The University of Salford launched a new cluster of research focusing on cultivating a culture of better working lives.
The Better Work Lives cluster of research includes human resources and employment laws experts from the university, as well industry leaders, such as Peninsula, a leading HR consultancy. The experts have joined forces to evaluate and research the impact of workplace changes that have accelerated in recent years.
The cluster will use cutting-edge scientific research to inform workers, and help changemakers drive equity, inclusion, and business results, by elevating all workers’ lived experiences.
Dr Jonathan Lord is a Senior Lecturer and co-leader of the cluster. He said: “2025 is already shaping as a pivotal time for workplace culture. With a number of new employment laws introduced by the UK Government it is important that businesses make the necessary changes in order to protect their team’s productivity while also supporting their workforce.
Research that is effective in determining the impact of changes occurring in real time, as well as cultural and technological shifts, will create a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous workplace for everyone.
Ford’s recent research revealed that 77% employees prioritize a balanced life over career advancement. More than half of the respondents said they were willing to accept a 20% salary cut in order to live a life that prioritizes their quality of living. This shows a shift in attitudes towards work.
The University’s research group will have as its core objective to improve the understanding of how a work environment based on employee voice, security, flexibility, fair pay, and remuneration can result in a more productive organization. The goal is to develop diverse, fair and truly inclusive work conditions as well as identify initiatives to counter the negative effects that non-standard working arrangements have on workers.
Kate Palmer, Employment Services director at Peninsula said: “This research will help shape and guide meaningful changes within the workplace culture in UK. Peninsula is honored to join the Better Working Lives Research Cluster; this is another demonstration of the positive impact partnerships between industry and education can have.
“We are extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with University of Salford. In this time of unprecedented changes in the HR and employment law sectors, it is more important than ever for businesses to do everything they can to help drive positive change. This research cluster is expected to provide valuable insights that can be applied across industries and education in order to advance the HR industry for all.
The cluster will be a voice of reason, an interrogator, and a translator for the wider business community through its research. It will also integrate them into the University’s innovation ecosystem. The cluster will focus on a number of specialist areas, including workplace whistleblowing and HR strategy. Other topics include workplace conflict, inclusion and the role of unions.
Dr Vicki Harvey is the Senior Lecturer for People Management, and co-lead of Better Working Lives. She concluded that: “The cluster represents a pioneering initiative, unlike anything else currently available in the market.” We are bringing academia and industry together to collaborate on a shared vision for driving innovation in workplace cultures in an increasingly fast-paced landscape.
The original version of this article, University launches dedicated cluster for research to improve work life, appeared first on HR News.
