Mike Bagshaw, with 34 years in the railway industry, is the Managing Director of MTR Elizabeth line, London's newest and busiest rail line. He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvement, minimizing delays, and technological advancements for efficient operations. Bagshaw values collaboration with partners like Network Rail and Heathrow Airport, and client Transport for London, to maintain high performance and customer satisfaction. Influenced by industry leaders Chris Green and the late Adrian Shooter, Bagshaw aims to provide a safe, reliable service with an excellent customer experience. His leadership style includes visibility and open communication with employees to foster a culture of improvement.

Sintra, Portugal, is emerging as a new hub for digital nomads, particularly those with families. The historic town offers a cooler climate and a rich legacy of castles, inspiring creativity among writers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Travel startup Boundless Life has established its first location in Sintra, providing apartments, co-working spaces, and childcare facilities. The company's co-founder, Marcos Carvalho, aims to include working parents in the digital nomad trend, offering a blend of work and travel. The community aspect of Boundless Life allows families to form lasting relationships and plan future stays together. Sintra's attractions, combined with the amenities provided by Boundless Life, offer a unique experience that contrasts with the typical beachside digital nomad lifestyle.

In Wales, Mynydd Sleddog Adventures has collaborated with the NHS to provide a husky therapy program for offenders in a medium security mental health unit. The program, which includes husky hikes, grooming, and dog handling, aims to improve the patients' self-perception and life outlook. Accredited by Agored Cymru, the therapy supports potential post-release career opportunities in animal care. Ingrid Unsworth, a specialist occupational therapist, initiated the program after experiencing the benefits of a husky ride herself. The program is now in its second year, with the addition of husky puppies to enhance the therapeutic experience.

Rob Dix and Rob Bence have created digital clones of themselves using AI software to answer questions from their followers, freeing up their time. This technology is provided by companies like Coachvox AI, Synthesia, and Delphi. The digital clones are trained with content such as books, columns, and podcasts to respond in the creators' tone of voice. The sector is growing, with various professionals adopting the technology. However, experts like Florian Stahl warn of the limitations and potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the complexity of business situations and the partial awareness of AI. Users like business coach Rose Radford find the technology beneficial for time management. The article suggests that while AI can provide valuable assistance, it is essential to manage expectations and understand its limitations.

Polish company PhotoAid, which assists travelers in taking their own passport photos at home, offers its remote employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and visit multiple times a year, subject to demand. The company also reimburses half of the flight cost up to 1,000 Polish zlotys ($246) annually. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to build relationships and boost morale. About 50 of the 143 employees have stayed at the apartment, and some met their teammates in person for the first time there. The apartment features amenities like high-speed internet and a small gym, and is located near local bakeries, restaurants, and bars. The company's co-founder, Rafal Mlodzki, spends half his time in Tenerife and believes the investment has paid off, serving as a 'company charger' to re-energize employees.

A disparity exists in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) between men and women, with 54% of men using AI in their professional or personal lives compared to only 35% of women in the UK. Harriet Kelsall, a jeweler with dyslexia from Cambridge, England, distrusts AI tools like ChatGPT due to inaccuracies. Michelle Leivars and Hayley Bystram, both based in London, prefer to maintain their personal touch without relying on AI. Alexandra Coward from Scotland expresses concern over AI's impact on authenticity. Jodie Cook, founder of Coachvox.ai, attributes the gender gap in AI adoption to the historical male dominance in STEM fields and a lack of confidence among women. Psychologist Lee Chambers suggests that social conditioning and a desire for competence before usage may hinder some women from embracing AI. The article highlights the importance of authenticity, creativity, and the potential impact of AI on gender disparities in technology.

Single mothers are increasingly embarking on extended travels with their children, finding joy and community in the process. Roni Dagan, a widow and marketing firm owner from Tel Aviv, has traveled to various destinations with her son, Gal. Alison Lewis, a digital design consultant from the U.S., turned to travel after her marriage ended, exploring the country with her son. Catherine Chinatree, a U.K.-based artist, took her child on a three-month trip to Asia after separating from her partner. These mothers have utilized services like Boundless Life, which offers packages that include accommodations, coworking spaces, and schooling, to facilitate their travels. The company has seen an uptick in bookings from single parents seeking a supportive community for themselves and their children. The experiences have been transformative, providing single moms with a sense of freedom, connection, and revitalization.

