Researchers and HR leaders in Salford are joining forces to study ways to make people’s working lives better.
The University of Salford has launched a new research cluster on Better Working Lives which will bring together industry leaders – including from specialists at Manchester human resources firm Peninsula – with the institution’s own employment law and HR experts
They will study the way the workplace has changed and how workers and businesses are being affected by employment law changes. And the university says the centre will “through rigorous cutting-edge research and actionable scientific evidence” help companies to improve business performance while improving working lives and driving inclusivity at work.
It will explore areas including pay and conditions, whistleblowing, and workplace flexibility, as well as looking at how good management can keep employees happy and male organisations more productive.
It will also analyse how companies can offer employees flexibility and hybrid working opportunities. One recent piece of research from Ford showed 77% of employees prioritised a balanced personal life over advancement at work. More than half of those polled said they would be willing to take a 20% pay cut “to achieve a lifestyle that prioritises their quality of life”.
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 Ƶ 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.”
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 Ƶ 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. 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.”
Dr Vicki Harvey, senior lecturer in people management and Better Working Lives co-lead, concluded: “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.”
