Human Advantage Briefing: Good work design and AI adoption, lessons from eight organisations

Organisations are investing heavily in AI, yet the returns so often stall. New research from the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) points to why: the missing link is rarely the technology itself, but how work is redesigned around it.

In this briefing, we are joined by Kester Brewin of IFOW to explore findings from IFOW’s study of eight organisations, across both the private and public sectors, adopting AI in practice. Taking a “work design” lens, the research examines the human and organisational choices that decide whether AI creates real value: which tasks change, which skills get built, how people’s judgement and autonomy are protected, and how teams are brought into the change.

What this session will explore

Join Rosemary McLean, Director, and Jon Matthews, CEO, from The Career Innovation Company with Kester Brewin, Associate Director from the Institute for the Future of Work for an insight session exploring:

• the common reasons adoption stalls
• the practical ways organisations are working through this
• what it all means for anyone leading transformation, technology or people through this shift

You will come away with a clearer, evidence-based view of where the human advantage sits in AI adoption, and practical questions to take back to your own team.

Facilitators

Jon Matthews – CEO, The Career Innovation Company

Jon Matthews is CEO of The Career Innovation Company, which has spent over 20 years helping global employers shape the future of work. His focus now is the human advantage: getting the people side of AI and automation right so that workforces adapt with confidence. Jon works with HR, transformation and workforce leaders to activate employees from the bottom up, and regularly convenes senior leaders internationally to share what is genuinely working as technology reshapes work.

Rosemary McLean – Director, The Career Innovation Company

Rosemary is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Registered Career Practitioner with over 30 years’ experience. She has supported global businesses to develop compelling career propositions and embed impactful solutions, including ‘Be Bold in your career’, which has a proven track record in boosting internal career mobility. A Fellow of the CIPD, CDI and NICEC, she is widely recognised as a thought leader in creating positive career partnerships that drive both performance and satisfaction.