Manual Labours is a practice-based research body exploring physical and emotional relationships to work. Since 2013, Sophie Hope and Jenny Richards have carried out research with workers in different sectors, including UK based call center workers, people working with complaints, commuters and cultural workers. Their methods include workshops, performances, reading groups, film screenings, writing collaging, and artists commissions. Each phase of the research culminates in a published manual, which are available to download here.

Manual Labours' current stage of research is entitled The Global Staffroom (2019-ongoing) which develops conversations around experiences of rest and care at work. Through a series of podcasts, a manual and ongoing workshops, the research asks: what does it feel like to care, be cared for, and not be able to care at work?