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Strategies & Leadership for Engagement & Culture
Keynote: Understanding and supporting the next generation and their relationship with work
To win the "war for talent" employers must understand and meet the needs of the younger generations entering the workplace, whilst also navigating changing workplace dynamics and fostering collaboration.
> Are the next generation reliant on the 'bank of mum and dad'?
> Implications of the new Labour government's policies
> Multi-generational differences in workplace expectations
Speaker



Dr Eliza Filby
Author, Inheritocracy

Employee assistance – what to expect from the next generation of EAPs
This session will explore the evolution of EAPs, discussing strategies that go beyond crisis management to proactively support mental, physical, and even financial wellbeing for employees.
> Going beyond traditional EAPs - can EAPs reduce absenteeism?
> Addressing the need to be more personalised, preventative and integrated
> Supporting individual employees with their specific and sometimes complex needs
Speaker



Dr Catherine McKinven
Clinical Lead, Lyra UK & Ireland

Case Study: Supporting employee wellbeing – NHS Charities Together’s ‘psychological safety’ initiatives
Responding to the challenges that the NHS is facing, NHS Charities Together has launched a £16m workforce wellbeing programme with NHS England, designed to tackle the issues impacting the wellbeing of NHS employees such as burnout and improving mental health support for NHS employees. The projects funded and learnings from the programme will offer valuable insights that can be applied across both public and private sector organisations.
> How NHS Charities Together’s programme - tackles the range of wellbeing issues facing NHS employees
> Initiatives introduced to improve both mental and physical health in the workplace
> How NHS’s wellbeing strategies can be adapted for all organisations to drive resilience and enhance wellbeing
Speaker



Ellie Orton
CEO, NHS Charities Together

Panel: Inclusive and personalised rewards and benefits – why data is the key
Employers are increasingly recognising that in order for employee health and wellbeing benefits to be inclusive and equitable, they need to be personalised to meet individual needs. Data is the key to making this happen.
> How to build a flexible benefits scheme that promotes good health and wellbeing for all demographics
> Where digital-first, personalised benefits fit into the equation for a diverse workforce
> How to use data to measure the impact of your reward and benefits
Speaker

Alex Shaw
Managing Director, H&B&Me, Holland & Barrett

Fireside Chat: The future of work 3.0 – the workforce, workspace and the tech that enables it
Transformational changes across three dimensions – technology, workforce, and workplace - are reshaping the world of work. How can organisations get the best from their employees and what immediate action should they take? This session explores
three interlinked areas of the workforce, workspace, and technology.
> What are the forces of change?
> Evaluating productivity in your workforce?
> The right to privacy vs different generations vs the benefits to employees
> What will employees experience?
Speaker



Phil Askham
Head of Organisational Change & Employee Experience, Montfort Communications

Case Study: Enhancing remote work culture through the power of storytelling
This session delves into the transformative power of storytelling in remote global work environments. It highlights how a workforce sharing personal experiences can forge stronger connections, enhance mental health, and cultivate a supportive and inclusive culture. Attendees will learn from Yelp's initiative, where its culture team collaborated to engage leaders and employees in sharing deeply personal stories.
>How this initiative boosted resilience, mental health, and engagement
>Fostering an open and compassionate work culture for Yelp's global remote workforce
>Insights into creating a more connected and caring workplace
Speakers



Miriam Warren
Chief Diversity Officer, Yelp




Dr Lalith Wijedoru
Founder, Behind Your Mask

Panel: AI: the key to beating burnout and boosting productivity?
Employee burnout and wellbeing challenges continue to impact workplace performance, HR leaders are increasingly turning to AI as a potential solution. Join us to discover how AI can enhance wellbeing strategies while respecting privacy and maintaining ethical standards.
> The role of AI and digital tools - streamlining processes
> Personalising wellbeing support to address individual needs
> The ethical considerations surrounding AI in workplace wellbeing - data privacy, bias, and transparency
Speakers



