Business event aims to upskill Manchester’s people managers to better support workers in fast changing world of work

Three leading organisations – with a shared purpose of driving good and fair work – have joined forces to host a free event in Manchester this month, to help businesses enhance their people management, to better support staff in a rapidly changing, and increasingly remote world of work.

Hosted by the CIPD, Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter and Acas ‘Soft Skills in Hard Times: Why good people management matters more than ever’ will see a  panel of business experts tackle the growing challenges people managers are facing, post pandemic. These include the rise of technology creating a toxic office culture for some, where issues are spread far and wide, and more workers feeling disengaged, isolated and suffering from poor mental health.

Together the panel will address what behaviours and strategies managers must develop to engage staff in more productive work, support their health and wellbeing, and create an inclusive workplace culture, where all staff have equal opportunities to progress.

The panel of speakers are:

• Sharon Amesu, Director NW Business Leadership Team (Host)
• Prof. Sir Cary Cooper CBE of the University of Manchester
• Clive Memmott, Chief Executive at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• Ben Willmott, CIPD Head of Public Policy
• Nicola Ryan, Director of Colleague Support at One and All.

Ian MacArthur, Head of the Greater Manchester Employment Charter commented: “We’re very much looking forward to this event as its part of the Good Employment Charter’s commitment to raising the quality of work across the city region. It will give local businesses – of all sizes and across all sectors – the opportunity to find out what ‘good people management’ really looks like, which is pivotal for an organisation’s growth and success.”

The event follows the launch of a collaborative guide developed by the Greater Manchester Employment Charter, the CIPD and Acas known as ‘Soft skills in hard times: why good people management matters more than ever’, which is full of insight and resources to upskill line managers and support an increasingly diverse and remote workforce.

According to the guide, only 40% of line managers receive any people management training and ‘management style’ is a main cause of work‐related stress for many.

Daphne Doody-Green, Head of CIPD Northern England said: “The world of work is changing at pace and line managers are facing many new people challenges. For some employees, homeworking has created an ‘always-on’ culture where longer hours and isolation is having a significant effect on their mental health.

“It is really important that employers focus on developing the skills and behaviours of their line managers to support staff as they navigate new ways of working. This event will look at all the ways in which organisations can do this by upskilling their managers, both quickly and effectively.”

Terry Duffy Acas North West Area Director added: “There’s never been a more important time for organisations to ensure their managers are equipped with the right skill-set to engage, develop and manage their staff.

“We’re delighted to be part of this event, which will help line managers improve their skills and knowledge to ensure their staff are happy, motivated and able to achieve their full potential.”

‘Soft skills in Hard Times: Why good people management matters more than ever before’ is being held on 20 October (14.00-16.00) at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Elliot Suite. Book to attend here.