The Curious Lounge's Boardroom: A Professional Setting for High-Level Meetings

In today's fast-paced business environment, finding the right space for important meetings can make all the difference between a productive session and a forgettable one. The Puffin Boardroom at The Curious Lounge stands out as an exceptional choice for professionals seeking a sophisticated yet functional environment for high-stakes discussions in the heart of Reading.

Prime Location for Easy Access

Situated just three minutes from Reading Train Station, our Puffin Boardroom provides unparalleled convenience for both local businesses and those traveling from London or other parts of the UK. Our central Reading location ensures that your team and clients can arrive stress-free and ready to focus on the important matters at hand.

Spacious and Private Executive Setting

The Puffin Boardroom comfortably seats up to 12 people around a sleek white table, making it ideal for:

• Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs)

• Finance meetings

• Strategic planning sessions

• Executive presentations

• Client pitches

• Board meetings

Our room's design prioritises both comfort and productivity. The striking blue ergonomic chairs not only add a touch of contemporary style but also ensure comfort during longer sessions. Additional easy chairs provide flexible seating options for breakout discussions or more relaxed conversations.

Privacy is paramount in our Puffin Boardroom. Floor-to-ceiling frosted glass walls ensure complete confidentiality for your sensitive discussions, while still allowing natural light to create a bright and inviting atmosphere that keeps energy levels high throughout your meeting.

State-of-the-Art Technology

The boardroom comes equipped with cutting-edge technology to support seamless presentations and collaboration:

• Large, high-definition display for crisp, clear presentations

• High-speed Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity

• Advanced video conferencing capabilities

• Integrated audio system for crystal-clear sound

• 4x1 metre write-on glass wall for brainstorming sessions

Every technical detail has been considered to eliminate distractions and keep your meeting running smoothly, helping to visualise ideas and capture inspiration as it strikes.

Competitive Pricing for Premium Space

At just £60 + VAT per hour, our Puffin Boardroom offers exceptional value compared to hotel meeting rooms in the Reading area. This competitive rate gives you access to a professional, private space without the hefty price tag often associated with executive meeting facilities.

Flexible Booking Options

We understand that plans can change quickly in the business world. That's why we offer flexible booking options for our boardroom. Whether you need the space for a few hours or a full day, our straightforward reservation process makes securing the perfect meeting environment simple and stress-free.

Exceptional Meeting Room Service

When you book our boardroom, you'll also benefit from our attentive service. Our friendly staff can arrange for refreshments to be delivered directly to your meeting, ensuring that your team stays energised and focused throughout the day.

As one client noted: "Beautiful, bright, and uplifting venue to work. An abundance of natural light, amazing plants and quirky decor."

The Competitive Edge

In today's competitive business landscape, every advantage matters. Hosting your high-level meetings in The Curious Lounge's professional boardroom sends a clear message about your company's commitment to quality and attention to detail. It's not just a meeting space—it's a statement about how you conduct business.

Ready to elevate your next high-level meeting? Book the Puffin Boardroom at The Curious Lounge and give your team the professional environment they deserve. If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us—call 07947 968934 or get in touch by email hello@thecuriouslounge.co.uk

For professionals who understand that environment influences outcomes, The Puffin Boardroom provides the perfect setting for decision-making, strategising, and collaborating at the highest level. Experience the difference that the right meeting space can make by booking our boardroom for your next important business gathering.

Cultivating a Lush Workspace: A Comprehensive Plant Care Guide

In the world of modern coworking spaces, plants are more than just decorative elements—they're living, breathing companions that transform sterile environments into vibrant, welcoming sanctuaries. Today, we'll delve into the art of caring for three stunning plants that can elevate your workspace: Calatheas, Peace Lilies, and Areca Palms.

Calatheas: The Living Art of the Workspace

Calatheas are often called "prayer plants" due to their fascinating leaf movements, which rise and fall throughout the day like gentle hands in prayer. These tropical beauties are perfect for adding a touch of drama and sophistication to your coworking space.