Petra Velzeboer
CEO Founder, PVL




Peter Cheese
CEO, CIPD

DAY TWO
Keynote: How to create a thriving workplace culture and survive a toxic one
Culture is the beating heart of any business. It's not only key to talent engagement and retention, workplace culture is intrinsically linked to employee health and wellbeing. But turning around a toxic workplace culture is often seen as too hard to tackle.
> Is your organisation thriving, dynamic and growing or is there siloed decision making?
> The importance of connecting on a daily basis - the power of empathy through upskilling the workforce
> Is everyone aligned in understanding what their role is to achieve the organisational culture goal?
Speaker



Jason Bloomfield
Global Head of People Change & Experience Design, Ericsson

The neuroscience of employee engagement – practical strategies to build a thriving workplace
Employee engagement is a strategic imperative, directly impacting talent attraction, retention and all aspects of the employee lifecycle. But how do we create positive environments that foster a truly thriving workforce?
> Essential elements for genuine employee engagement
> How trust creates psychological safety, allowing for the deep focus of flow states
> How a sense of purpose and growth can lead to a flourishing, engaged workforce
> Practical strategies rooted in brain science to build a workplace where employees are productive.
Speaker

Katharina Auer
VP/Head of Internal, Service, HSE, SCM, SD Communications & Communications Shared Services, Hitachi Energy

Panel: Building a skills-based environment to effectively train and retain talent and underpin employee health and wellbeing
In today's competitive talent landscape, organisations must go beyond traditional training programmes and foster a skills-based environment that not only supports employee growth but also promotes wellbeing. This session will explore how a focus on skill development can help organisations train, retain, and engage top talent - with practical strategies to create a more sustainable and healthier workplace, enhancing employee performance, overall job satisfaction and underpinning wellbeing in the multi-generational workplace.
> How a skills-based approach can improve long-term employee wellbeing
> Learn about line management in the future and alternative approaches to job design
> Explore how line managers can weave DEI into the way they manage people
> Difficult conversations at work - allowing employees to talk candidly about their jobs and air any grievance
Speaker



Alex Smith
Category Leader - Wellbeing, Earning and Learning, Unidays

Case study: Overcoming silos to embed health and wellbeing – by focusing on leadership development
Collaboration across the business is essential for maximum impact when building a culture of employee engagement and psychological safety. In this case study, hear how HR and L&D are working together to bring team member support to the forefront of the business - by building this into strategy from the top.
> Promoting engagement by gaining stakeholder buy-in
> How to embed the culture through organisational support at all levels
> Empowering and engaging leadership development
Speakers



Gary Acheson
Head of L&D, Rapport

Gary Acheson has been Head of Learning & Development at Rapport Guest Services since 2021. He is an energetic and optimistic HR and learning executive with over 20 years’ international experience in corporate support services and luxury hotels. His key achievement is investing in organisational design and developing change projects focused on people, talent, capability, performance and service, which as a consequence achieve results.



Dirk Talsma
Managing Director, , Rapport Guest Services




Polly Joseph
Culture and Development Business Partner and Mental Health First Aider, Hollywood Bowl Group




Charlotte Wiseman
Leadership & Organisational Development expert, Charlotte Wiseman

Case Study: How businesses can reduce absence by supporting musculoskeletal health in the workplace
Recognising that all parts of the workforce can be affected by MSK issues and that it's one of the most common reasons for sickness absence, this session will focus on both prevention and early intervention. It will include discussions around supporting musculoskeletal health, encouraging movement, and promoting a culture that prioritises physical activity and health as a foundation for overall wellbeing.
> The link between musculoskeletal conditions and mental health
> Creating a culture that allows time for movement and exercise
> How we can prevent health problems at work or intervene to limit sickness absence
Panel: Proactively supporting global employee mental health and wellbeing
This session will shine a light on best practice approaches to creating global mental health programmes that are inclusive, equitable and accessible to all employees - exploring ways to foster safe, supportive work cultures including:
> The need to prioritise mental health and foster resilience
> Providing access to the right care when it’s needed - wherever employees are in the world
> The importance of sharing and listening to other co-workers' stories
> Spotlight on remote working
Speakers



