To mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown, a new global report, The United State of Work, will be released on 10th March 2025. Edited by Julia Hobsbawm, founder and CEO of the work trends network Workathon, the report presents a compelling case for establishing a World Work Organization (WWO). This proposed institution would serve as a global authority on work, much like the World Health Organization (WHO) has been for health since its post-war inception.
The report combines in-depth analysis, expert essays, and new global research, offering a bold call to action for policymakers, business leaders, and governments to unite in addressing the complex challenges shaping the future of work.
A Call for Global Work Governance
Julia Hobsbawm, a leading voice on workplace trends, believes the world is at a critical turning point. She states: “Work unites us all 3.5 billion people work or seek work daily. It’s one of the most fundamental human activities, yet it remains fragmented across industries and policies. What we need now is a new global framework for governing, leading, and organising work.”
She compares 2025 to 1945, a period of rebuilding and global reimagination. Just as the WHO was established to address global health challenges, she argues that a dedicated institution is necessary to navigate the evolving nature of work, influenced by factors such as economic shifts, climate change, AI, and geopolitical tensions.
“The challenges ahead require a fundamentally different approach,” Hobsbawm adds. “The World Work Organization would provide a structured, human-centric way to address work-related issues at a global scale.”
Insights from Leading Experts
The United State of Work offers a two-part analysis of global work trends. The first section takes a reflective look at the impact of the pandemic on working life, with thought-provoking essays from industry leaders, including:
- Peter Miscovich & Flore Pradere (JLL) – on the transformation of global work from 2020 to 2025
- Virginie Raphael – on venture funding in the work sector
- Kevin J. Delaney (Charter) – on the evolving work culture in the US
- Ben Page (Ipsos) & Brian Elliott (Work Forward) – on the great return-to-office (RTO) debate
- Harriet Pellereau (Mind Over Tech) & Emma Thwaites (Open Data Institute) – on the new challenges of technology in the workplace
- Paul Brannen (former MEP) – on the impact of biophilic office designs on employee wellbeing
The second half of the report presents early findings from a 12-country study examining global work patterns post-pandemic. It highlights key concerns, including government policies, workplace conflicts, and the adoption of artificial intelligence.
Reframing Work for the Future
In the final essay, William Corke of Workathon explores why research into work must evolve, while Hobsbawm lays out a comprehensive argument for a global work institution. She explains that The United State of Work is not to be confused with The United States of America, but rather, a concept advocating for a new, unified approach to global work governance.
The report’s release is expected to spark discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and organisations on how to create a more sustainable and adaptable workforce for the future.
The United State of Work will be published online on Monday, 10th March 2025.