Care Essentials:

• Light: Indirect, filtered light is crucial. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves.

• Humidity: These tropical natives thrive in high humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray nearby.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use room-temperature water and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

• Temperature: Maintain a steady temperature between 18-29°C.

Pro Tip: Calatheas are drama queens when it comes to water quality. Use filtered or rainwater to prevent leaf discolouration from mineral build-up.

Peace Lilies: The Air-Purifying Professionals

Peace Lilies are not just beautiful; they're also exceptional air purifiers. Their elegant white spathes and deep green leaves can soften the hard lines of desks and computer screens while improving indoor air quality.

Care Essentials:

• Light: Tolerant of low to medium light conditions, making them ideal for office environments.

• Watering: Allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings. They'll dramatically droop when thirsty—a built-in watering indicator!

• Humidity: Enjoy moderate to high humidity. Occasional misting can keep them looking fresh.

• Temperature: Comfortable in standard room temperatures between 18-29°C.

Pro Tip: These plants are excellent stress relievers. Their ability to clean indoor air can contribute to a more relaxed and productive workspace.

Areca Palms: The Tropical Workspace Transformers

Areca Palms, also known as Butterfly Palms, bring a sense of tropical elegance to any coworking space. Their feathery, arching fronds create a sense of movement and life.

Care Essentials:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. They can tolerate some morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Humidity: Thrive in high humidity. Regular misting or a nearby humidifier works wonders.

• Temperature: Prefer temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid cold draughts.

Pro Tip: These palms are natural humidifiers, releasing moisture into the air and helping to combat the dry environment of air-conditioned spaces.

General Workspace Plant Care Tips

1. Rotation: Periodically rotate plants to ensure even growth and prevent one-sided leaning.

2. Cleaning: Dust leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to maintain their ability to photosynthesise effectively.

3. Drainage: Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

4. Observation: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pest infestation or stress.

Creating a Plant Care Routine

Assign plant care responsibilities amongst team members. Not only does this ensure consistent care, but it also promotes a sense of shared responsibility and connection to the workspace environment.

By integrating these plants into your coworking space, you're not just decorating—you're creating a living, breathing ecosystem that promotes well-being, productivity, and a touch of natural beauty.

Remember: Every plant is unique. Observe, learn, and adapt your care routine to the specific needs of your green companions.

Boost Your Mental Wellbeing: Why Co-working Could Be the Answer to Remote Work

The shift to remote and hybrid work models has brought many benefits, but it's also introduced new challenges - especially when it comes to our mental health. As the novelty of working from home has worn off, many professionals are finding themselves grappling with feelings of isolation, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance.

If this sounds all too familiar, it might be time to consider an alternative to your home office: coworking. Far from just a trendy workspace solution, coworking spaces can actually provide a much-needed boost to your mental wellbeing. Here's how:

Combat Loneliness

One of the biggest downsides of remote work is the loss of daily social interaction. Without the casual conversations and spontaneous coffee breaks that naturally occur in an office environment, remote workers can start to feel increasingly isolated. In a coworking space, you'll be surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals, providing ample opportunity to connect, collaborate, and stave off feelings of loneliness.

Maintain Boundaries

It's all too easy for the lines between work and home life to become blurred when your office is just steps away from your living space. This can lead to an unhealthy obsession with productivity, causing stress, burnout, and a serious lack of work-life balance. Coworking spaces give you a physical separation between your professional and personal spheres, making it easier to maintain healthy boundaries.

Reduce Distractions

From the constant pull of household chores to the presence of family members (both human and furry), working from home is rife with potential distractions. In a coworking environment, you'll find a dedicated workspace designed to help you stay focused and on-task. Plus, with no laundry or snack temptations in sight, you can devote your full attention to your work.

Boost Your Mood

The atmosphere of a well-designed coworking space can have a profound impact on your mood and productivity. At The Curious Lounge, for example, we've carefully curated an environment filled with natural light, greenery, and vintage-inspired decor - elements that have been shown to enhance creativity and overall wellbeing. Stepping into this positive, energizing space can provide a much-needed mental reset.

