LONDON, September 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Work Foundation today announces changes to its structure and focus to consolidate its position as the leading research and consultancy organisation specializing in work in the UK and Europe.

It is refocusing around four clear programmatic themes of Leadership, Health and Well Being, The Future of HR, and Ideopolis: Knowledge City Regions to concentrate on offering expert consulting and ground-breaking research in these areas. Existing research in the knowledge economy and in public value, as well as commentary and policy work around labour market and employment issues will continue and support the new focus.

Leadership

What's missing from the current debate about leadership is an evidence-based understanding of how high performance leadership works in practice. We are working with seven prominent organisations to plug this gap with detailed observation of leadership philosophy and practice. Leadership needs to resonate with the momentous changes affecting organisations - globalisation, social diversity, environmental pressure and technological change. Leaders also need to build the collective capabilities of organisations while nurturing the 'connections' people make between each other and with the purpose of an organisation.

Health and Wellbeing

Over 25% of workers report a work-limiting incapacity. But organisations also play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of working people at large: work is a major determinant of health and life chances. Organisations need strategic interventions that respond to the concern about the wellbeing and productivity of the UK workforce and which will enable them to perform better. We are conducting research, advice and policy work for government, employers and health providers to supply evidence, insights and practical solutions towards creating high performing and sustainable work environments.

Future of HR

Organisations want to know what helps - and hinders - performance as they wrestle with growing complexity. But they are unconvinced by the same old messages about strategic HR. What is HR really there for? What should the function be held accountable for? Should it even be 'a function'? We are going back to the drawing board in thinking about whether the current model of HR is producing optimum results, how organisations can best manage their people and assist them by implementing evidence-based performance strategies.

Ideopolis

The knowledge economy manifests itself differently throughout the country. Cities and regions recognise their need for help in understanding this complex environment and to craft and implement strategies for success. We have developed insights that cities can use to help them thrive in the changing economy. We will be focussing on four main themes of city economies and innovation; city labour markets; city leadership; and living and working in cities.

The Team

The directors' team has been reshaped. Will Hutton will move to the role of Executive Vice-Chair, Stephen Bevan becomes Managing Director, Lynne Thomas becomes Director - Advice, and Bjorn Pysander becomes Chief Operating Officer. Nick Isles, formerly Director of Advocacy, is leaving The Work Foundation in the autumn, after seven years, to run his own future trends, policy and public affairs consulting business. Stephen Bevan, Managing Director, said: 'Nick Isles has made a great contribution to The Work Foundation's success and to our influence both in Whitehall and in boardrooms. We wish him well in the future and look forward to continuing an association with him.'

Will Hutton said: 'The Work Foundation is an unique institution. In our emerging knowledge economy, organisations and policymakers need the best advice delivered in the clearest and most insightful way. The Work Foundation intends to do just that. Over the next five years we intend to grow to become the UK's premier specialist advice house and advocacy organisation on the world of work and organisational performance.'

Notes to Editors

The Work Foundation is an independent research and consultancy organisation.

Media enquiries to Stephen Overell on +44(0)207-976-3507 or +44(0)7970-765251