Kristina Adey-Davies
Head of Wellbeing & Inclusion - Global, Freshfields




Fergal O'Connor
Finance Director EMEAI Finance & Accounting, United Airlines




Ciprian Arhire
Global Head of People Transformation, Programmes & Analytics, Entain Group




Jay Connolly
Global Chief People Officer, Baker & McKenzie

Prevention, Intervention, Holistic & Inclusive Wellbeing
Keynote: Why accessibility and disability inclusion is everyone’s business – the CCEP journey
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) produce an Accessibility Matrix which involves leadership and frontline teams, laying out the parameters for an accessible and inclusive workplace.
> CCEPs global accessibility matrix - how this is being actioned in the UK
> Being an accessibility ambassador and the role of allies in advancing disability inclusion
> Expectations – delivering positive change and influencing senior leaders
> Connecting DEI with H&S via a risk assessment and empathetic approach
Speaker



Mohammed Koheeallee
QESH Coordinator & Lead Accessibility Ambassador, Coca Cola Europacific Partners

Case Study: The dos and don’ts of creating a diverse and neuroinclusive environment
Here our speakers examine why raising the bar and considering the interventions that work and those that don't, when it comes to supporting neurodivergent colleagues, is vital in today's work environment.
> Going beyond diagnosis and adapting to the workplace - individual challenges.
> Gaining senior commitment to DEI and neuroinclusion
> What are the business opportunities of a neurodiverse workforce?
Speakers



Martina Ercoli
DI&B Program Manager EMEA, NVIDIA Corporation




Thomas Duncan Bell
The Bipolar Businessman,

Building a financially fit workforce in 2025 through tailored benefits
Financial wellbeing benefits aren't just a nice to have. Increasingly job seekers are calling for them as a must. This, coupled with an understanding of how financial stress affects employee wellbeing, is key to their overall productivity. This session looks at programmes that offer financial wellbeing education, budgeting tools, and retirement planning to support financial security and reduce stress.
> How your financial offering can aid recruitment and retention
> Why look at a personalised approach
> Inclusivity of benefits
Panel: Prioritising inclusive mental health and wellbeing programmes as a strategic imperative to deliver real benefits – both for employees and employers
Our speakers discuss the findings from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) most recent health report. They'll be sharing valuable insights into both why and how employers need to prioritise inclusive mental health in the workplace including:
> How inclusive mental health programmes impact productivity, engagement, and retention
> How does neurodiversity fit into an inclusive approach to mental health and wellbeing
> Using data to track and measure the effectiveness of your wellbeing initiatives
Speakers



Stuart Young
Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Management, Department for Business & Trade




Jane Clifford
People Director, Brewers




Matt Grisedale
Senior People Champion, E.On

Panel: Empowering inclusive women’s health & wellbeing – taking a wider approach
This session will break through the silence on women’s health challenges in the workplace and offer practical, actionable strategies to foster a more inclusive, supportive environment where all employees can thrive. Our speakers discuss the merits of a wider approach to health for women and men.
> Transformative policies and best practices that organisations can adopt to support women’s health needs
> Discover how ERGs can drive change and help shape workplace policies and culture from within
> Enhancing mental health support for men
> Hormonal health support at key life stages
Speaker

Ruth Jackson
Chief People Officer, The Gym Group

Author Spotlight: Why gender equality is the best thing to happen to men
Men are crucial to advancing gender equality in the workplace, but there is a gap in how men perceive their own effectiveness as allies. As a leading voice for gender equality and workplace inclusion, our speaker uncovers the hidden struggles of the modern workplace, advancing workplace cultures that work for everyone.
> Why gender equality is important for men - can it benefit everyone?
> Need to create an inclusive environment
> The freedom to be ourselves at work and to be valued for this
Speaker



Dr Michelle Penelope King
Author, How Work Works

Data-driven approaches to support staff based on their intersectionality
This session looks at the intersection between DE&I and health and wellbeing and why data-driven approaches are paramount. Trying to build through data a picture for stakeholders, to ensure that everyone belongs and can be themselves.
> Data metrics on retention
> The importance of exit survey data
> Why you need to look at your social mobility index and pay gap
Speakers