Prioritise Self-Care

Finally, coworking spaces tend to offer amenities that make it easier to prioritise self-care. Whether it's our on-site coffee shop offering complimentary refreshments or our comfortable breakout areas perfect for taking a rejuvenating break, we're committed to supporting your holistic wellbeing throughout the workday.

The bottom line? If you're feeling the mental toll of remote work, it might be time to explore your local coworking options. By providing the community, focus, and creature comforts you're missing from a traditional office, a coworking space could be just the remedy you need to restore your mental health and rediscover your passion for your work.

Catering to Your Needs: How the Curious Lounge's On-Site Refreshments Fuel Your Workday

At The Curious Lounge, we understand that fuelling your productivity is about more than just having the right workspace - it's also about having access to the right refreshments throughout the day. That's why we've made it a priority to provide an exceptional on-site catering experience that caters to your every need.

Our in-house coffee shop serves up barista-crafted specialty coffees, teas, and other drinks that are sure to keep you energised and focused. But what sets our service apart is the personalised service we offer from our fabulous team. Rather than having you leave your meeting or work area to wait in line, we provide table service so you can simply place your order and have your drinks delivered right to you.

Getting to know our customers is important to us, so our friendly team makes an effort to remember your go-to drink orders. That way, as soon as you arrive, we can have your usual waiting for you - whether that's a freshly brewed pour-over, a soothing herbal tea, or one of our signature specialities.

And it's not just drinks - we also offer a selection of delicious snacks and light bites to fuel your workday. Our catering options are designed to satisfy any craving and keep productivity high.

But the cherry on top? 

We deliver all of these refreshments directly to your meeting room or desk, so you and your team can stay laser-focused without having to worry about leaving to find sustenance. It's all part of our commitment to creating an exceptional experience that empowers you to be your most productive self.

So, whether you're hosting an important client meeting, leading a team brainstorming session, or simply looking for a change of scenery to power through your solo projects, you can count on The Curious Lounge's on-site catering to have your back. Stop by and let us cater to your needs - your taste buds and your productivity will thank you.

How to Choose the Perfect Meeting Space for Your Team's Needs

Finding the right meeting space can be a bit like searching for the perfect pair of shoes - it needs to fit just right, look professional, and be comfortable for everyone involved. Whether you're planning a brainstorming session, a client presentation, or a team catch-up, here's how to make sure you choose a meeting space that ticks all the boxes.

Size Matters (But It's Not Everything)

First things first, consider how many people will be attending. You don't want to squeeze ten people into a room meant for six, but equally, a massive boardroom for a small team huddle might feel a bit overwhelming. Look for a space that comfortably fits your group size, with a bit of extra room to move around - trust us, your team will thank you for it.

Location, Location, Location

Choose a spot that's easy for everyone to get to. If you're bringing in clients or team members from different locations, consider a central spot with good transport links. Being close to a major train station (like, oh I don't know, Reading Station perhaps?) can be a real game-changer for accessibility.

Tech Talk

In today's digital world, having the right tech setup is crucial. Look for a space with reliable Wi-Fi, good quality screens or projectors, and videoconferencing capabilities if you need them. There's nothing worse than trying to give an important presentation with dodgy tech!

Comfort is Key

If you're planning a marathon strategy session, make sure the space is comfortable. Ergonomic chairs, good lighting, and temperature control can make a big difference to how productive your meeting is. After all, it's hard to focus on the next big idea when you're squirming in an uncomfortable chair.

Flexibility for the Win

Every meeting is different, so look for a space that can adapt to your needs. Do you need breakout areas for small group discussions? Whiteboards for brainstorming? A space where you can rearrange the furniture for different activities? Flexibility can really enhance your meeting experience.

Catering and Refreshments

Let's face it, a well-fed team is a happy team. Check if the venue offers catering options or if there are good spots nearby for lunch. And don't forget about those all-important coffee breaks!

