The Work We Need- A 21st Century Reimagining by Hilary Cottam (Build a Better Future Book Club)

Hilary has asked workers from all walks of life in the UK and the US to imagine the future of work. She argues that the combined forces of a technology revolution, an ecological crisis and wider demands for social justice have created the conditions in which we must and can transform work. The Work We Need sets out the principles of good 21st century work – work that will enable people, local places, nature and business to flourish – and she provides a road map as to how we might get there. This is a book for workers everywhere, for policy makers and for business leaders.

More info to follow soon!

Acclaim for The Work We Need

`Hilary Cottam has done it again, pushing us to rethink our most basic assumptions about a fundamental aspect of our lives. Full of empathy, insight and the courage to think anew, Cottam is the humane revolutionary our turbulent century needs – and this book our roadmap to a better future ‘ Jonathan Freedland

`Brimming with ideas to transform the future, Hilary Cottam takes us on a fascinating journey to discover how to make work work’ Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics

`Finding, sustaining and growing a workforce in the context of a rapidly changing political and technological landscape is one of the biggest challenges currently facing business leaders. In this compelling and insightful book Cottam exposes what motivates workers today – not the things most business leaders think – and shows how new thinking between workers and business leaders would benefit us all. A compelling read’ Martha Lane Fox

`An act of radical hope, radical listening and radical humility – Hilary Cottam challenges our most fundamental assumptions about our lives and society and most importantly, suggests how we can make things much better. I loved it ‘ Rory Stewart

Urgent, compelling and ultimately hopeful; a radical re-imagination which is both necessary and inspiring. Cottam demonstrates that a better future, based on reciprocity and mutual collaboration, is not only possible but its seeds are already here. A brilliant and powerful call to arms’ Caroline Lucas

The book we need, right now. It integrates future visions of labour and life as imagined by workers themselves with a keen understanding of technological and economic change. A compelling and engrossing blueprint for change. Anne-Marie Slaughter

An inspiring and important book on one of the most significant issues of our time by one of the deepest thinkers on the subject of work. It is beautifully written, providing the reader with a deep appreciation of the problems and frustrations of the working lives of so many people in so many places. But what makes the book particularly impressive is how it combines this lived experience with the knowledge of newly emerging concepts of economics and capitalism to demonstrate how we should conceive of a very different way of working in the future.” Colin Mayer author of Capitalism and Crises and How to Fix them

Twenty-first century people cannot give their best if tied down to twentieth- century patterns of work. Hilary Cottam provides the roadmap for the required transformation. Timely … guides the changes needed’ Carlota Perez

`For an economy that delivers for the common good, we must envision what an economy that delivers meaningful work for all might look like. Building on a rich tapestry of first-hand accounts of workers, Hilary Cottam proposes a bold new vision of what the principles underlying ‘good work’ might be. So valuable’ Mariana Mazzucato, UCL, author of Mission Economy: a moonshot guide to changing capitalism“As many of our beliefs are being challenged , investing now for future growth will separate the winners from the losers. It’s in business’s long term interest to ensure that all stakeholders benefit — especially its employees and our planet. This book gives practical suggestions for business leaders on how to navigate the current crisis and develop a new way forward and come out ahead. Paul Polman, Net Positive, former CEO of Unileve

Facilitator Bio:

Egle Peleckaite

Build A Better Future Series:

Originally founded as an anti-racism book and then media club through 2020-2022, we broadened our focus to include a range of marginalised identiies, experiences and important social and political focal points, renaming the group as Build A Better Future Book Club in 2023. In 2025, we are expanding the series to incorporate a range of workshops, outings and talks to continue to integrate our co-learning and community. We hope this group will provide a space and build a community for education, discussion and reflection. 

Where possible we will invite facilitators with lived experience of the topic to provide stimulus and co-moderate discussions with our team- we choose to share the role of facilitation to share both the power and responsibility within the space. The club meet on the final Thursday of every other month and sessions will now be 2 hours long to create space for lengthier discussions and action point check ins and outs at the start and end of each session.

Book Club/discussion based sessions are run as in-person/online hybrid event delivery to maintain some of the increased accessibility lockdown instigated, but we would also like to build community and action around this group - so encourage people to come down in person if they can!

We intend to maintain a long term, consistent space for people to take personal responsibility and communal accountability for their allyship and coalition learning, creating a space for reflection, discussion and to hear from other voices. The group is always open to new members, or returning ones, so we’d love for you to join us!

If you would like to facilitate a future Build A Better Future book club, workshop or event or have an idea for a book that you think we should feature please drop us a message at hello@girlgangmcr.com.

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WHO IS BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR:

The sessions are open to people of all genders/races/sexualities/classes/disability inclusive - if you have any specific accessibility needs in regard to the sessions, please let us know and we’ll do our very best to accommodate. For parents, single Mums, and those with a legitimate reason to be late, don’t worry we will still let you in the room! For everyone else, please try to be on time if you can so we can all be a part of the full conversation where possible.

This is a space for everyone - though we would like attendees to be aware that participants may be at different stages of their personal educational journeys. We must be prepared to push one another and address our own shortfalls to get the most out of the sessions, valuing the voices with experience, if they wish to attend.

Access info: 

Refund policy: Paying for a ticket funds freelance artists, creatives and facilitators and helps support Girl Gang Manchester in continuing to run events. All tickets are non refundable and non transferable.

Girl Gang Manchester’s events aim to be as inclusive as possible. This event is open to people of all genders, ages, races, sexualities, and classes. All are welcome, please see specific access information below.

Accessibility information:

• The room will be lit with normal lights. There will be a projection screen for zoom participants and potentially a power point presentation.
• We won’t be using strobe lighting for this event.
• All gender toilets are provided.
• Seating will be available throughout the event.
• We happily offer free tickets for personal access assistants, please email us at girlgangmanchester@gmail.com to arrange this. Registered assistance dogs are also welcome!
• Specific COVID guidance can be found below.
• A Girl Gang Manchester team member will greet you as you enter the event space and will be available as a point of contact throughout the event if you require anything.

If you have any other access requests or worries, please contact us at hello@girlgangmcr.com. We are super proud that our events and club nights are welcoming and that there are always people who feel comfortable to attend on their own.

COVID-19 Guidance:

Though we no longer have any specific COVID-19 guidelines in place at our events, it is our expectation that you as a member of our community exercise personal responsibility in that you do not attend if you knowingly have COVID or any other contagious disease, or if you have knowingly had contact with a positive case.

Why do we ask identity questions?

We want to make our events as inclusive as possible and we often get questions from people who for whatever reason say, ‘I really want to come but I am nervous, will I be the odd one out?’ Whilst we will always strive to do our best to make everyone feel welcome, it is useful to know a little more about who our audience is for each event so we can be honest in our responses to any queries. It also helps us tailor events for the people attending and identify who we aren’t currently reaching with our work.

This data really helps us, please answer any questions you feel comfortable with. If you do not want to share this information, please leave it blank. More information can be found on our Privacy Policy.