Marvin OnumonuThe University of Salford has launched its ‘Better Working Lives’ research cluster aimed at improving working lives and workplace culture across the UK.
The cluster brings together human resources (HR) and employment law specialists from the university and industry, including HR consultancy Peninsula.
The team will examine how ongoing changes in the workplace are affecting workers and businesses.
Dr Jonathan Lord, senior lecturer in human resources management and employment law and co-lead of the cluster, said: “As 2025 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for workplace culture, with a host of new employment laws being introduced by the UK Government, it is essential that businesses are making the necessary changes to protect the productivity of their teams, while supporting the wellbeing of their workforce.
“Determining the impact of real-time changes, plus shifting cultural and technological factors through effective research will ensure a fairer, inclusive and more prosperous working environment for all.”
Research from Ford found 77% of employees put a balanced personal life above career advancement.
More than half said they would accept a 20% pay cut to improve their quality of life, showing changing attitudes to work.
The cluster’s main goal is to build an understanding of how job security, flexibility, employee voice, decent pay and good management can deliver higher productivity.
The aim is to support diverse, fair workplaces and to find ways to reduce the negative effects of non-standard work, while increasing worker participation and health.
Kate Palmer, employment services director at Peninsula, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for research to help shape and guide meaningful change within the culture of UK workplaces.
“Peninsula is honoured to be joining the Better Working Lives research cluster; a further demonstration of the impact that partnerships between education and industry can have.
“We’re incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with the University of Salford.”
Palmer added: “At this time of unprecedented change across the employment law and HR sector, it’s more important than ever that businesses do all they can to ensure they’re helping drive forward positive change.
“This research cluster will bring valuable insight that can be used across all industries and education to advance the HR sector for the benefit of all.”
The team will also focus on areas including whistleblowing, HR strategy, trade unions, workplace conflict and inclusion, digital workplaces, work-life balance, intersectionality, management and leadership, and pay inequality.
Dr Vicki Harvey, senior lecturer in people management and co-lead of the cluster, said: “The cluster is a pioneering initiative unlike anything else that is currently operating in market. We’re bringing together academia and industry to collaborate with a shared vision of driving innovation in workplace culture in a fast-paced and increasingly evolving landscape.”