Privacy Please

Depending on the nature of your meeting, privacy might be a top priority. Make sure the space offers the level of confidentiality you need, especially for sensitive business discussions.

Budget-Friendly But Professional

While it's important to find a space that fits your budget, remember that a professional environment can set the tone for your entire meeting. Look for options that offer good value for money without compromising on quality.

Extra Amenities

Think about what else might enhance your meeting. Do you need printing facilities? A reception area to greet clients? Bike storage for eco-friendly commuters? These little extras can make a big difference.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, visit the space before you book it. There's nothing like seeing a room in person to get a feel for whether it's right for your needs.

Remember, the perfect meeting space is out there - it's just a matter of finding it. Whether you need a cosy room for a team brainstorm or an impressive boardroom for a client pitch, taking the time to choose the right space can make all the difference to the success of your meeting.

Why a Proper Meeting Room Trumps a Coffee Shop for Your Next Business Catch-Up

We all love a good coffee shop - the aroma of freshly ground beans, the cosy atmosphere, the endless supply of caffeine. But when it comes to hosting an important business meeting, sometimes you need a bit more than your local café can offer. Here's why booking a dedicated meeting room might be just the ticket for your next professional pow-wow.

Space to Spread Out (and Think Big)

Let's be honest, those tiny café tables are great for a cappuccino and a croissant, but not so much for spreading out your laptop, notes, and that all-important presentation. In a proper meeting room, you'll have all the space you need to lay out your materials, brainstorm ideas, and really get down to business. No more elbow-bumping or accidental coffee spills on important documents!

Tech That Works When You Need It

We've all been there - trying to show a crucial presentation on a laptop screen in a sunny café, squinting at the glare. Or worse, attempting to join a video call with patchy Wi-Fi. In our meeting rooms, you'll find reliable high-speed internet, large screens for easy viewing, and tech that just works. It's amazing how much more productive you can be when you're not constantly apologising for technical difficulties.

A Little Peace and Quiet Goes a Long Way

Don't get us wrong, the hustle and bustle of a café can be great for creativity. But when you're trying to discuss sensitive business matters or impress a potential client, the sound of steam wands and coffee grinders might not set quite the right tone. Our meeting rooms offer the privacy and quiet you need to focus on the task at hand, without having to worry about who might be overhearing your next big idea.

Comfort for Those Longer Sessions

Café chairs are designed for turnover, not for long strategy sessions. If you've ever tried to host a two-hour meeting in a coffee shop, your back probably still remembers it. Our ergonomic chairs and professional setup mean you can focus on your meeting, not on how uncomfortable you are.

Impress Without the Stress

Booking a professional meeting space shows that you value the meeting and the people you're meeting with. It sets a tone of professionalism that's hard to achieve in a public space. Plus, with our reception services and optional catering, you can make sure your guests feel truly looked after.

Flexibility to Suit Your Needs

Need to rearrange the furniture for a creative brainstorming session? Want to adjust the lighting for your presentation? In a coffee shop, you're stuck with what you've got. In our meeting rooms, you have the flexibility to create the environment that works best for your specific meeting needs.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While booking a meeting room might seem more expensive than buying a few coffees, think about the value you're getting. The productivity gains, the professional image, and the ability to fully focus on your business discussions can lead to better outcomes. And with our flexible booking options, you only pay for the time you need.

In a Nutshell: Choose Professional, but Keep It Personal

While we'll always have a soft spot for our local cafés, when it comes to important business meetings, a dedicated meeting space is hard to beat. You get the professional environment you need, without losing the personal touch.

How Plants Bring Life to Coworking Spaces and Boost Productivity

The coworking revolution has transformed office environments with hip, creative spaces for productive work and collaboration. But what truly elevates most coworking spaces is the abundance of lush, living plants infusing vitality throughout.

Far from just decorative features, placing plants strategically in coworking spaces has proven effects on creativity, focus, wellbeing, and productivity. As more companies adopt flexible and remote work, plant-filled coworking spaces are the ideal solution for optimised in-person work time.

