-pandemic, this will give better opportunities for occupiers. Investment in areas such as manufacturing innovation, and R&D investments in innovative technologies will be a priority.
Environmental goals remain a top priority. The laser focus on sustainability will remain a top priority in the year ahead. 72% of life sciences organizations said they want the workplace to have a positive impact on the environment and require a high-quality facility with green credentials that can help meet sustainability targets and reduce environmental impacts. This year, companies will continue to refine goals and measurements to set appropriate and achievable targets that meet sustainability standards.
The key global CRE market trend to watch in 2023 is a focus on cost management and workplace transformation. As businesses re-evaluate their CRE strategies, staying ahead of the curve by implementing thoughtful real estate management strategies will be a key factor for success.

References: [1] Life Sciences - CBRE [2] Five key trends shaping life sciences in 2023 - Labiotech.eu [3] Top 10 CRE Trends 2023 | JLL Research

First and foremost, the Laboratory is a workplace. The success of your facility depends on the productivity and creativity of your researchers. Whatever the classification of the laboratory the working environment supports the performance of sensitive, highly skilled labour, and must be safe and effective.
The evolution of a more collaborative hybrid office environment is becoming the global norm. Productivity and well-being scores dramatically rise in the workplace environment that is designed to suit the various day-to-day tasks an employee carries out. A global survey of 860,476 respondents by Leesman found that a staggering 84.8% agreed that the design of the workplace is important to them.
This is all well and good in the office, but can this translate into the laboratory environment? Absolutely.
Because at the heart of every research project or scientific study is the hope that the team will achieve a breakthrough. We know that when like-minded people have the right tools and environment to collaborate, innovations and breakthroughs happen. One way to enable an enhancement of team performance is by designing a laboratory space that promotes and fosters collaboration and innovation.

Open-Plan Laboratory Layout
An open-plan laboratory layout is an excellent way to encourage collaboration among researchers. It involves removing barriers and creating a space where researchers can work together without physical obstructions. An open-plan laboratory layout also promotes transparency and communication, leading to better teamwork and idea sharing.

Flexible Workspaces
Flexibility is vital when designing a laboratory space that promotes collaboration and innovation. Researchers may need to work on different projects simultaneously or require different equipment and facilities. Therefore, offering a variety of workspace options, such as dedicated collaboration zones, huddle tables and informal and private meeting options, can help foster innovation and collaboration.

Technology-Enabled Spaces
Ensuring your facility is fully tech-enabled spaces, such as video conferencing rooms and interactive whiteboards, can help researchers collaborate with colleagues from other locations. Technology-enabled spaces also allow for remote collaboration, enabling researchers to work together across the globe

Social Spaces
Creating social spaces in your facility can promote collaboration and innovation among researchers. Social spaces, such as cafes or lounges, can provide researchers with a place to relax, interact, and exchange ideas outside of the laboratory environment. These spaces can also help build a sense of community among researchers, leading to better teamwork and idea sharing and meaningful conversations and serendipitous conversations.

Incorporate Biophilia
Biophilia is defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. Inducing biophilic experiences can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood and creativity. Biophilia design elements such as plants and green walls can also help purify the air and reduce stress levels, leading to a healthier and more productive workspace. Whilst it is not to add plants into the lab environment, consider options that allow natural light to flow into the space such as skylights and glass walls.

Designing a laboratory space that promotes collaboration and innovation requires careful planning and consideration and should be viewed in the context of the wider workplace. By incorporating an open-plan layout, flexible workspaces, technology-enabled spaces, social spaces, natural light, and biophilia you can create a laboratory and workspace environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation among your researchers.

Wet labs and dry labs are two types of laboratory environments that are used in scientific research. Wet labs are also known as experimental labs and are where scientists conduct experiments using chemicals and biological materials. Dry labs, on the other hand, are where scientists use computational tools to analyse data and perform simulations.
The main difference between the two is the type of work that is performed in each lab. Wet labs are used for hands-on experimentation with physical samples, while dry labs focus on analysing data and performing simulations using computers. Wet labs require extensive safety precautions to ensure that researchers are not exposed to dangerous materials, while dry labs require specialized software and equipment to analyse data.

In general, wet labs are used in fields such as biology, chemistry, and microbiology, while dry labs are used in fields such as physics, computer science, and engineering. However, there is often overlap between the two types of labs, as many fields of research require both experimentation and data analysis. Ultimately, the choice of lab type depends on the specific research goals and methods of the scientist or research team.

Whether you are looking for a wet or dry lab it is important that you do not settle for cookie-cutter lab designs that don't meet your specific needs? Our methodology enables the creation of bespoke labs that are tailored to your exact requirements. By working closely with our team of experts, you can design a lab that maximizes efficiency, productivity, and safety. Don't settle for a generic lab design – contact us today to learn how we can help you create a laboratory that meets your unique needs.

