The Work We Need: 'An act of radical hope, radical listening and radical humility . . . I loved it' RORY STEWART

by Hilary Cottam

Drawing from a fascinating range of sources, from Richard Scarry to Siri Hustvedt, from historians to trade unionists, philosophers and crucially, to hours of original research through workshops, Hilary Cottam writes of the history of work and new ways of looking at work.

She `We live in revolutionary a technology revolution, an ecological crisis and the challenges of deep injustice are threatening to tear the established order apart.' Work has been for decades, narrowly thought of as an economic category. She shows this to be a category work is culture. She writes of work as a cultural revolution which will alter the meaning and the place of work in all our lives. Crucially, she is an optimist who believes we can work better and therefore live better too.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say about this one, unfortunately. I picked it up because I absolutely loved Hillary Cottam's last book Radical Help and was excited to see how her work had progressed, especially in the work/employment space, but unfortunately this one left me a little bit dissapointed. Where Radical Help felt like it had a clear vision for 21st century welfare reform and something really unique and well-fleshed out to say, The Work We Need felt more like a collection of anecdotes stitched together with a brief history of industrial work reform and a sprinkle of heterodox economics at the end to propose the key thinkers who are imagining a new system. (Loved the Marianna Mazzucato, Carlota Perez, Doughnut Economics triple reference all on the same page, very IIPP-core).

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way this book challenges us to think creatively and imaginatively about work, what it for and how it could be revolutionised.The things that struck me in particular were:
The failure of management structures to hear the ideas of their workforce
The need for everyone to be engaged in work that is meaningful
A reimagining of when work should take place and how work places should also be centres of learning
The importance of place and how the label ‘left behind’ is problematic and unhelpful
How important social connections are in generating aspiration
An inspiring read and lots of ideas that are possible to implement if we just all had the courage to step outside of e siting systems and structures.

[Isobel Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richly researched and full of interesting ideas, many of which echoes of local workers. Particularly interested in idea of ‘staying behind’ in place as ‘an art, invention and practice’. Aswell as how many workers across Hilary’s pilgrimage talked about transitions, relearning and second chances/opportunities. Oft talk about trainings for yp but interesting call for transition support from state for all ages!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Cottam's work provides a refreshing push to think beyond the usual standards. The book is spirited and sensible, and provides useful food for thought. However, there is nothing truly new. The concrete applications remain relatively theoretical and limited in scope. We are not there yet in reimagining work.

[Anna Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and imaginative, the way we work needs to change and this book is an important read in understanding why and potentially how.