Oxygenating the Air and Spirit

Houseplants breathe life into indoor spaces literally through photosynthesis, increasing oxygen while decreasing CO2 and pollutants. This air purification creates a more energising environment, allowing concentration and creativity to thrive. And studies show gazing at greenery lowers stress levels within minutes. The restorative quality of plants enhances overall wellbeing.

Acoustic Benefits for Focus

Leafy plants don't just improve air quality but acoustics too. Large indoor plants help absorb excessive noise that can disrupt focus and conversations. Soft surfaces also diffuse echoes. With sound-dampening foliage throughout, coworking spaces facilitate immersive work.

Biophilic Design for Productivity

The innate human attraction to nature is called biophilia. According to this theory, we inherently crave connections with the natural environment. Surrounding people with abundant plants satisfies this urge even indoors. Studies of biophilic offices reveal 12% higher productivity and 15% increased wellbeing among employees.

Nourishing Creativity and Ideation

Getting creative among concrete and screens all day can be draining. The organic shapes, patterns and colors of plants provide natural visual stimulation proven to boost creative energy and ideation. Having greenery in view also promotes more expansive, innovative thinking.

Community Connections

In open coworking spaces, plants can delineate zones for focus or community. The human tendency to gather around foliage creates intuitive communal areas. Bonding is boosted when people interact surrounded by natural elements that are mentally restorative.

Improved Indoor Atmosphere

A proliferation of plants creates an inviting jungle vibe in coworking spaces. The aesthetics make these shared environments more than just offices—they become living, breathing spaces. The atmosphere shifts from sterile to organic, allowing creativity to blossom.

Flexible and Mobile Greenery

Shared coworking environments lend themselves to flexible greenery too. Movable plant walls, hanging displays, and modular potted plants allow creating semi-private spaces or directional walkways as needed. Layouts can evolve day to day.

The Power of Biophilia + Flexibility

For companies embracing flexible and remote work, lush coworking spaces satisfy biophilic needs while optimizing for productive in-person gatherings. The life force of abundant plants balances digital work modes. Greenery injects energy and creativity into collaboration.

As more companies decentralize operations, plant-filled coworking spaces create the ideal ecosystem for intermittent but focused on-site work routines. The flexibility of shared offices combined with the restorative quality of indoor plants offers the best of both worlds.

The Irreplaceable Value of In-Person Collaboration for Innovation

In our increasingly virtual world, it's tempting to think technology alone can drive innovation. But breakthrough ideas rarely happen in isolation. True innovation requires people to come together and create it face-to-face.

While video calls enable convenient collaboration across distances, they lack key dynamics that ignite creative magic when teams unite in real life. Sitting static in front of a screen restricts the organic, spontaneous communication vital for sparking ideas.

Innovation thrives on unlikely connections, chance encounters and glimpses into colleagues' thinking. Things remote work often unintentionally discourages.

That's why organisations must be intentional about building in opportunities for in-person collaboration - whether through regular brainstorming sessions or casual social events.

Dedicated spaces designed for creative thinking allow teams to surround themselves with an environment that stimulates innovation. There's just something about gathering together in a room—whiteboard markers in hand, post-its galore—that gets those innovating juices flowing.

Seeing facial expressions and body language reveals insights you'd miss over video. A raised eyebrow could inspire an "Aha!" moment. Overhearing a side conversation may spark unexpected directions. Impromptu exchanges breed unique concepts.

Doodling ideas visually on whiteboards brings them to life in a way stuffy documents can't. Building on each other's scribbles leads to eureka moments. Feeding off one another's energy and laughter keeps momentum buzzing.

These collaborative sessions unlock natural human dynamics that remote work lacks. Conversations flow freely. Jokes boost morale. Teams debate, riff on ideas, have breakthroughs over coffee. This spontaneous creativity can't be replicated virtually.

While remote work is here to stay, we cannot let it replace the irreplaceable creative spark that ignites when people come together intentionally to innovate. Our teams need both focused individual working time and opportunities to collaborate in-person.

