What If?

Many people’s lives now feel fully ‘back to normal’ several years after Covid-19 lockdowns, almost as if the pandemic never happened... But should the possibility of another deadly virus be more heavily factored into how workplaces organise themselves, and how businesses approach risk management? And what other ‘unexpected’ events should also be on our radars, ask academics Cassandra Berry and David Alexander.  

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Many people’s lives now feel fully ‘back to normal’ several years after Covid-19 lockdowns, almost as if the pandemic never happened... But should the possibility of another deadly virus be more heavily factored into how workplaces organise themselves, and how businesses approach risk management? And what other ‘unexpected’ events should also be on our radars, ask academics Cassandra Berry and David Alexander.  

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Some of today’s most high-profile leaders make no secret of micro dosing – the practice of ingesting small amounts of psychedelic substances to enhance creativity and leadership. Could this one day become the norm in workplaces? And what are the dangers? Business leader and psychedelics-for-wellbeing advocate Sandra Statz and Imperial College London professor David Nutt discuss.

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Many might be unaware that the pandemic led to the greatest ever surge in billionaire wealth globally. So is it time to take steps towards wealth redistribution? Or would doing so put the brakes on the ambition and vision that creates jobs and opportunities for everyone? Financial journalist David Bain and angel investor and Patriotic Millionaire UK member Julia Davies discuss.  

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Is calling for an individual or institution to be boycotted ever justified, or productive? Or do we just need to grow thicker skins against offensive comments, if we want to protect free speech? And what about those from less privileged, diverse backgrounds trying to avoid triggering content? Work. puts all this to HR director Neil Morrison and founder of freespeechunion.org Toby Young 

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Have the people of this country – as Michael Gove had it back in 2016 – simply had enough of experts? HR leader Amanda Arrowsmith and AI expert Rob McCargow explore how the notion of expertise is being impacted by technology, societal norms and polarising viewpoints. And what that means for work, skills and the functioning of society at large.

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In the wake of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, many are trying desperately to expect the unexpected – to anticipate the next ‘unthinkable’ global crisis. But are there bigger threats to worry about in relation to China – most notably security- and surveillance-related? Work. puts this all to academic Rana Mitter and former diplomat Charlie Parton.

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In a world of work that looks very different to even five or 10 years ago, is employment legislation in the UK fit for purpose? Do any regulations stifle growth for smaller businesses especially, or do they provide necessary protection for workers and bosses alike? Professor Len Shackleton and employment law consultant Kate Palmer explore.

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What if… you could brainwash staff? 

Whether deployed knowingly or not, ‘choice architecture’ is everywhere in the workplace, from encouraging people to move about more, to reminding them to practise better cyber security. But is application of nudge theory always ethical? And do rapid advances in neurotechnology – or mind reading – complicate the issue? Academics Nick Chater and Nita Farahany discuss. 

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What if… you could brainwash staff? 

Whether deployed knowingly or not, ‘choice architecture’ is everywhere in the workplace, from encouraging people to move about more, to reminding them to practise better cyber security. But is application of nudge theory always ethical? And do rapid advances in neurotechnology – or mind reading – complicate the issue? Academics Nick Chater and Nita Farahany discuss. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.