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Interior design’s widening impact on healthcare outcomes

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

One of the biggest successes in interior design in recent years has been the recognition that the design of healthcare interiors can have a significant impact on patient experience and, consequently, health outcomes. For more than two decades, research and case studies have documented various ways in which patient-centered improvements to the interior environment can make positive contributions to patients’ physiological and psychological health. Over time, the list has grown as investigators, building on previous research, have explored patients’ responses in a variety of healthcare settings more deeply.

The problem with heritage railroads

Lucy Wallwork Transportation Technology & Automotive

I have always thought of heritage railways, or "preserved railways," as a peculiarly British phenomenon. But they are perhaps an affection that has come to America, too. These nostalgic locomotives might seem harmless, but might they be encouraging an image of railways as a ghost from the past rather than as the future of sustainable transport? Heritage railways may make a fun family day out. But here is the problem. In the U.K., heritage railways are booming, while investment in new rail infrastructure has crippled key transport routes and caused the country to fall far behind the rest of Europe.

With Hurricane Dorian on the way, it’s imperative to be prepared

Damon Sayles Facilities & Grounds

As it continues toward the southeast coast of the United States, Hurricane Dorian has become national news. And the closer it gets to the Florida coast, the scarier it becomes. According to the National Hurricane Center, Dorian could threaten the Bahamas and then hit Florida during Labor Day weekend. Per forecasting, Dorian is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane. Central Florida could be a major target, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency.

3 takeaways from the recent Business Roundtable statement

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Why should small businesses care about the recent statement from the Business Roundtable? After all, the lobbying group represents some of the largest and most powerful companies in America and thus is not necessarily representative of the thoughts, feelings and challenges of our country's smaller organizations. However, before moving on to the next headline, business and HR leaders should consider these three takeaways.

Safety issues and trackability in personal care product packaging

Michelle Pudlo Retail

There are already certain concerns we have about quality when purchasing personal care products, but there are also several safety concerns pertaining to the manufacturing and packaging of these products. Personal care products may be referred to as "cosmetics" by law, but they consist of much more than fragrance and makeup products. Cosmetics can refer to everything from body wash and shampoo to toothpaste and skin lotions. While millions of consumers use personal care products on a daily basis, there are certain safety measures that they often lack that put consumers at risk.

Study: ICU in the ED dramatically improves patient survival rate

Chelsea Adams Medical & Allied Healthcare

According to a recent study, locating an intensive care unit inside the emergency department drastically increases survival rates for the sickest patients who arrive at ERs. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined outcomes from the University of Michigan Medical School's emergency department-based ICU. The study was carried out at the Massey Family Critical Care Center, which opened in 2015 and is housed adjacent to University Hospital's main adult emergency room. The goal of establishing a critical care area in the ED was to prevent some patients from ever needing to be transferred to an inpatient ICU, study authors said.

Birding and RVing in the West

Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

Winter is a great time to migrate south like the birds do. Recently, I wrote about birding opportunities in the East while wintering in your RV. The West has its own spots with some pretty special birds. This article includes areas, towns, and national and state parks in Texas, Arizona and California that are ideal for birders.

7 ways new managers can shine

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

"Psssttt…Can you keep a secret? I’ve just been made a manager and I haven’t a clue what to do!" This was exactly what went through my head over 20 years ago when I found myself suddenly in charge. My focus should have been on what I could do to shine from day one. But instead, I worried that it would only be a matter of time before my secret was out. It's no secret that those who find themselves tossed into management with little more than a hope and a prayer aren't ready to fully engage in all that is required of more experienced managers. But there is certainly something about you that indicated you were right for this job.

Legal fights come to factory farms as grassroots organizations push back

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

Food & Water Watch, an organization that focuses on creating grassroots movements to protect environmental resources, began legal proceedings against Tyson Foods this summer, claiming that the company focuses on environmental stewardship as a business philosophy. The organization says these claims are counter to how Tyson actually treats the land and water. Additionally, several conservation groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency in July for "overstepping its authority in exempting factory farms from pollution-reporting requirements essential to public safety, environmental health and animal welfare."

Infographic: The future of work

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Office culture has grown and evolved over the years. Today, employees look for workplaces that value work-life balance, support their health and well-being, and offer flexibility and perks. Furthermore, a majority of employers plan to implement workplace culture initiatives to boost employees’ engagement in health. Check out the infographic in this article, which dives into the psychology of productivity, how workplace culture impacts your business, and how to attract and retain the best talent.

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