A workplace rebellion is underway: are you in?
The current model of work was designed during the industrial revolution to make factory lines as productive as possible.
But work has moved on.
If you’re still running a 19th Century-style factory, then, by all means, crack on with business as usual. But if you’re interested in building a more contemporary workplace that attracts talented workers and enthusiastic customers, and is fit for the future of work, then you might just be a Workplace Rebel.
Workplace rebels believe…
Human beings are not resources – the team is what makes a business successful, they’re the people who get the job done. They are the essential heart of everything we do, and they should be respected and valued as such.
It’s not a choice between people or profit – treating people positively inevitably leads to increased success and profits.
True leaders don’t seek control – they aim to inspire, empower and support their teams, in order to get the best from everyone. They are also constantly looking to learn from their team members to find ways to take the business forward.
Happier staff make for happier bosses – people do their best work when they feel safe, included and supported. That means results and profits improve. Which means the business makes more money. Everyone wins. We all thrive together.
The workplace rebellion manifesto
We, the rebels of the workplace, stand united under a single cause: to reclaim the dignity, purpose, and wellbeing of every employee. This is our creed, our unwavering truth, and our declaration to the world.
Rule #1: Employee wellbeing is not a perk—it’s the foundation of success.
Success is not measured by productivity at the expense of our health. It is measured by the balance we create and sustain. True success starts when every employee is supported, valued, and empowered.
Rule #2: Burnout is not a badge of honor.
We reject the glorification of exhaustion. Long hours should never be mistaken for dedication. Our rebellion is against systems that push us to the brink—where rest is a revolution, and taking a break is our right, not our weakness.
Rule #3: Flexibility is a non-negotiable.
No one should have to choose between their personal life and their work. Flexibility in when, where, and how we work is the key to unlocking our best selves. Autonomy is the birthplace of creativity and innovation.
Rule #4: Emotional and mental health matter as much as physical health.
The mind and heart are just as important as the body. This rebellion stands for a culture that acknowledges the power of emotional and mental wellbeing—where support systems and access to resources are readily available for everyone.
Rule #5: Compensation should reflect the value, not the grind.
We reject compensation models that reward hours over value. Fair, equitable pay for everyone based on the value they bring, not the sacrifices they make, is the heart of our rebellion.
Rule #6: Time is precious. Make it count.
The rebellion believes in efficiency, not overwork. We are not defined by our time spent in a chair, but by the impact we create. We fight for time that is truly our own—time for passion, creativity, family, and rest.
Rule #7: Leadership should empower, not control.
Leadership is about service, not domination. We demand leaders who inspire, guide, and uplift, not those who micromanage and dictate. We follow those who trust us, and we lead with empathy and authenticity.
Rule #8: Inclusion is the cornerstone of innovation.
Diversity in thought, experience, and perspective is our greatest strength. The rebellion will not rest until every voice is heard, respected, and included—because only then can true innovation thrive.
Rule #9: The workplace is a community, not a hierarchy.
We stand for a collaborative, respectful, and open community. No one is more important than another; we are all integral parts of a whole. Together, we rise—together, we thrive.
Rule #10: Rebellion is an ongoing fight.
We will not rest until these values are the rule, not the exception. Our rebellion is a journey, not a destination. We stand firm in our commitment to creating a world where every employee can live and work with purpose, dignity, and wellbeing.
This is not just a movement. It’s a revolution.
If you’re perfectly comfortable with things the way they are, that’s cool, move along.
If you want change, if you want to be a different type of leader, if you want to build a different type of business… then join us.
Sign up below to receive the Rebel Report – weekly dispatches on the progress of the rebellion and how you can get involved.
If you want more personalised support with designing a workplace culture built on inclusion and centred around human beings, email hello@watchthisspace.uk.
The first Rebel Rendezvous will take place soon – if you would like to be invited to this secret meeting of workplace rebels, email hello@watchthisspace.uk so we can check that you are genuinely a rebel, and not an agent of the establishment in disguise.
