I was invited to be a guest on keynote panel talking about the future of work and how agile and flexible working is shaking things up in the public sector. It’s a hot topic, and for good reason!

These are some of my key take-aways from the points made on the day.

First off, organisations are in a bit of a pickle. They’ve got to figure out how to keep their employees happy while still getting the job done, especially when everyone’s fighting for top talent. The secret sauce? Having a solid Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and Workforce Value Proposition (WVP). Basically, the EVP is all about the cool perks and opportunities you get from working somewhere, and the WVP is about making the office a place people actually want to be.

We’re talking free drinks, lockers, cool spaces to work and hang out, and even bringing your furry friend to work! Some companies are even doing surveys to make sure their offices are up to snuff. It’s all about creating an environment that makes people want to come in, even if they could stay home in their pyjamas. 

Now, let’s talk about hybrid working. A lot of places are saying, “come in a couple of days a week.” But there are some rebels out there with no in-office requirement, and others who exclaim, “Senior managers, we need you here 24/7!” The key is making sure everyone’s on the same page about what’s expected. Organisations are learning a ton as they navigate this new world. They’re figuring out how to onboard new hires when everyone’s not always in the same place, focusing on building a strong culture, and making sure they’re flexible enough to meet different employees’ needs. And they’re leaning on tech to make it all happen!

Looking ahead, it’s all about getting personal. One size doesn’t fit all anymore. Employees at different stages of life need different things. So, organisations must get smart about using data and technology to create solutions that work for everyone. But here’s the thing: the future of work is tied to a lot of other big changes happening, like AI and what citizens need. The public sectors got to stay ahead of the game and make sure job descriptions and role profiles are ready for the skills and abilities that’ll be needed down the road.

So, there you have it! Agile and flexible working is the new normal, and the public sectors got to adapt to stay in the game. By getting creative with perks and office space, being flexible, and using technology organisations can build a workforce that’s ready to tackle whatever the future throws their way. Exciting times are ahead and the WME Team are up for the challenge of working with our Councils to recruit and retain the best talent for our sector!

Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers