With the acceleration of AI and growth of automation, human connection at work has never been more at risk, nor more important to preserve. At times it can feel that we’re so close to losing real human to human relationships in favour of the relentless pursuit of productivity and profit. Yes, businesses need to be efficient, and profit can deliver a greater purpose, but at what cost to connection?

At our next thought leadership event we’re delighted to welcome American sociologist Dr Allison Pugh, Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University to Brighton for a special conversation about the human connections that underlie our work. Dr Allison Pugh’s latest book, ‘The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World’ explores the meaning of connection and argues that what people do for each other in these settings is valuable and worth preserving.

Through a conversation with community development expert and Founder of The Relationships Project, David Robinson, you will be introduced to the concept of connective labour, find out how some organisations are experimenting and succeeding in enhancing connection with their teams and customers, and why it’s more important than ever to champion and cherish the act of and impact of genuine human connection.

Whether you’re a business leader or you manage people and teams, someone in a caring profession who is seeing an increased systematization and automation of work, or simply someone who is passionate about maintaining and nurturing connection at work, this event is for you.

Why attend?

This event will give you a chance to get up close and personal with an insightful, strategic, and motivating thinker. Come prepared to park your prejudices and preconceptions at the door. Immerse yourself in a topic to which you may not have paid much attention before. And come away with a sprinkling of magic dust from an expert at the top of their game that will have a very positive impact on your future thinking.

We’ll provide drinks and nibbles from 3:00 pm at Projects in the Globe Room. The talk runs from 3:30-4:30, after which you can head off into the evening, or – if you’re as inspired as we believe you will be – stay for another drink, apply your fresh infusion of insider insights, and network with like-minded business leaders.

About the speakers

Dr Allison Pugh is Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University, and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association. She writes about how people forge connections and find meaning and dignity at work and at home. Her latest book ‘The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World’ was published in 2024 by Princeton Press.  Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Harvard Business Review and the Hidden Brain.

David Robinson founded and Co-leads The Relationships Project, a project bringing people together to talk about centering relationships, and building comprehensive resources to do that. He is a community development worker with a long record in social innovation founding or co-founding several organisations including Community Links, Shift and the Children's Discovery Centre.

With thanks to our event partner the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness, at the University of Sussex.

FAQs

What's the refund policy? Places are limited, and events are usually oversubscribed. Please give two working days’ notice via email for a refund* or you’ll be required to pay for your place in full.

*Eventbrite booking fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or there are duplicate charges.

Can I attend if I am not a member of the Chamber? If you have never been a member of the Chamber you can book and join as a guest at two of our events (just one Chamber Breakfast). After this, you will need to join the Chamber to enjoy the benefits of membership. If you'd like to join the Chamber you can find out more on our website.

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