Nimisha Overton
EMEA DE&I Lead, Canon EMEA




Nina Goswami
Head of Inclusion UK,, Clifford Chance

DAY TWO
Keynote: The link between the food we eat and our health crisis – what employers can do to help
With employers increasingly looking at what they can do to support both nutrition and weight loss, this session focuses on why it makes sense to incorporate wellbeing programmes that include fitness challenges, healthy office catering options and nutrition seminars by looking at.|
> The impact of food on metabolic health
> How diet can improve employee productivity
> The shift from treatment-based therapies to nutrition and preventative medicine
Speaker



Dr Dolly van Tulleken
Visiting Scientist, MRC Epidemiology Unit & Centre for Diet & Activity Research (CEDAR)

Panel: Focus on prevention – tackling rising employee healthcare costs through a holistic approach
As healthcare costs rise, employers are looking for proactive ways to manage health and wellbeing benefits more sustainably. This session will explore how combining Private Medical Insurance (PMI) with Health Trusts and Health Cash Plans can create a holistic, preventative approach to employee health.
> Designing cost-effective benefit strategies to enhance employee wellbeing and productivity
> How to integrate preventative care into PMI plans to reduce future health costs
> Maximising the value of Health Trusts and Cash Plans
How employers can support the government’s shift to preventative healthcare
The new Labour government’s first budget made it crystal clear that the NHS is one of its top priorities, with Prime Minister Kier Starmer saying that we, collectively, need to move to a much more preventative approach to healthcare. Organisations will need the basics in place for their employees health and wellbeing. But how can they take this to the next level? Our speaker takes you through how the current government is hoping to implement change for business and the wider community.
> What can employers do to support the NHS through a preventative approach
> New Labour policies - how do employers adapt
> How to enact in the wider community
Speakers

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP
MP, Labour MP for Tooting




Gethin Nadin
Chair, Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing

Panel: The evolving role of occupational health – the key to preventative employee health and wellbeing
Supporting employees to enable them to thrive in the workplace – whatever their health condition or disability - needs careful attention. So how can businesses and OH ensure that they get the balance right, both for the employee and the employer?This session highlights:
> The role of OH in supporting workplace wellbeing
> Proactive health monitoring, workplace ergonomics, risk assessments and reasonable adjustments
> Early interventions to improve employee physical and mental health
Speakers



Dr Shriti Pattani OBE
National Clinical Expert, Occupational Health and Wellbeing, NHSE Clinical Director, Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service, London North West University Healthcare NHS




Emily Gabrielsen
Group Health and Wellbeing Manager, Centrica




Thomas Blakey
Group Health & Wellbeing Manager, National Grid

The cost of sleep: how it can make or break workforce productivity and wellbeing
Sleep problems are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society, contributing to widespread physical and mental health challenges, reduced employee engagement, and diminished productivity. With limited access to sleep services and long delays in seeking treatment, workplaces are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in addressing this issue.
> Key data on the impact of poor sleep on individuals and organisations
> The connection between sleep, health, wellbeing, and workplace performance
> The workplace advantage - how the workplace can be an effective setting for early intervention, reducing barriers to support and fostering a culture that prioritises high quality rest
> A collaboration with an HR leader to implement comprehensive sleep initiatives, highlighting the potential for improved employee wellbeing and organisational outcomes
> Practical strategies for embedding sleep health into workplace wellbeing programmes through education, tailored support, and cultural change
Speaker

Dr Caitlin Chasser
Sleep specialist & GP, NHS

Panel: Early interventions to improve employee physical and mental health
This session will provide actionable insights on how to proactively improve the physical and mental health of employees through early interventions, reasonable adjustments, and strategic alignment with NHS services. We will explore how organisations can help remove the stigma surrounding mental and physical health issues in the workplace, raise awareness of their role in supporting employee wellbeing, and work closely with the NHS and other healthcare providers.
> Striking the right balance for reasonable adjustments
> Aligning your strategy with NHS support
> Reducing stigma in the workplace
Speakers



