Employee Experience in 2026 is likely to become both a strategic imperative and a competitive differentiator, shaped by years of rapid digital transformation, shifting workforce expectations, economic uncertainty and a profound reassessment of what people want from work.

Organisations now operate in an environment where engagement, wellbeing, trust and culture directly influence performance outcomes. Employees expect more than transactional interactions – they want workplaces that can support their growth, protect their wellbeing, offer meaningful flexibility and provide a sense of belonging and psychological safety. At the same time, leaders are under pressure to deliver productivity gains, navigate hybrid complexities and manage cultural cohesion across increasingly dispersed and diverse teams.

On top of this the influence of AI, automation and workplace technology, is reshaping everything from communication to career development. While these tools can offer huge potential for personalisation, efficiency and improved employee journeys, they also raise new challenges around ethics, transparency, digital fatigue and the risk of losing the “human” in human experience.

It’s against this backdrop that we bring you the Employee Experience Expo 2026 – an opportunity for organisations to rethink how culture is built, how performance is supported and how employee needs can be met in ways that are sustainable, adaptive and future-ready. On 24th February 2026 we’ll help shine a light on how leaders can transform these pressures into opportunities, whilst redesigning Employee Experience for a world where people and technology must evolve together.

We’ll be opening the day with a panel discussion on how AI can be an enabler for productivity and retention. Chaired by HR analyst and podcaster Mervyn Dinnen, we’ll hear from Claire Horner (Group HR Director at Belfield Group), Jo Mountney (Director of People, Culture & Inclusion at the MND Association) and Marie Proctor (People Director at Selecta) in what should be an enlightening and thought provoking opening. We’ll also hear a seminar session from Marie Proctor about how employers can better engage with and develop the Gen Z and Graduate workforce.

We’ll also hear about how the ripple effect of peer-to-peer recognition transforms workplace culture and performance from Philippa Donnelly (People Experience Director at Gentrack) and Vanessa Russell (People Director at GTS Rail Operations), whilst Viki Matthews from TT Electronics will share her lessons from building employee experience twice. Tracey Darby (Group Head of People & Culture at Welcom group) will explore how a strong workplace culture can fuel engagement and drive results and, in a drama based workshop, Helen Buchanan from Enact will discuss the impact of hearing the words ‘I have some feedback for you’, and what happens when those words don’t land well.

Jamie Douglas, Global Health & Wellbeing lead at Babcock International, will offer insights into the growing rise of sickness absence, and how to tackle it, and Jane Vivier will interview Natasha Hill from Devon & Cornwall Dorset police will look at the link between financial education and wellbeing to mental health support. Head of workplace wellbeing at BAM, Ruth Pott, explores what might happen if organisations treated psychological wellbeing with the same discipline as physical safety, particularly in safety critical sectors like construction and engineering.

In a 30 minute interactive session Isobel Elton, founder of Future of the Office, will explore how to build genuinely inclusive workplaces where people feel energised and perform at their best. He will look at how the physical environment and everyday culture combine to either support or hinder individuals, and drawing on insights into thoughtful design, sensory considerations, and flexible spaces – alongside fostering psychological safety and fair practices – the session will move from understanding to practical action, offering attendees simple, low cost ideas to improve their office spaces and team interactions.

We will also look at the wellbeing profession itself in what promises to be a lively panel debate. On one hand, creating agreed standards, competencies, and qualifications could help formalise career paths, raise credibility, and give wellbeing leaders the same recognition as established fields like HR or Law. Yet, on the other hand, would introducing standards risk gatekeeping talent, reducing diversity, and putting up financial barriers that exclude passionate voices? Would this be a step forward for wellbeing leadership? Or a backwards step?

Whatever your view this promises to be a lively debate and a thought provoking way to close the Employee Experience Expo.

With so much to hear, debate, contribute to and absorb, we’re sure you will leave the 2026 Employee Experience Expo energised, and with a lot of ideas to take back to your organisations.

You can’t afford to miss it – register today and join us on 24th February 2026 for a day of ideas, learnings and discussions!

Entry is complimentary for People Practitioners.

To register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/employee-xperience-expo-2026-london-tickets-1964574038835