How to Thrive in a Shifting Employment Landscape

Online Event: December 12th 2024

How do you navigate mid-career moves? How will the 2024 Works Rights Bill affect me and my employees? How does one come up with a life plan in a time of flux?

These pressing questions were at the heart of our recent online session in collaboration with Sophie Macpherson Ltd. Two experts shared insights on how proposed labor legislation could affect SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and strategies for thriving in a shifting employment landscape.

The discussion, moderated by journalist and Wallpaper* contributing editor Amah-Rose Abrams, featured Rosie Allan, Managing Partner at Sophie Macpherson Ltd, and Kathryn Burke, Associate in the Employment and Business Immigration Group at Sheridans.

Members have access to the full written takeaways or can request the recording by emailing office@awita.london

(2.5 minute read)

Understanding the Landscape

  • The art world historically cycles through highs and lows; stability will return, so stay confident.

  • In this challenging climate, businesses are taking the time to restructure their teams and create new positions, opening up fresh opportunities

  • Look for job postings on LinkedIn, Arts Jobs, The Art Gorgeous, and directly on employers websites.

Assessing Opportunities

  • Set clear priorities and define what matters most to you - whether it be pay, skill growth, or personal development. Use these to evaluate opportunities and formulate interview questions.

  • Tailor your CV to highlight transferable skills, and consider building new ones by taking on different responsibilities, shadowing a colleague (within or outside of the arts), enrolling in a course, or finding a mentor. Talking to industry colleagues about your role can also help refine your understanding and perspective.

  • Discuss growth steps with your employer. Book a meeting in advance and lay out what you’d like to discuss so they can be prepared. Always consider the best approach for the specific individual you are talking with.

  • Ensure your contract reflects your interests and external projects. Discuss carving side projects out of the contract to clarify ownership of any intellectual property they generate and secure employer recognition of your involvement

Side Hustles

  • External side projects/jobs will not hinder your progression or job search - they demonstrate commitment and work ethic. You can express clearly that you are willing to fully commit to a full-time role in your cover letter. 

  • Craft a narrative that highlights your career history, transferable skills, and future goals - this can be done in the top intro statement - one sentence about what you're looking for, one sentence about where you're coming from.

  • Freelancing offers flexibility and control, but evaluate whether you might miss the collaboration of team environments.

The Worker’s Rights Bill

Starting in Autumn 2026, the Worker’s Rights Bill will enhance job security, giving you the stability to plan and progress in your career. This bit of autonomy can really boost confidence when making career decisions. 

  • Enhanced job security: unfair dismissal rights apply from day one.

  • With reduced flexibility for zero-hours contracts, businesses may need to explore fixed-term or consultancy contracts for seasonal needs. New government rules could require employers to guarantee consistent hours - for example if you've worked 20 hours a week over the past 12 weeks, you could be guaranteed those same hours for the next 12 weeks.

  • "Fire and rehire" practices, where employers terminate and rehire employees under altered terms like lower pay, are increasingly becoming unviable.

Employers/ Business Owners

  • There will be more clarity on specific legislation in about six months. In the meantime, the advice for employers is to focus on reviewing dismissal processes and ensuring they are fully compliant.

  • Create a code of ethics or conduct and define your company’s core values. These principles should guide decision-making and shape your company culture. Document them in your company handbook, display them on your website, and ensure they are consistently communicated to employees and stakeholders. This establishes a clear, transparent framework for fairness.

  • The shift in flexible contracts provides an opportunity to reassess how your company operates and create more stability. Are the right people in the right roles? If adjustments are needed, now is the ideal time to make them—before these changes take effect and reshape the landscape.

Looking Ahead

  • Looking ahead to 2025, there are many positives on the horizon, including stronger art fairs, more conferences (with increased opportunities for idea exchange), and a growing presence of networking groups

  • You can use the SML Talent Report as a resource for salary benchmarking and insights into diverse career pathways.