Most of us have preconceived notions about work, workers and employment that are so fundamental to how we think that we don’t notice them.  The thing is, such preconceptions shape how large parts of society understand and solve problems. So when a problem is poorly framed, some potentially great solutions can’t be heard.  In a previous episode we heard from Nathanial Kendall Taylor, CEO of the Frameworks Institute describing how his company helps non profits reframe problems in order to transform public thinking and enact social change. 

The Frameworks Institute has just released initial findings on a multi year initiative designed to change the narrative on work and labor. Today we are talking to Director of Research Bec Sanderson who led the effort to learn more about existing frames of work, and ways in which we might disrupt them to bring forward new frames and open doors to new solutions. 

Bec Sanderson serves as Director of Research at FrameWorks Institute. Her research has been featured in Frontiers in Psychology, The Guardian, Vice, and The Psychologist magazine.

In this episode, Dart and Bec discuss:
- How to reframe a concept to create new outcomes
- Tracking American thoughts on the economy and work
- Labor system design issues
- The nature of recessive and dominant mindsets
- Finding the root cause of a perspective
- Alternative work systems and feasible ways to get there
- Competitive framing versus solidarity framing
- Whether or not we have to work to survive
- And other topics…

Rebecca Sanderson is a seasoned researcher and writer, currently serving as Director of Research at FrameWorks Institute. With over a decade of experience in framing research, Bec has led mixed-methods research on climate justice, anti-racism, equality, values, and – more recently – labor systems. Her work has been featured in Frontiers in Psychology, The Guardian, Vice, and The Psychologist magazine. Bec holds her MA in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh.

Resources mentioned:
Work Won’t Love You Back, by Sarah Jaffe: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Wont-Love-You-Back/dp/1568589395

Connect with Bec:
https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/person/bec-sanderson/
https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/work-shift-landing-page/

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.