It is in these shared spaces—surrounded by an environment designed to fuel free-flowing creativity—that the magic happens. Where great minds unite and build on each other's energy, insights, and ideas to create something extraordinary together.

This is the irreplaceable value of in-person collaboration. And why we must make space for it even in our increasingly digital world

Reimagining the Office for the Hybrid Era

Reimagining the Office for the Hybrid Era

The pandemic accelerated remote and hybrid working models almost overnight. Many predicted a permanent shift and the inevitable demise of physical offices. But as we settle into new ways of working, the role of offices is proving more complex and nuanced.

While home and hybrid work arrangements are here to stay, offices retain an integral role in performance and culture. The challenge is in reimagining and redesigning office spaces for a workforce dividing time between locations. This is where the growing trend of shared part time offices presents an optimal solution.

Rethinking When and Why We Gather

In a hybrid setup, being together in-person is a precious commodity. Commutes and fixed schedules in a central HQ waste these moments. Employees crave autonomy yet recognise the inherent value of face-to-face collaboration.

Part time offices allow teams to be selective about when they unite in-person, optimising for interactive sessions that drive innovation, strategy, and bonding. Meeting formats can go beyond formal to facilitate creative exercises, impromptu discussions, and problem-solving.

Workspace as an Experience

Offices were traditionally designed for heads-down work by assigned employees. Part time offices transform space into an experience. Environments buzz with activity from diverse teams. Stylish lounges, cafes, and game zones provide community. People choose to be present.

Designed for Fluid Use

Fixed desks for every employee are fading into history. Part time offices allow fluid switching between spaces like meetings rooms, private offices, phone booths, and coworking desks according to current needs. Every time a team visits, the office feels new.

When unoccupied, space converts for other uses like external networking events, creating additional value. Adaptable spaces sustain interest and engagement.

Optimised Resources and Operations

Traditional offices underutilise resources. Part time offices allow sharing of spaces, facilities, and services between companies to reduce waste. Parking, meeting rooms, equipment, and staff can be leveraged by a larger ecosystem of office users. Shared resources create savings that benefit everyone.

Culture Beyond Your Walls

A HQ office houses a single company culture. Part time multi-user offices fuse an array of users, perspectives, talents into the community. Teams gain insight into other practices and styles. Bonds form between mutual users. A cross-pollination of thinking occurs when cultures converge.

Part time offices could be the future model for how companies utilise physical workspace. As teams take a more flexible and selective approach to in-person work, offices will transform into shared, agile hubs delivering rich experiences. Workplace culture becomes less insular—shared with new connections and fresh possibilities.

Plant life - the benefits of biophilic design

Did you know we have over 80 plants in our space and most of them have names? The names weren’t intentional but the plants were. As humans, we have an innate connection to nature that goes beyond our need for food and shelter. This connection, which has been shaped by thousands of years of evolution, has a profound effect on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Biophilic design is a concept that recognises this connection and seeks to incorporate natural elements into the built environment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of working in a biophilic design-led office environment and how it can improve our overall health and productivity.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is a design philosophy that seeks to connect people with nature through the built environment. The concept was first introduced by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, and it has since gained widespread recognition in the design industry. Biophilic design is based on the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature, and that incorporating natural elements into the built environment can have a positive impact on our well-being.

Biophilic design incorporates three key elements: nature, natural analogues, and nature of the space. Nature refers to actual living organisms and natural materials, such as plants and wood. Natural analogues are non-living elements that evoke a natural experience, such as textures, colours, and patterns. Nature of the space refers to the spatial and sensory qualities of a space, such as lighting and views.

Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Improved Air Quality

One of the most significant benefits of biophilic design is improved air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers, and incorporating them into the workplace can help remove harmful pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Studies have shown that plants can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

The natural elements of biophilic design have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace. Exposure to natural light, views of nature, and the presence of plants have all been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety. In a study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney, participants who worked in offices with plants reported a 37% decrease in tension and anxiety compared to those who worked in offices without plants.