Fay Simpkins
Head of Occupational Health & Wellbeing, National Highways


Fiona Poland
Head of Commercial Delivery, MHFA England

The Office
Keynote Fireside Chat: Reaffirming workplace culture in today’s hybrid landscape
Amazon’s recent decision to bring employees back to the office five days a week has sparked debate across the business world. Many business leaders are now pointing to culture as the reason for getting employees back in the office, but no one seems to know what that actually means and why it's important. Discover how leading companies are prioritising human-centric design and embracing experiential qualities to:
> Transform work environments to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
> Design for connection in a hybrid world of work
> Make the office a destination
> Workplaces without policy can be dangerous places
> Highlight evidence-based practice within the workplace and HR management
Speaker



Rob Briner
Professor of Organisational Psychology, Queen Mary University of London

Panel: Women in The Office – design and inclusivity working together
Women are still conspicuously absent in leadership positions in the workplace design industry. This session asks - what do we want our industry to look like in the future and how do we get there?
> Considering new ways of working
> The ever evolving office - where do women fit in?
> What can organisations do to encourage more women executives into the workplace design industry?
Speakers



Lucy Golding
EMEA Colleague Experience Lead, JLL




Harsha Kotak
UK Design Council Board Member, Design Council




Kristen Lloyd
Workplace Experience Lead, Volvo Cars

AI’s role in wellbeing and workplace experience
How can AI technology be used to improve employee experience and workplace culture? We will be sharing the workplace technologies that allow teams to work more collaboratively and individually.
> AI, employment experience and workplace culture
> How does AI work rather than replacing people
> Step change in AI policies
Speaker



Eugene Farrell
Mental Health & Wellbeing Specialist, EAP Association

Designing sustainable workplaces – the link to ESG
With the growing focus on ESG goals and net zero targets, organisations are looking at the sustainability of their buildings, not just as a choice, but as a strategic priority to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world when it comes to employee health and productivity.This session will share insights into best practice approaches to sustainable office design and innovations for 2025.
> The growing importance of sustainable office design
> How to create the most sustainable office building
> Understanding how working practices impact sustainability
> Key steps that organisations need to measure the link to ESG
Speakers



Mike Povey
Vice President - Corporate Services, VISA




Chris Moriaty
Co-founder, Audiem




Robert Schmidt
Head of Health & Safety, The Arts Club




Esme Banks-Marr
Strategy Director, BVN Architecture

Panel: Leveraging the power of data to bring the ‘people and place’ worlds together
Employee experience data should play a crucial role in leadership decision-making, but often it doesn't. Employees are quite often the most expensive line item on an organisation’s P&L, yet what they actually need to thrive and succeed in their work is often unknown and sometimes ignored.
> The type of data needed to understand what employees need
> The positive outcomes that can result from getting this right
> Maximising outcomes for the business and employee experience for the employee
> Using data to define and measure the impact of your workplace strategy
> Insights onto what data says and what to do with it
Speakers



Allison English
Co-CEO, Aéto Strategy




Chris Moriaty
Co-founder, Audiem




Fred Perez
Senior Facilities Manager, Kennedys

Why work a 5-day week when you can work a 4-day week?
The four-day work week is now more relevant than ever as Labour pushes forward with a promise to make flexible work a guaranteed right from day one. But how can employers be sure that the four-day week won't mean reduced productivity? This session looks at how productivity at work and how to measure it is ultimately linked to the workplace design and the workplace experience of employees.
> Do we need a 4 day week?
> How do you trial it initially with no loss of pay
> How to meet our regulatory and compliance requirements
Speakers



