Square One Law asks what will your future workforce look like?

Business leaders from a cross section of industries from professional services to education came together for a major conference last week (October 10) titled ‘what will your future workforce look like.’

The event was held at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle and featured a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions, all aimed at grappling with the changing nature and culture of work.

It was hosted by Square One Law, who wanted to help senior business leaders plan their future employment strategies with specialist knowledge and research.

A keynote speaker at the event was Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts and chair of the review of modern working practices or the Taylor review, as it’s come to be known.

The government sanctioned review makes the case that all work in the UK economy should be fair and decent with realistic scope for development and fulfilment.

Discussing some of the review’s recommendations and speaking more generally about how employment practices need to change to keep pace with technology, Matthew said: “Good work should be a national priority. People do not want to be told that their future depends on what technology can do. Technology has to work for us.”

There was then a panel discussion with Matthew and representatives from key North East employers such as Generator, Learning Curve Group, Northern Gas & Power, Quorn Foods and Waterstons.

They discussed the merits of agile working, how to structure progression opportunities within a company and the importance of looking after staff mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Square One Law then chaired a series of breakout sessions on things like employment branding, discussing how to market your business so that you attract the best talent and crucially retain them.

Also speaking at the event was Emily Cox, group head of colleague relations at Lloyds Banking Group who spoke about the great work she has done on promoting gender diversity in the financial services sector.