Monthly Archives: May 2024

The Growing Divide in Good Work Across the UK: Insights from the 2024 Good Work Time Series

Theme: Business Innovation and Future Workforce

Our CBISS member, Dr Elena Papagiannaki, has made significant contributions to the 2024 Good Work Time Series report from the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW). This comprehensive study provides a detailed look at the quality of work across England, Scotland, and Wales, revealing substantial regional disparities and the profound impact of technological advancements on job quality.

What is Good Work?

Good work is more than just employment; it involves fair pay, reasonable working hours, job security, opportunities for personal growth, and a sense of community. The Good Work Time Series report tracks these elements across 203 local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales from 2009 to 2023, highlighting the changes and trends over time.

Regional Disparities: A Closer Look

England

In England, the disparities in access to good work are stark. Regions like the South East and London lead with higher median pay and more professional job opportunities. However, areas such as the East Midlands and the North East face significant declines, with increasing job polarization and fewer high-quality job opportunities. This suggests that existing policies may not be effectively addressing the needs of all regions​.

Scotland

Scotland has taken a more balanced approach to job quality, managing to maintain a more equitable distribution of good work. Targeted policies focusing on inclusive growth and community wealth building have helped Scotland achieve better outcomes in job quality and regional equality compared to other parts of the UK​.

Wales

In Wales, the divide between urban and rural areas is particularly evident. While cities like Cardiff show better performance in job quality, rural regions struggle. The Welsh government has been proactive, implementing initiatives to improve job quality and reduce disparities, including investments in skills development and support for local businesses​.

The Role of Technology

The report highlights the significant impact of technological transformation on job quality. The Disruption Index, introduced alongside the Good Work Time Series, offers insights into how AI and automation are reshaping the job market. These technologies present opportunities for creating high-quality jobs but also pose risks of increasing inequalities if not managed properly​.

Food for Thought

As we reflect on the findings of this report, it’s crucial to consider what good work means to us personally and within our communities. Are we experiencing fair pay, reasonable working hours, and opportunities for growth? How do technological advancements in our workplaces impact the quality of our jobs?

Moreover, the regional disparities highlighted in this report prompt us to think about the effectiveness of local and national policies. Are they truly addressing the needs of all regions? What more can be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to good work?

By contemplating these questions, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Let’s use this knowledge to advocate for policies and practices that promote equitable and high-quality job opportunities for all.

For a deeper dive into the report and its findings, you can access the full document here.

Navigating the Nexus: Remote Work Impact on BYOD Knowledge Workers

Theme: Business Innovation and Future Workforce

In the contemporary realm of work, the landscape is shifting, with remote work emerging as a dominant force. Our CBISS memebers, Dr. Melina Doargajudhur, Dr. Zuberia Hosanoo, and Dr. Aartee Huzooree,  embarked on a quest to unravel the intricate relationship between remote work and the work outcomes of constantly connected Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) knowledge workers.

Remote work, once a niche practice, has now permeated across industries and organizations globally, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its prevalence underscores its relevance in contemporary work culture, particularly for BYOD knowledge workers who blur the lines between work and personal life through their reliance on personal devices.

Drawing upon the theoretical lens of the Job Demands-Resources theory, Drs. Doargajudhur, Hosanoo, and Huzooree crafted a research model to explore the multifaceted effects of remote work on this specific group of employees. Their model synthesizes key constructs to delineate the nuanced impacts of remote working on BYOD users, recognizing the dual nature of remote work as both a potential source of strain and a platform for resource accumulation.

Through their exploration, they uncovered a tapestry of challenges and opportunities faced by constantly connected BYOD knowledge workers. From the strains of balancing work and personal life on the same device to the allure of newfound flexibility, each aspect added depth to their understanding of this evolving narrative.

Their research not only delves into the academic discourse but also offers actionable strategies and recommendations tailored to enhance the remote work experience for constantly connected BYOD knowledge workers. From advocating for ergonomic workspaces to championing digital literacy initiatives, their efforts aim to cultivate a remote work environment that nurtures productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction.

As their research reaches its conclusion, Drs. Doargajudhur, Hosanoo, and Huzooree’s work stands as a beacon of insight, guiding organizations and policymakers towards informed decision-making in the ever-changing landscape of work. Their research not only sheds light on remote work’s impact on BYOD knowledge workers but also underscores the transformative power of research in shaping the future of work.

To access a full article is here : https://www.igi-global.com/gateway/book/327369

Horizon Europe: A Principal Investigator’s Reflections on Bidding for and managing Horizon projects

CBISS Events

Wednesday 8th May 2024 12.30-13.30

CRL 2/05 Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, 219 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ

Securing funding through Horizon Europe is an intricate journey that demands strategic navigation and comprehensive understanding. As the flagship research and innovation program of the European Union, Horizon Europe offers unparalleled opportunities for groundbreaking projects across various domains. However, effectively competing for these grants requires more than just a compelling proposal; it demands a holistic approach that encompasses strategic planning, consortium building, and a keen understanding of the evaluation criteria. This presentation delves into the intricacies of Horizon Europe bidding from the perspective of a Principal Investigator (PI).

Speaker Bio:

Dr Nicholas Vasilakos is Associate Professor in Sustainable Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of East Anglia. He is also a faculty member of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, faculty member of the Responsible Business Regulation group at Norwich Business School, a member of the International Association for Energy Economics and the British Academy of Management, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Over the last 20 years Nicholas has held a number of research appointments in top UK-based and international research organisations and universities, including among others, the University of Birmingham, King’s College London and the World Bank. Nicholas has substantial experience in engaging with industry and government organisations alike to help them achieve their long-term objectives.

Nicholas’s research focuses on the nexus of social justice, net zero and sustainable development. More specifically his recent work has explored: (1) the effects of regulation and regional/national policy frameworks on innovation and market behaviour; (2) the effectiveness of policy intervention on issues relating to climate policies, economic activity and distribution of wealth.  Nicholas’s work has been cited by various government and inter-governmental organisations, including the US Treasury, the World Bank, the United Nations and the OECD. Nicholas has authored several articles on these subjects in leading economics- and policy-related journals. He received the 2012 Campbell-Watkins Energy Journal best paper award from the International Association of Energy Economics.

Over the years, Nicholas has raised over 20 million euros in research income (about half of it in the last 6 years – both as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator). His research on climate impacts, climate services and adaptation to climate change is supported by the European Commission (most recent grant agreements 776868 and 101081377 ).