A New Social Contract

How people management is changing in local authorities

How people management is changing in local authorities.

In an era of unprecedented societal transformation, local authorities are at the forefront of navigating the shifting landscape of people management. As the traditional norms give way to new paradigms, it has become increasingly crucial for organisations to understand and adapt to the evolving needs of their workforce. At Passe-Partout, we recognise the significance of these changes, which is why we embarked on a comprehensive research endeavour, engaging with local authority leaders and managers to gain insights into their experiences and perspectives.

Our journey began by commissioning research across various local authority organisations, where we conducted 43 telephone calls. Through these conversations, we were able to interview and collate the invaluable perspectives of 151 local authority leaders and managers, forming the foundation of this whitepaper. This document represents the collective wisdom and experiences of those who are on the frontline of managing people in the context of a rapidly changing world.

The findings from our research are both striking and thought-provoking. Respondents from the local authority landscape, as well as participants in our programs, swiftly identified and engaged in extensive discussions about the perceived challenges faced by their organisations amidst this backdrop of seismic change. From these dialogues, five overarching themes emerged, serving as the pillars that underpin this whitepaper’s insights:

  1. ‘Workforce Dynamics’: Examining the shifting composition, aspirations, and expectations of the modern workforce within local authorities.
  2. ‘Hybrid Working’: Unveiling the complexities and opportunities arising from the integration of remote and in-person work arrangements.
  3. ‘Wellbeing’: Focusing on the holistic health and resilience of employees, recognising its significance for both individuals and organisational performance.
  4. ‘Personal and Organisational Capacity’: Exploring the strategies and resources necessary to foster personal growth and enhance the collective capabilities of local authority teams.
  5. ‘Disconnection’: Addressing the growing concerns of disengagement and disconnection in a rapidly changing work environment and proposing solutions to bridge the gap.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this evolving landscape, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We hope this be a valuable resource for your ongoing efforts. Stay tuned as towards the end of the year we will providing a follow up guide to help navigate this ever-changing environment, as well as incorporating these findings into our programmes and free leadership support circles.

If this is of interest, please do not hesitate to get in contact: george.hughes@passe-partout.com

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Everything you need to know about how people management is changing in Local Authorities