In a world where jobs are evolving faster than ever, how do we ensure workplaces remain vibrant, fair, and fulfilling for everyone involved? The 2026 Conference on Human Resource Management & Employment Relations: Crafting Tomorrow's Work Landscape | King's College London
Introduction
Imagine navigating a professional world that's constantly disrupted by new tech, shifting expectations, and global uncertainties—it's exciting, but also daunting, right? That's the big question at the heart of this event: How can companies build dynamic, welcoming environments that prioritize employee health, promote inclusivity, and deliver work that truly matters?
The Human Resource Management & Employment Relations team at King's Business School (check out their site at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/business) is thrilled to welcome researchers, HR professionals, and educators to join us in tackling this essential challenge. We're on the hunt for innovative studies that shed light on how employees, businesses, governments, and educators can adapt to today's hurdles and proactively design the work of the future. Submissions can span any scale—from personal experiences to company-wide strategies, or from community-level views to international trends. Whether it's rigorous academic work or hands-on practitioner advice, we want it all to fuel lively exchanges between experts and doers on guiding organizations and leaders through these transformations.
Call for Papers
Themes & Topics:
We're eager for papers that dive into these core areas (and beyond):
- Spotlight on Tomorrow's Work World
Think about how adaptable schedules and breakthrough tech like artificial intelligence, robotic automation, and online tools are reshaping daily jobs, how people behave at work, and the paths careers take. For instance, AI might streamline tasks but raise worries about job loss—how can we prepare? We also encourage thoughts on how business schools can equip the next generation of workers with the skills to thrive amid these changes. But here's where it gets controversial: Is technology truly a boon for productivity, or does it widen the skills gap for those left behind?
- Designing Work That Inspires and Matters
This theme looks at ways companies can craft roles that keep employees hooked and give them a sense of purpose, especially in modern settings where burnout is rampant. Picture redesigning jobs to include more autonomy or team collaboration— what opportunities does this create, and what pitfalls should we avoid in today's high-pressure offices?
- Building Inclusive Workplaces and Tackling Social Gaps
We'll explore practical steps across different scales—like government regulations, company policies, or day-to-day management—to make workplaces more diverse and equitable. For beginners, inclusion means ensuring everyone, regardless of background, feels valued; this could involve addressing pay disparities or cultural biases. And this is the part most people miss: While diversity initiatives sound great, do they sometimes overlook deeper systemic issues like economic inequality?
- Leading in Blended and Online Workspaces
How are bosses adapting their approaches in setups where teams mix office days with remote work? We're interested in research on how these shifts affect motivation, output, and group cohesion. For example, virtual tools can connect global teams, but they might also erode trust— what's the real impact?
- Evaluating People and Nurturing Top Talent
Delve into evolving talent strategies, from fresh hiring techniques (like AI-driven interviews) to assessing performance and advancing careers in a fluid, tech-heavy job market. As work becomes more gig-like, how do we fairly identify and develop potential without bias?
- Nurturing Careers, Health, and Balance Amid Flux
Focus on ways to bolster professional growth, mental and physical wellness, and equilibrium in an era of endless upheaval. This includes examining how country-wide laws, firm cultures, or leader actions can foster spaces where people flourish. Think supportive policies like mental health days or flexible hours—how effective are they really in preventing exhaustion?
Key Dates:
- Deadline for Submissions: January 15, 2026
- Notifications of Acceptance: Early February 2026
- When Registration Starts: February 2026
- Event Day: May 6, 2026
Submission Guidelines:
Send us an extended summary of no more than 1,000 words, covering:
- The Paper's Title
- Details on Authors (full names, organizations, and contact emails)
- A Clear Outline with These Parts:
Objectives (what you're aiming to achieve)
Approach (your methods or study design)
Key Results (what you discovered)
Novelty and Value (what's fresh and why it matters)
Real-World Applications (how it can be used in practice)
We can't wait to review your ideas and dive into stimulating conversations about reimagining work for the better. To get the full scoop, grab the Call for Papers PDF right here (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/business/assets/event-pdfs/2026-hrm-conference-call-for-papers.pdf).
Ready to submit? Head to the portal: (https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/80230/submitter)
What do you think— is the future of work heading toward more freedom or hidden traps? Share your take in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a bold counterpoint to spark debate!
