The future of shift work in manufacturing event
A day of practical insights to help unlock performance and people gains
Shift work is changing
What? – The future of shift work in manufacturing and the supply chain event
When? – Thursday 22nd April 2026 (09:30-15:30)
Where? – Encirc Bristol, Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 9FG
How much? – £99 (excluding VAT)
Join leading glass manufacturer and bottle fillers Encirc, and the UK’s largest collective of shift work experts optashift, on Thursday 22nd April 2027 for a day of valuable guidance, real-world learnings and peer discussion around the future of shift work.
The event will examine how shift work in manufacturing and supply chain businesses is adapting to increasing risk and regulation, volatile operating landscapes, changing production environments and growing workforce expectations.
You’ll hear perspectives and pick up practical tips from stakeholders in industry, academia and Trade Unions who are driving innovation and improvement across all aspects of shift work.
The event will cover key topics and innovations in shift pattern design, shift worker health and wellbeing support, fatigue risk management, human factors and effective engagement and collaboration.
Attendees will gain knowledge and ideas to help shape a future where their own manufacturing and supply chain business maintains a high-performing, healthy and engaged workforce.
Embracing the future of shift work
This exclusive in-person event will take place at Encirc’s advanced, sustainable and award-winning manufacturing facility in Avonmouth in Bristol.
You will hear from Encirc about their vision for the future and how they established a collaborative approach to shift work improvement that has been central to improving industrial relations and productivity.
In addition to opportunities to network, participate in valuable discussions and pick up expert guidance and advice, attendees can also have a guided tour of the Encirc manufacturing facility.
The impressive site employs 400 people and provides bottling, warehousing and distribution services, packaging over 2 billion bottles annually for global wine, spirit, and beverage brands.
The event is ideal for senior leaders in operations, HR, Health & Safety, Occupational Health, wellbeing, and continuous improvement / transformation roles within manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
Expect examples, debate, strategies and ideas that will help you plan for the future of shift work in your organisation.
Explore the future of shift work
Please find an outline for the day below, with further speakers to be confirmed over the coming weeks.
Lunch will be provided and refreshments available throughout the day.
Registration (09:30-10:00)
Morning sessions:
The shift work challenge ahead – Against a backdrop of rapidly changing social, economic and political dynamics, Robert Crossman, Director of optashift, will look at how shift work practices are evolving to address common challenges and harness emerging opportunities.
The evolving science of shift worker wellbeing – Talar Moukhtarian, Assistant Professor in Mental Health at University of Warwick will explore the current and future direction of research into sleep, nutrition and physical & mental health.
How to deliver innovation in shift pattern design and wider shift work improvements – Practical insights from optashift experts into the ‘art of the possible’ when it comes to creating future-ready shift work systems that enhance performance, secure skills and attract diverse demographics.
Afternoon sessions:
Embedding a Human Factors-focus – Julie Bell, Director of Human Factors Expertise and former senior inspector for the Health and Safety Executive will examine the role fatigue risk management, task optimisation and the working environment will play in the future of shift work.
Engage to change – Experts from optashift will provide guidance around the co-design of new ways of working, implementing effective health and wellbeing programmes and enhancing front-line comms and engagement
Building a shared vision of the future – Management and Trade Union stakeholders will provide an insight into Encirc’s improvement journey, priorities and views on the future of shift work.
Event close (15:15-15:30)
Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity for a guided tour of Encirc’s state-of-the-art facility and further discussion with the days’ contributors.
Register for the future of shift work event
Please complete this form to secure your place at the event.
The cost for the day is £99 (excluding VAT) and includes lunch and refreshments.
If you can’t make this session, please select ‘contact me’ on the form to register your interest for future in person events or webinars.
* A business email address is required to register for this webinar. Non-business email domains (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail etc) will not be accepted in accordance with our data protection policy.
Shift Pattern, Shift Work and Shift Worker services
optashift services help you attain optimum shift work performance.
They can be delivered individually or combined to create a unified programme of continuous improvement.
Our agile approach means everything we do is tailored to your organisation and shift workers.
Shift work is complex, sensitive and always changing.
Let optashift be your trusted partner.
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