FUTURE WORK : Changing organizational culture for the new world of work

This book covers the latest developments transforming the world of work, and demonstrates how pioneering organisations are adapting to rapid advances in communications technology, demographic shifts and changing attitudes to work.

The book sets out the compelling case for a revolution in organizational cultures and working styles to boost output, cut costs, give employees more freedom and contribute to a greener economy. The second edition adds case studies from Accenture, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Shell, Swiss Re and WPP,

There’s a chapter on how individuals can make change happen, and provides step-by-step advice for leaders, managers and employees, based on our popular TRUST framework. It addresses both the opportunities and the challenges, offering the most up-to-date guidance on progressive business culture for all readers who want, or need, to embrace the new world of work.

There is ample evidence that trusting people to manage their own work lives, whether individually or in teams, pays off. Organizations that measure and reward people by results, rather than hours, benefit from higher productivity, more motivated workers, better customer service, and lower costs. Drawing on interviews with future work pioneers and a unique international survey of managers, the book also explains:

  • Why current flexible work arrangements fail to achieve the business benefits of a wholesale shift to an agile work culture
  • Why 21st century work requires distinct leadership styles
  • Why offices are becoming meeting places rather than workplaces
  • How managers can enable dispersed, virtual teams to collaborate
  • How to ensure that technology is our servant, not our master

Future Work is not crystal ball gazing. A growing number of organizations are showing the way. It requires bold leadership and a break with old habits. But future work will not wait for those who fail to grasp the opportunities now.


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Alison Maitland

Alison Maitland is a writer, speaker and former Financial Times journalist who specialises in leadership and the changing world of work. She is Director of The Conference Board’s European Council for Diversity in Business, a Senior Visiting Fellow at London’s Cass Business School, and co-author of the prize-winning book, Why Women Mean Business.

Follow Alison on Twitter @AlisonMaitland

Peter Thomson

Peter Thomson is a leading consultant, speaker and researcher in the field of new working practices. He is a director of Wisework Ltd, specialist advisors on flexible working and was Director of the Future Work Forum at Henley Business School for 16 years. Prior to this he was HR Director for Digital Equipment for Northern Europe.

Follow Peter on Twitter @PeterThomson