Increased Productivity

Biophilic design can also lead to increased productivity in the workplace. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve cognitive function and decision-making, while views of nature can increase focus and attention. In a study conducted by the University of Oregon, participants who worked in offices with natural views had a 10% improvement in cognitive function compared to those who worked in offices without views.

Improved Mental Health

The natural elements of biophilic design can have a positive impact on our mental health. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, participants who walked through an arboretum reported a 50% improvement in mood compared to those who walked through a cityscape.

Increased Creativity

Biophilic design can also increase creativity in the workplace. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements can enhance creativity and innovation. In a study conducted by the University of Groningen, participants who were shown images of nature were more creative in a subsequent task than those who were shown images of urban environments.

Enhanced Employee Well-being

Finally, biophilic design can enhance overall employee well-being. By incorporating natural elements into the workplace, employers can create a more pleasant and enjoyable work environment.

Improved Physical Health

In addition to improving air quality, biophilic design can have a positive impact on physical health. Exposure to natural light has been shown to regulate our circadian rhythms, which can improve sleep patterns and lead to better overall health. In a study conducted by the University of Illinois, participants who were exposed to natural light slept an average of 46 minutes longer per night compared to those who were exposed to artificial light.

Reduced Sick Days

By improving air quality and overall employee well-being, biophilic design can also lead to a reduction in sick days. Studies have shown that incorporating plants into the workplace can lead to a decrease in absenteeism due to illness. In a study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney, participants who worked in offices with plants took an average of 10% fewer sick days compared to those who worked in offices without plants.

Attraction and Retention of Employees

Finally, biophilic design can help attract and retain employees. A study conducted by Interface found that 78% of employees would prefer to work in a space with natural light, while 68% would prefer to work in a space with plants. By creating a more pleasant and enjoyable work environment, employers can increase employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.

If you’d like to read more here are some articles that you might like to read UK-based Articles on Biophilic Design

• "The Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Workplace" by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

• "How Biophilic Design Can Benefit Your Workplace" by The Guardian

• "The Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Workplace" by UK Green Building Council

• "The Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Workplace" by Interface

The Curious Lounge partners with DataCamp Donates to encourage diversity and inclusion in digital up-skilling.

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with DataCamp, the leading interactive learning platform for data science and analytics. The Curious Lounge will deliver 2500 training interventions each year for the next five years and now, through this partnership with DataCamp Donates, can provide free access to data literacy training. By providing opportunities to gain digital skills and connect digital tech employers to residents who may not normally have engaged, the aim of the project is to encourage diversity and inclusion in digital up-skilling. This particularly applies to mature residents (40+), women and women returners, unemployed residents and those in insecure and/or low paid work looking for career progression. 

“We are extremely proud to have been chosen as a partner on the global DataCamp Donates programme and look forward to working with their partnerships team in the coming months to make content available to people in the Thames Valley looking to build their skills in this area. We will build a team of volunteer mentors to deliver in-house facilitated learning bootcamps and engage with forward-looking employers to help people find their first role in the data space.”  Matt Bovey, Content Curator at The Curious Lounge

“The Curious Lounge is a unique and special nonprofit that fills a very valuable need in its community.”
Nathaniel Taylor-Leach, Community Partnerships Manager for DataCamp Donates 

DataCamp believes everyone deserves access to high-quality education and data skill development for a more secure future. They boast an incredible resource of 900 data-oriented courses, projects, and practice exercises in Python, R, Excel, SQL, Tableau, Oracle, Power BI and data engineering, all available through online tutorials, with carefully designed career learning pathways for individuals, and delivered by a passionate team of instructors.   

For businesses they have a range of webinars, white papers and real world case studies helping you understand why and how to upskill both your organisation’s and your employees' data skills. 