Maud Santamaria
Global Workplace & Corporate Real Estate Director, GWI




Sam Hunt
Business Network Coordinator, 4 Day Week Campaign


Mark Eltringham
Publisher, Works Magazine

Panel: Designing neuroinclusive workplaces
Work environments today need to be designed to be inclusive for all. But to be inclusive we need to embrace design principles that aid in accommodating various personality traits, work styles and neurotypes. Spaces today need to reflect the diverse makeup of organisations. Not only is designing to be inclusive the right thing to do, there is a compelling business case for it as well. Join us as we share the findings to date, some case studies of clients that have designed for inclusion, and to understand how we can design a more neuroinclusive community.
> Is neuroinclusive design the key to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive?
> Key factors that are impacting neurodivergents in the building environment
> Develop design strategies to address the key impact factors
> How we can design a more neuroinclusive community
Speakers



Kay Sargent
Senior Principal - Director of Workplace, HOK




Dr Kate Gaudion
Designer, Royal Academy of Arts




Giovanna Jagger
Global Development, IWBI




Nicola Gillen
EMEA Lead for Total Workplace, Cushman & Wakefield




Alison Kilby
Associate Director, ARUP

DAY TWO
Keynote:The healthiest building in the world?
In this case study session our speaker will share how they have opened their new HQ with the ambition of being the healthiest building in the world.
> How do you create one of the healthiest workplaces in the world?
> Leading the delivery of an innovative workplace focused on health and performance
> Understand how workplace design impacts health and wellbeing
Back to the office… or not? Unlocking the potential of remote work
The need to foster a more connected and productive workforce in today’s evolving landscape is now more apparent than ever. But many are still struggling to make remote working work for everyone. Discover how the practices outlined below could enhance employee wellbeing and boost engagement.
> Retaining a work-from-anywhere policy
> The new ways of working
> Virtual work options
Workplace design and productivity – the art of balancing the two together
Businesses now know that workplace design and productivity are undoubtedly linked, the next stage is looking at how they need to be balanced.
> The evolution of the office and management thinking
> How does your organisation deal with productivity in the workplace?
> The measurement of productivity - can we prove it?
Speakers



Steve Wright
Director of Workplace Design & Change Management, GSK




Ana Stanojevic
Principal & Practice Group Manager - Workplace, Arcadis




Chris Moriaty
Co-founder, Audiem

Panel: People-centric office design – balancing employee wants and needs
There is a growing trend for FM teams to sit in the people/HR department rather than focusing solely on their role in design. Our speakers will assess whether this is a signal that the way organisations are thinking about the workplace is becoming more people and performance focused rather than cost based. Our speakers will outline the essential ingredients of workplace designs that meet individual needs and boost employee engagement, retention and wellbeing.
> Individual initiatives vs creating the right environment
> Healthy workplace designs - where they can be effective
> Designing workplace experience well
Speakers

Brad Taylor
People Strategy & Workplace Experience Consultant, AWA (Advanced Workplace Associates)




Helen Bradbury
Chief People Officer, E.ON




Joshua Reynolds
Strategy & Communities Lead - Workplace Experience, Lloyds Bank




Jeff Dewing
CEO, Cloud

Case Study: Journey of no budget for workplace innovations in experience
In the dynamic world of workplace design, the pursuit of innovation is constant, as modern workplaces continually explore avenues to enhance productivity, foster creativity, and elevate employee satisfaction. But what if your budgets won't stretch to cover extensive renovation or reinvention? This session explores what can be done if you have less to invest.
> Rightsizing amenities to drive higher ROI and cost savings
> Enabling agility and collaboration
Panel: Mind the workplace gap – from boomers to zoomers
As the workforce becomes more generationally diverse, it’s crucial for HR and facilities management leaders to work together to create environments that cater to the varying needs of all employees - whatever their age and lifestage. Focusing on the workplace environment and what surrounds us - find out how to deliver long-lasting success to the different demographics of your workforce.
> What the next generation are looking for from their workplace
> Boosting employee engagement, productivity, and resilience across different generations
> Creating a workplace that caters to the varying wellbeing needs of all employees
Speakers



Claire Odgers
Corporate Services and Real Estate Regional Manager EMEA, Millennium Capital Partners




Emily Warren
Director - Inclusion, Diversity & Wellbeing, Avanade




Alex Smith
Category Leader - Wellbeing, Earning and Learning, Unidays
