Christian van Stolk
Executive Vice President, RAND Europe
Christian van Stolk, Executive Vice President of research institute RAND Europe, highlights the main challenges and developing trends impacting UK workplaces.
What are the challenges you’re seeing within the UK’s future of work?
Christian van Stolk: One challenge is the high level of economic inactivity we have. This is quite distinct from other countries and being exacerbated by various complex factors, including incentives to work, demographic ageing and poor public health. Additionally, we need to encourage HR and occupational health professionals to work closer together in a joined-up approach to support employee health and wellbeing.
What are the main trends you’re seeing in this space?
Two big ones are the different models of working we have now, particularly the move to hybrid and, of course, changing technology. A new tech wave is coming with AI, which will impact jobs but could also lead to new job creation opportunities. It is also changing the workplace by enabling ‘personalisation.’ There are two aspects to this.
Firstly, it tailors staff benefits to individuals (eg. health and wellbeing services) and makes them more attractive to employees. Secondly, capturing data on how individual staff members work can help employers get a better handle on productivity. Although, that also has the potential to create a ‘Big Brother’ environment, which I wouldn’t advocate.
A new tech wave is coming with AI,
which will impact jobs but could also
lead to new job creation opportunities.
How will new government legislation impact the future of work?
The baseline for employment rights in the UK is set fairly low compared to European counterparts, so the Government is introducing the Employment Rights Bill (expected to take effect in 2026 and ban ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts, prevent workplace sexual harassment and introduce basic employment rights). The Government is also producing a white paper on economic inactivity — but that won’t be reported for a while.
How can employers and employees find the latest research in this area?
The Health and Wellbeing at Work 2025 event provides a dynamic platform — bringing together employers, HR, occupational health, policymakers and research organisations — to discuss the latest insights and share innovative ideas. It also offers organisations access to evidence-based solutions and practical support to enhance workplace health and wellbeing.