If you are interested in offering your time as a mentor to support others or expanding your own career opportunities then contact us at hello@thecuriouslounge.co.uk 

About DataCamp

DataCamp was founded in 2013 to help companies and teams of every size to close their data skill gaps and make better data-driven decisions. They provide flexible online data training for every role, from non-coding essentials for business to data science and machine learning, all taught by leading experts in the field. Best of all, there’s no installation or download required—all learning and interactive exercises run in your browser. DataCamp has partnered with over 70 non-profit organizations—including Black Girls Code, FareShare, and Syrian Youth Assembly—to upskill their teams with the essential data science and analytics skills they need to thrive in a data-driven world. 

Companies invited to apply to become a member of The Curious Collective

We have opened up applications for ambitious and growing companies to join The Curious Collective, contact us to learn more

This is not a charter or manifesto; the Curious Collective is about positive action. It is for companies who have reached the conclusion that bright young talent is essential for the growth of their businesses. This is not a graduate scheme, this is opening up a new and diverse pool of talent for your business.  

Our vision is to bring together a group of companies based in the Thames Valley who are passionate about actively developing and investing in next generation talent. 

We call this group The Curious Collective

What’s in it for you?

• Access to an untapped talent pool that is motivated to learn and building the soft skills required by business

• We pipeline for you and assess each individual throughout the process, therefore de-risking the hire

• A collective voice when hiring talent for your business

• A badge of honour to enhance your employer brand as an investor in diverse talent pools, demonstrating you are an open and progressive employer. 

• Opportunities for your teams to mentor to enhance with career development

• Social impact. The Curious Lounge is a Community Interest Company so any profits we make are reinvested into further upskilling the region.

How does it work?

The programme intends to expand horizons, develop work ready skills and create off-boarding opportunities by way of work experience, kick start placements, internships, apprenticeships or hiring into roles. Participants will be taken through a boot camp to learn modern workplace essentials (sales, marketing, project management, data analysis etc) and then experience different job roles through these work placements.

Why does it exist?

For the Thames Valley to remain competitive as a region it is imperative that businesses adopt a collaborative and proactive approach to addressing the skills gap. This is not a CSR project, this is about creating meaningful, tangible impact for young people across the Thames Valley and equipping them with the skills and confidence to enter the workplace.

What initiatives can you get involved in?

Our aim is to work with employers to create learning content that is aligned to local skills needs. From ‘intro to’ sessions, master classes and bootcamps through to career specific or technology platform academies. The first initiative we are launching is the Work Ready Bootcamp.

Cohorts of young adults will be taught essential modern business skills twice a week for six weeks, with facilitated learning totalling 48 hours. Projects will be set at the end of each session to put the learning into practise. Assignments will be discussed and shared at the start of the following week's lessons. All training will be delivered by business mentors (those using the skills in day-to-day business environments). Employers will be asked to offer students work experience, kick start placements, internships or apprenticeships.

Topics will be shaped with those employers engaging with the programme (and offering off-boarding opportunities) but we envisage the following:

• Project Management - what is Project Management? what is a risk?, balancing cost, quality and time

• Marketing - digital platforms & tools, storytelling, analytics, SEO

• Sales - the fundamentals of sales, how to identify target customers, how to make a sales call, how to handle objections

• Agile methodology - what is Agile, why should you be using it, most common methodologies, who is in an Agile team, set up your Agile team

• Data - why is data so important, data analytics, data visualisation, tools used with data

• Problem Solving - immersive problem solving session, development feedback from assessors

• Employability - LinkedIn, CV writing, interview techniques, tips for job applications

• Presentations - public speaking, the art of beautiful presentations, the perfect pitch

LOVE YOUR LETTERS LAUNCHED

We’ve just introduced our ‘love your letters’ service.

What is it? No more need for your home address to be your business address. We now offer office address and registered address services. Our address service is £150 + VAT and our registered address services are £180 + VAT for six months payable upfront.

What’s not to love about an RG1 postcode. Simply sign up here or email us for details.

CURIOUS GIFT VOUCHERS RELEASED

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who struggles to work at home? Look no further, we now have day pass gift cards for sale.

Simply order them online and we will post them to you or directly to your gift recipient. There are two values of day pass available £80 buys you 5 day passes and £160 buys you 12 day passes.

Passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase.