People & Culture
2024 Annual People & Culture Dinner: Making Sense of the Political Year Ahead
6 min read
Odgers Berndtson invited Adam Boulton, Broadcaster and Journalist, to attend our annual People & Culture dinner, as keynote speaker. In attendance were 90 of the UK’s most prominent people leaders, discussing perspectives on the current political landscapes as well as their societal and commercial implications.
Adam Boulton began by acknowledging the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by People Officers, emphasising why leaders should already be considering the political landscape in a broader context, which is pivotal for strategic organisational decision-making.
Elections
With an estimated 49% of the global population going to the polls in 2024, discussion inevitably turned to elections. The upcoming UK election could be a record-breaking event, highlighting the importance of understanding electoral dynamics, as they directly impact national and international policies, and consequently the business environment.
The concept of the political pendulum was raised, whereby political parties pass through phases of renewal and setback, typically lasting 12 to 15 years. These transitional periods highlight the cyclical nature of government which can help to ensure a dynamic and resilient democratic system.
Turning to the United States, despite positive economic improvements, many Americans do not feel financially better off, which could influence voter behaviour - this is a connection to the ‘perceived pain’ rule.
The next UK government has a significant opportunity to re-evaluate and redefine its relationship with the European Union, particularly in constructive engagement through cooperation agreements as well as free trade and freedom of movement. These could strengthen the UK’s economic and geopolitical positioning.
Influences
Another pressing topic was the influence of social media on both the UK and US elections, acknowledging the growing popularity and reach of digital platforms in shaping public opinion - especially amongst younger voters - and political outcomes.
Political parties have invested resource and energy into social media. While confidence was expressed in its strategic use, the challenges posed by misinformation and deep fake technology remain a serious concern.
Trade union relationships with political parties was another discussion point where the constructive leadership within sector unions was noted. Unionised labour may not necessarily be detrimental to larger companies, but a balanced approach to workers’ rights could benefit both employees and employers.
The 2024 annual People & Culture dinner provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and insightful analysis amongst people leaders. As the political landscape continues to evolve, organisations need to stay informed to navigate the complexities of the coming year. The Odgers Berndtson team would like to thank Adam Boulton warmly for his speech and engagement in the discussion.
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Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more, or contact our dedicated leadership experts from your local Odgers Berndtson office here.
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