WORKPLACE INNOVATION: EUROPE’S COMPETITIVE EDGE

A manifesto for enhanced performance and working lives

Workplace innovation is an increasingly influential global movement. With strong European origins, it is increasingly recognised by policymakers and other stakeholders in countries across the world as a powerful tool in helping to achieve diverse economic and social policy goals, from inclusive growth and productivity to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Yet we know from successive EU-wide surveys (most recently the 2019 European Company Survey) that there is a long tail between the less than 20% of European companies using workplace innovation practices systematically throughout their organisations and the majority. The EU misses out on potential gains in business performance, workforce skills and health. This manifesto summarises the nature, origins and policy significance of workplace innovation, making a case for enhanced recognition throughout Europe’s policy eco-system.