The Know Daily - Tuesday 25 November 2025

_{Read in 4m 18s ∙ Listening to Evan Savage ∙}

The South West Wildcat Project is hoping to bring back 50 European wildcats to the UK countryside from 2028. A study has found a colony could "flourish" in the mid-Devon countryside – but can we also take a moment to appreciate just how cute they are? 🥹

👩‍💻 2026 workplace trends

New technology, flexible work and shifting expectations are reshaping jobs and workplaces across the board, while employees are speaking up more about fairness, values and wellbeing. Let’s break down the workplace culture trends Forbes has forecast for the upcoming year: 

First up, the role of AI.
You’ve probably heard stories about AI “replacing jobs”. The reality? For most people, AI is more of a helper than a rival. Analysis from Yale University shows it hasn’t caused widespread job loss, but more employees are now using AI tools to make their work easier or faster. In 2026, workplaces will need to find the right balance: letting AI do the heavy lifting without it take over entirely.

A focus on feeling safe and supported at work.
Even though some companies have scaled back on diversity and inclusion initiatives, employees still want to feel safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. In 2026, workplaces that care about fairness, wellbeing and respect will be the ones where people actually enjoy coming in – and stay longer.

Employee-driven culture.
From social media campaigns to strikes, more employees are pushing for better conditions and a bigger say in how their workplaces run. Forbes anticipates this trend is only going to grow. Companies that listen and involve employees in decisions will have happier, more engaged teams.

Jobs that align with personal values.
Money isn’t the only factor anymore. Many people want to work somewhere that reflects their beliefs – whether that’s supporting sustainability, fairness or social causes. In fact, almost half of workers in Randstad’s 2025 Workmonitor report said they would turn down a job if it didn’t match their values. In 2026, companies that align with what their employees care about will have a big advantage.

And yes, customers will be paying attention too.
It’s not just employees who care about values. Customers are quick to call out companies they see acting unfairly or unethically, and they won’t hesitate to take their money elsewhere. 

Some key ideas to think about for the year ahead:
👾 Learn about the tech around you: we know AI isn’t for everyone, but understanding the changing work landscape is an advantage so look for ways that AI can make your life easier.
🤝 Know your worth and priorities: try to look for workplaces that support you and your wellbeing.
🌱 Align with your values: keep an eye out for jobs and brands that reflect what matters to you. In our jobs survey, purpose was the No. 1 priority, even above pay and location.

🛜 Ofcom has unveiled a landmark package of practical steps for tech firms to make life online safer for women and girls.

• The bigger story: The five-point plan aims to hold sites and apps to account on protecting women and girls online. Guidance includes imposing “timeouts” for negative users and the ability to block multiple accounts at once. Ofcom are also calling for moderation teams to receive specialised training on online gender-based harms and to de-monetise posts which promote misogyny.

💎 The first treasures from an 18th century Spanish galleon – nicknamed the "holy grail of shipwrecks" for its cache of 11 million gold and silver coins – have been recovered.

🚜 Farmers are staging a 12-hour "go-slow" protest against the government's planned inheritance tax reforms.

✈️ Visitors to the UK from 85 countries will now need a digital travel permit – an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – to enter the country from February 2026. It only applies to travellers who don’t already need a visa, like those from the EU, Canada and US.

👯‍♀️ Experts have answered the question that we’ve all asked at some point – do women really sync up their cycles?

😎 The world’s coolest streets have been named with a strip in Brazil being crowned the winner. Note to self: pack trendy clothes if ever lucky enough to visit Rio de Janeiro.

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Trivia answer: A) Their winner for 2025 is VIK, a vineyard in Chile's Millahue Valley.

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