The DCA Think Tank
Researching the Human Future of Work

The DCA Think Tank explores the challenges shaping people, leadership and organisations. We bring together evidence, lived experience and practical business insight to understand how workplaces can support both human wellbeing and sustainable performance. Our aim is to turn complex questions into clear ideas that leaders, organisations and policymakers can use.

Our Research

The DCA Think Tank operates at the intersection of psychology, sociology, and business strategy. Our current areas focus on the relationship between leadership, organisational culture, wellbeing and performance.

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Burnout

Burnout affects people and organisations across industries, roles and regions. Understanding its causes means looking beyond individual resilience to the pressures, practices and expectations built into working life.

At the DCA Think Tank, we examine those wider conditions and use the findings to support practical change. Our work with organisations has contributed to measurable reductions in burnout, alongside improvements in wellbeing and productivity.

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Leadership in Public Life

Political and public leadership involves intense scrutiny, complex decisions and responsibility for outcomes that affect entire communities.

We are interested in how leaders in public life can build resilience, retain a clear sense of purpose and make thoughtful decisions under pressure. This work explores the human experience of public leadership and the conditions needed to support capable, ethical and empathetic public servants.

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Healthy Leadership and Organisational Culture

Harmful workplace cultures are rarely created by one behaviour or one individual. They can emerge when pressure, a lack of accountability, poor support and accepted organisational habits reinforce one another.

Our research examines how organisations can identify these conditions earlier and better support people in senior leadership roles. The goal is to help organisations develop accountable leaders and build cultures grounded in trust, respect and psychological safety.

Our Approach to Research

Evidence-Based: We draw on relevant research from organisational psychology, behavioural science, leadership and management, alongside evidence from the workplace.

Human-Centric: We recognise the value of lived experience. Where appropriate, we combine qualitative insight with quantitative evidence to understand both what is happening and how it is experienced.

Actionable: Our work is designed to produce clear implications for leaders, organisations and policymakers. We want research to inform decisions, encourage discussion and support meaningful action.

Collaborative: Many workplace challenges cannot be understood from a single perspective. We welcome collaboration with researchers, organisations, communities and practitioners who share our interest in creating healthier and more effective workplaces.

Work With the
DCA Think Tank

We welcome conversations with organisations, researchers, communities and policymakers interested in exploring the future of work.

You can work with us to:

  • Develop or support a research project

  • Participate in an existing area of inquiry

  • Explore an organisational culture diagnostic

  • Share relevant professional or lived experience

  • Translate research findings into organisational action

Discover our Research
Participate in Our Research
Propose a Research Partnership
Bring Research into Your Organisation