The article discusses the growing trend of digital nomad families who travel while working remotely and home-schooling their children. It highlights the experiences of the Young family and the Hawleys, who embrace this lifestyle for the cultural and educational benefits it provides to their children. The article also references a study by Lonely Planet and Fiverr on 'anywhere workers', indicating a significant portion of them are parents. Experts, however, caution about the potential downsides, such as the need for routine and community. The piece is part of BBC's Family Tree series, which explores the dynamics of modern families. It suggests that as remote work becomes more common, families are finding new ways to integrate travel into their lives while considering the educational and social needs of their children.

Polish company PhotoAid, which assists travelers with passport photos, offers its remote employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain. Employees can stay up to three weeks and visit multiple times a year, subject to demand. The company also reimburses half of the flight cost up to 1,000 Polish zlotys ($246) annually. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to foster relationships and boost morale. About 50 of the 143 employees have stayed at the apartment, and some met their teammates in person for the first time there. The apartment includes workspaces and amenities, and the company sees it as a 'company charger' to re-energize employees.

The article discusses YaganKar, a company that generates revenue by charging firms to advertise their job vacancies. The founder of YaganKar, Mr Hashimi, has ambitions to grow the company significantly. He aims to have over 1,000 Afghans registered in the company's database within the next year. Additionally, Mr Hashimi plans to introduce a learning platform designed to enhance the skill sets of its users, thereby increasing their employability and the range of jobs they can apply for.

The article discusses the shift in corporate culture towards more flexible working arrangements for fathers, highlighting the experiences of EY director Chris Ashton Holt and his approach to work-life balance after taking parental leave. It also covers the perspectives of other professionals like Ian Dinwiddy of Inspiring Dads and John Bennett from JP Morgan, who advocate for job sharing and flexible working to promote gender equality and better family relationships. The article references a study by the Fatherhood Institute and mentions companies like AkzoNobel and ClearChannel that are supporting new working models. It emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes to achieve gender equality in the workplace and at home.

The article discusses the shift in corporate culture towards more flexible working arrangements for fathers, highlighting the experiences of EY director Chris Ashton Holt and his approach to work-life balance after taking parental leave. It also covers the perspectives of other professionals like Ian Dinwiddy of Inspiring Dads and John Bennett from JP Morgan, who advocate for job sharing and flexible working to promote gender equality and better family relationships. The article references a study by the Fatherhood Institute and mentions companies like AkzoNobel and ClearChannel that are supporting new working models. It emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes to achieve gender equality in the workplace and at home.

The article discusses the trend of companies allowing employees to swap fixed bank holidays for days off that better suit their personal needs. Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne, founder of the organic period product start-up Freda, allows her team to choose their own bank holidays. Similarly, Seeker Digital in Bristol has had a flexible bank holiday policy since its inception. The article also mentions Human Appeal, a Manchester-based charity, which permitted its workforce to swap Easter bank holidays for an extended Eid celebration. A survey by LoopMe shows that a significant portion of British workers either have or desire the option to switch their bank holidays. The article suggests that flexible bank holiday policies may improve work-life balance and employee satisfaction, but acknowledges that such policies may not be suitable for all roles or organizations.

Companies like Freda and Seeker Digital are allowing employees to swap fixed bank holidays for days off that better suit their personal needs, reflecting a growing trend towards workplace flexibility. This policy enables employees to align holidays with family schedules, save on childcare costs, and celebrate cultural events. The practice is gaining popularity, with a survey indicating that over half of British respondents desire the ability to switch bank holidays. Employers find that such flexibility can boost employee satisfaction and work-life balance, although it may require additional scheduling management.

Cimpress, the parent company of Vistaprint, has successfully implemented a 'remote-first' work policy for its 1,600 employees not tied to specific printing locations. The company has seen a 300% increase in job applications and only one employee has left due to the remote-first change. A significant portion of employees have shifted away from traditional 9-to-5 hours, and some have moved to different states. Cimpress has also created a 'culture deck' to help manage remote work and gather feedback.