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Workplaces that work — finding synergy between people and place

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Do great workplaces make better workers, or do great workers make the most of their workplaces? It sounds like a chicken-or-egg question, but in practice, the answer is more complex. New research suggests that what makes workplaces work well is finding the appropriate synergy between the occupants and the environment. According to Gensler's U.S. Workplace Survey 2019, what people want most from their workplace is a great experience. What makes for a great experience, Gensler's researchers found, are not lots of extracurricular amenities and hip socializing spaces but a flexible environment that supports the various ways employees need to work.

US outdoorsmen to contribute more than $1 billion to conservation in 2019

John McAdams Recreation & Leisure

Men and women who shoot, hunt, and fish will provide over $1 billion in conservation funding across the United States during fiscal year 2019 through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration and Federal Sport Fish Restoration Acts. Better known as the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts, respectively, those programs fund fish and wildlife conservation efforts through excise taxes placed on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, and boating equipment.

Is Canadian retail finally on the path to redemption?

Katherine Radin Retail

The past few years have made it seem as though retailers haven't been able to catch a break in Canada. Another month, another shutdown, or so it’s seemed. Retailers and commercial landlords in the country have experienced a wild ride, with Target opening and closing; Future Shop shutting down; and Sears, Black's, and Gymboree closing — to name a few. Although some chains continue to experience financial turmoil, the dust has begun to settle, and perhaps clear, as landlords have begun to find creative ways to showcase shopping malls in a new light.

Istanbul Airport’s great move completed

Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & Automotive

The story of one of the world's biggest airport projects took a huge step forward this month as the transfer of operations to the new Istanbul Airport was completed over a two-day period without any major problems. Set to become the world's largest airport, the new site north of Istanbul opened on Oct. 29 last year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. Since then, Turkish Airlines has operated a small number of daily departures from the facility ahead of the complete transfer this month.

You don’t bring me flowers anymore: When customers turn on you

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

One day you’re walking on water, the best thing since sliced bread, you can do no wrong, and your customer is going to tell all their friends how wonderful your product and service are. And the next day, wham, suddenly you’re a pariah, a nobody, the worst ever, and they’re going to report you to the authorities to have your licenses revoked, have you thrown in jail, and bashed on any social media that exists. What happened? Did you change overnight? Did the other person change overnight? Did the circumstances surrounding your relationship change overnight?

Small-business owners lukewarm — or worse — on new tax law

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

At best, some owners of small firms are lukewarm about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) that Congress passed and President Trump signed. We turn to an April 10 public opinion poll from Businesses for Responsible Tax Reform. Among 501 small-business owners who were polled March 26-27 across the U.S. who have filed their taxes or are yet to finish their filing, nearly half, or 48%, reported that the new tax law did not make their profits or firms grow. About a quarter, or 24%, said the law caused them harm.

First-of-its-kind report lays foundation for world food sustainability

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

The EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health released its scientific review in early 2019, publishing the world's first scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production. It provides "targets that join civil society, public health and environmental conservation’s various goals toward health and sustainability." The purpose of the report is to provide a framework for the "urgent actions" needed from consumers, policymakers, businesses and government agencies to transform the food system. Leading scientists in nutrition and public health laid out global guidelines for a universal, healthy diet.

Bigger isn’t better: Investors favor boutique stores and hotels

Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Bigger is better, right? That’s why there have been more hotel mergers and acquisitions in recent years. There are also many hotel chains building larger loyalty programs to pull in more travelers. Besides hotels, Airbnb and online travel agents (OTAs) also want to get bigger through acquisitions. When it comes to product development, however, investors seem to favor small, boutique concepts over bigger ones. Here are a few examples.

The pros and cons of corporate events at sports venues

Wendy Parsley Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

We recently found ourselves at a football stadium that was playing host to a manufacturing industry conference and trade show. It didn’t take long for us to ask: are sports venues a good fit for corporate events? Let’s face it: finding unique event venues for corporate events with the ever-elusive "aha" factor can be challenging for event professionals everywhere. We are all on the hunt for the extra special place that offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. But before you make the leap to say yes to a ballpark or basketball arena as your next event venue, be sure to think about all the potential pros and cons. Here are just a few that caught our attention.

The trends that will power the energy industry in 2019

Terri Williams Facilities & Grounds

2019 promises to be a busy year for the energy sector. With the expansion of renewables, we can expect a plural energy future. However, many energy policies are in limbo. MultiBriefs spoke with several energy experts to find out some of the biggest energy trends for 2019.

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