New Research Project

Managerial prerogative and the contours of employees’ work and non-work lives

Dr Emily Rose is undertaking research funded by the Carnegie Trust into the relationship between work and non-work life. Her particular focus is on the way in which employers shape this relationship. What is it that employers' need from their employees today in order to remain competitive? And to what extent do employers consider their employees' lives beyond work? These questions get to the heart of a range of issues regarding the distinction between work and personal life. They include concerns about working time and time for personal life, the aspects of employees’ personal lives or selves that employers ask they bring to their jobs, such as their connections, creativity and personality, and the extent to which employers can manage their employees outside of work, for example to ensure protection of their businesses reputation.