As a scientist or lab manager, you are always looking for ways to improve your lab's efficiency. One area that can often be overlooked is inventory management. Keeping track of all the supplies and equipment in your lab can be a daunting task, but it is essential for maintaining a productive and safe work environment. This is where a laboratory inventory management system comes in. In this article we look at the importance of inventory management in laboratories, the advantages of using a laboratory inventory management system, and how to choose the right lab inventory management software for your needs.

Importance of Inventory Management in Laboratories
Inventory management is critical in any laboratory setting. Without proper inventory management, you risk running out of essential supplies or equipment, which can bring your research to a halt. It can also lead to wasted time and resources as you scramble to find the items you need. Additionally, poor inventory management can result in safety hazards, as expired or damaged supplies can lead to accidents in the lab.

Advantages of Using a Laboratory Inventory Management System
A laboratory inventory management system can help you avoid these issues by providing a centralised location to manage all of your lab's inventory. With a lab inventory management software, you can track every item in your lab, from chemicals to equipment, and ensure that you always have what you need on hand. This can save you time and money by preventing over-ordering and reducing waste. Additionally, a lab inventory management system can help you identify trends in your lab's inventory usage, allowing you to make informed decisions about what to order and when.

Understanding Lab Inventory Management Software
A lab inventory management software is a tool that allows you to track and manage your lab's inventory. These systems can range from basic spreadsheets to complex software packages stored either locally or cloud based. The right lab inventory management software for you will depend on your lab's needs and budget and also what works best for your team.

Identifying Needs and Wants in Laboratory Inventory Management
Identifying the difference between needs and wants can be tricky. Generally, needs help to resolve issues. For example, labs regularly confront problems such as protecting personnel, upholding the accuracy of results, completing objectives and satisfying stakeholders. Wants, on the other hand, take care of minor issues like having advanced tools, modern software and assistance with tasks. A checklist is provided below to help lab managers to gather details and make decisions based on need. Before implementing a laboratory inventory management system, it is essential to identify your lab's needs and wants. You should consider the size of your lab, the types of supplies and equipment you use, and your budget. You should also think about the specific features you need in a lab inventory management software. For example, do you need a system that can track expiration dates or one that can generate reports on inventory usage?

Implementing a Laboratory Inventory Management System
Once you have identified your lab's needs and wants, it's time to implement a laboratory inventory management system. This can be a daunting task, but it is essential for improving your lab's efficiency. Before you start, make sure you have a plan in place. This should include assigning someone to be responsible for managing the inventory system, setting up a system for tracking items, and training your lab staff on how to use the system.

Choosing the Right Laboratory Inventory Management Software
Choosing the right lab inventory management software is critical for the success of your inventory management system. There are many options available, so it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. When evaluating lab inventory management software, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and the ability to generate reports on inventory usage. You should also look for software that integrates with other lab management tools, such as electronic lab notebooks and laboratory information management systems.

Features to Look for in a Laboratory Inventory Management System
There are several features to look for in a laboratory inventory management system. These include:

• Customisation: The ability to customize the software to fit your lab's specific needs.
• Barcode scanning: The ability to scan barcodes to quickly add items to your inventory and track usage.
• Expiration tracking: The ability to track expiration dates and receive alerts when items are close to expiring.
• Reporting: The ability to generate reports on inventory usage and trends.
• Integration: The ability to integrate with other lab management tools.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Laboratory Inventory Management
There are several common mistakes to avoid when implementing a laboratory inventory management system. These include:

• Not assigning someone to be responsible for managing the system.
• Failing to train lab staff on how to use the system.
• Overcomplicating the system with unnecessary features.
• Failing to keep the system up to date with new items and changes in inventory.
• Not regularly auditing the inventory to ensure accuracy.

New Trends in Laboratory Inventory Management System
As technology continues to evolve, new trends in laboratory inventory management system are emerging. One trend is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to predict inventory needs and optimize ordering. Another trend is the use of mobile apps to manage inventory on the go. Additionally, some lab inventory management software is now incorporating blockchain technology to improve transparency and security in the supply chain.

To sum up - A laboratory inventory management system is essential for maintaining a productive and safe work environment. By using a lab inventory management software, you can track every item in your lab, prevent over-ordering, and reduce waste. When choosing a laboratory inventory management system, consider your lab's specific needs and wants and look for software that offers customisation, barcode scanning, expiration tracking, reporting, and integration. Remember to avoid common mistakes and stay up to date with new trends in laboratory inventory management to maximize efficiency in your lab.