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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Projects and activities | Last updated: 04 Dec 2025
The Science Behind the Way We Work

Brief me

  • Science can give us useful insights to help us address many of the challenges that we face in our daily work as public servants: how to collaborate across boundaries, how to cope with change, how to build trust, etc.  

  • The articles below are part of a series aimed at providing public servants with practical, evidence-informed advice for improving how they work. By combining insights from cognitive, behavioural and organisational sciences, we offer readers actionable tips that they can apply immediately in their jobs.  

  • In the longer term, the series aims to build a habit of seeking out scientific evidence and advice to navigate the challenges that we all face, in our fast-changing work environment.  

How to build a culture of trust and trustworthiness in the workplace 

Cover article on building a culture of trust

Trust matters. It is the glue that holds relationships together – in organisations it fosters collaboration and drives productivity. A strong culture of trust underpins many positive aspects of the workplace, creating environments in which individuals feel safe, valued and empowered to contribute their best. This article explores what science can tell us about interpersonal trust in the workplace, and what evidence-informed, practical tips it can give us to help build and maintain trust in our teams. Link to the publication  

Mastering change management: evidence-informed insights for successful organisational change 

Cover article on Mastering change management

In an era marked by increased uncertainty, the ability of organisations to adapt and manage change is more critical than ever. This publication delves into the science of change management, offering a pragmatic guide for navigating the complexities of organisational transformation. Drawing on scholarly research in the field, this paper identifies some of the most significant challenges that are inherent in organisational change and provides actionable tips for managers who are leading that change. This article serves as a valuable resource for change agents who are looking for evidence-informed strategies to ensure the successful implementation and long-term adoption of change initiatives within their organisations. Link to the publication  

Change: the science of why it’s so hard and what we can do about it 

Cover article on why it's so hard to change

The world of work is undergoing unprecedented changes, fuelled by digital transformations and the recent global pandemic. While the shift to digital and flexible work has its benefits, it also poses the challenge of quickly adapting to new habits in a rapidly changing environment. This article explores the science of change and why humans are resistant to it. Drawing on research in psychology, the article offers strategies for handling change, including changing one’s mindset, building psychological safety, envisioning goals, and building new habits. Through these strategies, employees as well as managers can better navigate uncertain times and thrive in a rapidly changing work landscape. Link to the publication  

Download the article (pdf) 

 

New office space: harnessing place identity at work 

Cover image on New Office Space

This article explores the impact of office design on employee performance and wellbeing, particularly in the context of transitioning to new open-plan office spaces. Through scientific research, the article emphasises the importance of harnessing ambient belonging and place identity in the workplace. Studies have shown that customising and decorating office spaces to reflect personal preference and identity can enhance productivity and wellbeing. Leaders can also play a crucial role in facilitating this process of adaptation. The article provides actionable tips for employees as well as managers. Link to the publication  

A framework to map conflicts in your team and respond adaptively to them 

Cover article on a framework to map conflicts

This article presents an evidence-based framework for managing workplace conflicts. Aimed at enhancing workplace dynamics and employee wellbeing, it offers a structured approach to understanding and effectively responding to different organisational conflicts. It emphasises flexibility and adaptability in conflict resolution, and encourages an appropriate mindset based on the specific nature of work relationships. It offers valuable insights for effectively navigating workplace conflicts. Link to the publication  

Managing conflicts for improved collaboration 

Cover article on managing conflicts

This article tackles the crucial issue of workplace conflicts. To work at our best, we need to work with other people. But that can become challenging, particularly in cross-boundary teams where diverse perspectives can often lead to conflicts. Based on research across psychology and organisational science, this article proposes evidence-based tips for overcoming conflicts and improving collaboration. These include avoiding making conflicts personal, stressing commonalities over divergences, acknowledging the complexity of issues, and creating a sense of shared purpose. The article provides practical guidance for implementing these strategies in our daily work and highlights the implications of these findings for understanding human decision-making and behaviour within organisations. Link to the publication

Fix your meetings with science 

Cover article on fixing your meetings

This article discusses the increasing prevalence of meetings in modern work culture, and the negative impact they can have on productivity and time management. Through scientific research, the article explores methods to improve the quality of meetings, including a focus on the principle of subtraction (having fewer and shorter meetings), effective meeting design through careful planning and facilitation, and the strategic use of silence to enhance the quality of brainstorming and decision-making. The article provides actionable tips for colleagues in the EC, that they can use in their meetings. Overall, this article highlights the importance of optimising meeting efficiency to improve workplace productivity and well-being. Link to the publication   

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