Focusing on green—Low-energy offices one way Americans are conserving more

A July 17 Newsweek article focused on America’s movement toward green living, describing sustainability’s new importance to commercial buildings. The Hearst Corporation’s headquarters tower in Manhattan is providing an example for other businesses. Special glass, allowing in sunlight while keeping out heat, has increased energy efficiency by 22 percent. Water lost through evaporation by the air conditioning system is replaced by water that collects on the roof.

Generation Y’s nomadic ways cause companies to take extra measures

Employers are facing a new challenge of getting workers to stay in one place as Generation Y enters the workforce, a July 10 Los Angeles Times article reported. This so-called entitlement generation, those born between 1978 and 2000, is known for changing jobs frequently which is costing employers. Now companies are looking at ways to keep younger workers including hiring consultants focused on Generation Y, implementing training programs, introducing new hires to a wide array of jobs within the company, providing constant evaluation and professional development, and providing mentors.

Sky’s the limit: North Carolina town considers placing limit on building heights

Voters in Hendersonville, N.C. will be given the power to vote on how high buildings can be built, a July 19 article in The Wall Street Journal reported. The dispute arose because the city council recently voted to allow an 80-foot-tall building to be built despite an existing rule that buildings could not exceed 64 feet. Residents feared that tall buildings would destroy Hendersonville’s small town character. Two state legislators agreed that the residents should get their say and encouraged the North Carolina General Assembly to put a referendum on the November ballot.

High-tech security enters the workplace

Keeping the workplace secure is becoming a more sophisticated task as technology grows, according to a July 12 article in The Indianapolis Star. As a result, biometric businesses, which specialize in automated methods for recognizing eye retinas, facial patterns, thumb prints and vocal recognition, are booming. The growth of the industry is, however, creating concerns about identity theft and privacy.

Heat wave—Companies look for ways to save money in summer heat

Companies are turning down air conditioning and turning off lights to save energy as temperatures continue to rise in the U.S., a July 19 USA TODAY article reported. Some organizations are informing employees that the temperature will be set at a higher level—even up to 80 degrees, truck drivers are being asked not to leave trucks running or use air conditioning, motion-detector lighting is being installed, and nonessential equipment is being shut off.

Free parking? Not in Manhattan

According to a July 19 article in The Wall Street Journal, parking in the U.S. is priciest in midtown Manhattan, followed closely by downtown Manhattan. The average monthly parking rate in midtown Manhattan was $574 with the cost averaging $500 in downtown Manhattan. These amounts far exceed the nationwide average of $153. Other cities with high parking prices include Boston, San Francisco and Chicago.

Cubes are so out this season…Workstations are getting a makeover

Today 70 percent of office workers sit in cubicles, but these popular workstations are being redesigned as bosses demand new solutions that will save on rent while boosting productivity, according to an article in the July 17 issue of Time. New workspaces are being designed to fit the needs of workers who are more mobile and global than when cubicles were originally introduced in 1968. One way workstations are being redesigned is with the addition of places for employees to go have private phone conversations, brainstorming sessions and chats with colleagues.

I wish my cubicle was famous! Film productions have trouble finding office space

According to a July 12 article in the Los Angeles Times, location scouts for films are busy looking for office locations, especially ones with cubicles. The return of episodic one-hour dramas is causing the increased interest in cubicles. The problem is arising in Los Angeles because most office spaces are normally occupied.

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