Inclusive growth and fair jobs are a key part of developing an economy that promotes social cohesion. Higher levels of worker involvement are one way this can be achieved. This strengthened worker involvement may be through their role (for example, having greater discretion and control over the variety of tasks and how to approach them); through their greater involvement in governance of the organisation, or both.

A range of new approaches to work organisation are creating the opportunity for greater levels of worker involvement across the economy. Firstly, methods such Agile - largely a spill over from the tech sector - and the emergence of ‘flatter’ organisations with more horizontal relationships. Secondly, an improved understanding of ‘collective intelligence’ approaches to governing organisations, as recent Nesta research indicates. And thirdly, far wider availability and use of digital tools for involvement and participation.

When these opportunities for greater levels of worker opportunities are taken up, they are associated with a range of benefits - particularly for early adopters of these approaches. For example, organisations that involve workers more effectively in decision-making around tasks tend to be both more productive and more creative. And role involvement is also strongly associated with organisations that have high levels of productivity and creativity – the jobs of the future. Worker involvement has also been suggested to help to deliver the reductions in pay inequality and increased levels of business investment required for more inclusive growth.