The current era is characterised by crises associated with climate change, mass migration, social and economic transformation, aging populations, domestic violence and geopolitical tension. Consequently, nation states, communities and individuals are experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and concern. Such a complex set of challenges inevitably generates a range of impacts at national, community and individual levels. Many of these challenges and their potential resolutions are directly or indirectly associated with work and working life. Consequently, it is incumbent upon researchers in the disciplines informing work, learning and innovation to be active, agile, and focused to generate evidence and effective practices to advance workers’ learning, development and participation in workplace innovations. It follows then that as social scientists, the Researching Work and Learning research community needs to engage with and address these challenges.