The Engine Shed Series launches with ‘The Future of Work’ event

The Engine Shed Series is a new event series which will share actionable insights and collaboration opportunities to support building a positive recovery for our economy, society and environment.

The first in the series is The Future of Work’ on 9 June, 1.00 – 2.15pm. The event will focus on the challenges, trends and opportunities created through the pandemic for businesses, employees and organisations who play a role in economic development.

Introduced by Head of Engine Shed, Marty Reid, the panel of speakers are:

  • Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor; Labour Councillor – Ward of St George West, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities & Public Health – Bristol City Council
  • Dr Harry Pitts FRSA, co-editor of the Futures of Work blog and Lecturer in Management at University of Bristol
  • Jaya Chakrabarti MBE, CEO of tiscreport.org, DCMS Digital Economy Advisory Board member
  • Zara Nanu, CEO of Gapsquare, Global Future Council on New Agenda for Equity and Social Justice at World Economic Forum

Discussion themes will include:

People and Place: Our views of where we best work, learn and engage has changed dramatically over the past 12 months, from commentary on the “end of the office”, to discussion of the stress caused by lack of social engagement with peers. Employers, developers and city planners have a range of strategic options to try to find the most productive balance, but what are the real factors to be considered?

Ways of working, technology and skills: The pandemic has accelerated the uptake of new and existing technologies which affect the way we work including extensive digital transformation in communications, operations and decision-making tools. Is this the dawn of a new age of productivity, or are risks emerging which could disenfranchise much of today’s workforce?

Inclusivity: Much has been made of the broad acceptance of flexible working practices during the pandemic. Has this made career opportunities fundamentally more inclusive, or are we seeing new drivers of inequality emerge?

The webinar event will be followed by an invite-only workshop, facilitated by the University of Bristol, where attendees will respond to the challenges set by the speakers in the panel session.

The event is in partnership with the RSA and the University of Bristol.

The Future of Work is on Wednesday 9 June, 1.00 – 2.15pm – book here