The Industrial Society launches major research this week warning of the arrival of a powerful group of free workers, capable of holding employers to ransom.
Free workers, it says, have the talent, skills and knowledge that companies need to remain competitive, but they are revolutionising the employment contract by demanding fun, fulfilment, ethics and big pay packets.
The research, Most Wanted – the Quiet Birth of the Free Worker, is the first paper from the Industrial Society’s new Futures Division. Headed by director Richard Reeves and deputy John Knell, the division will be in operation from this Friday with a brief to identify and analyse work trends.
Futures will be campaigning, informing, training and consulting employers on the consequences of the forecasts it makes.
Writing exclusively for Personnel Today this week, chief executive of the Industrial Society Will Hutton says, “A new form of organisation is emerging – the network.
“Its impact on the practice, conduct and culture of work and the way organisations balance pressures to deliver to consumers, staff and shareholders, is the story of our times.”
A number of events to discuss workplace issues in the 21st century have been organised by the society for this summer. Fit for the Future seminars will be held on 9 and 10 August in London, and 14 August in Birmingham.
• Industrial Society events: 0870 400 1000
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