The Ripple Effect: How Peer-to-Peer Recognition Transforms Workplace Culture and Performance

In a world where employee engagement is more crucial than ever, peer-to-peer recognition is emerging as a powerful force in building connected, motivated, and high-performing teams. This panel will explore how authentic, everyday recognition from colleagues—not just top-down—can drive retention, boost morale, and shape a more inclusive and empowered workplace culture. Panelists will share real-world stories, practical strategies, and data-driven insights on how organizations can embed recognition into the flow of work—and why it’s one of the most underutilized tools in leadership today

Speaker: Phillipa Donnelly (Chair)

Organization: Gentrac

Code: E03

Time: 10:00 - 10:40

Starting Again: Lessons from Building Employee Experience Twice

I first approached Employee Experience by focusing on the employee story in the moments that matter — being welcomed into the organisation, returning from long-term absence, moving roles, etc. Along the way, I realised just how different this is from an Employee Value Proposition, and how powerful it can be when you look at work through the lens of those lived moments. Now I find myself in a new company, back at the very beginning of the EX journey. In this session, I’ll share what I learned the first time round and what I plan to do differently as I start again

Speaker: Viki Mathews

Organization:

Code: E09

Time: 13:00 - 13:30

The Engagement Advantage: Turning Culture into Performance

Explore how a strong workplace culture directly fuels employee engagement and drives results. Learn actionable ways to inspire teams, boost morale, and create a sense of belonging that transforms everyday work into meaningful impact

Speaker: Tracey Darby

Organization:

Code: E11

Time: 14:00 - 14:30

Bringing Gen Z and Graduates into the Workplace: Are Employers Ready?

Gen Z and new graduates are entering a world of work that looks nothing like the one before it with new expectations around purpose, flexibility, and growth. But do employers really know how to engage and develop this generation effectively? This 30-minute session explores the changing dynamics of early career development, what young professionals truly value, and how organisations can adapt recruitment, onboarding, and learning practices to attract, grow, and retain Gen Z talent. It will share practical insights on rethinking graduate programmes / apprenticeships, coaching approaches, and career pathways to create a workforce that’s both future-ready and purpose-driven.

Speaker: Maria Proctor

Organization: Selecta

Code: E13

Time: 15:00 - 15:30

I Have Some Feedback for You...

What do those five words bring up for you? Anxiety? Defensiveness? Acceptance? In this drama-based workshop, you’ll explore the impact of feedback that lands well… and what happens when it doesn’t. Alongside skilled facilitation, you'll experience a series of live scenes that bring feedback conversations to life, complete with awkward moments and missed opportunities.

Speaker: Helen Buchanan

Organization:

Code: E15

Time: 16:00 - 16:30

The Rising Return of Sickness Absence: Whats can be done?

Sickness absence is surging up again and so is the cost to business, the NHS, and society. But what’s really driving this wave of economic inactivity? And what is the solution, if any? Join leading voices from workplace wellbeing and absence management expertise as they unpack the trends behind today’s record levels of long-term sickness. From historical patterns to today’s workforce realities, this panel explores the root causes—from burnout and chronic conditions to system gaps and leadership blind spot Featuring insights from an NHS wellbeing lead and data-driven experts (GoodShape tbc please take out brackets), we’ll debate what’s working, what’s missing, and what people leaders should consider doing next. Expect sharp analysis, practical takeaways, and a challenge to rethink how we support workforce health in a changing world. Whether you're in HR, a buisness lead or saftey professional, this is the conversation that moves beyond the recent headlines.

Speaker: Jamie Douglas (Chair)

Organization: Babcock

Code: E02

Time: 10:30 - 11:10

Community as Catalyst: Shaping the Future of Workplace Wellbeing Together

This unique panel brings together three of the UK’s largest wellbeing leader communities for the first time in one session. Representing thousands of professionals across the country, The Cross Sector Wellbeing Forum, Working Well & Let’s Improve Workplace Wellbeing are united by a common mission: to raise the profile, confidence, and impact of wellbeing leaders. The session will: Introduce the three communities and why they have come together, demonstrating the power of collaboration in action. Explore the frustrations of working in silos, where wellbeing leaders often feel isolated within their organisations. Crowdsource challenges directly from the audience to surface the biggest issues facing wellbeing professionals today. Co-create solutions together – with the panel reflecting on live input and sharing practical insights from their communities. Highlight the need for true collaboration across the wellbeing ecosystem – not just among leaders, but also vendors, experts, and academics – to advance the field and drive sustainable change. Generate key takeaways that participants can take back to their organisations to strengthen their practice and overcome barriers. This interactive session is not just a panel discussion; it’s a live demonstration of community in action – co-created, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Speaker: Jamie Douglas, Matt Smeed, Aletheia Conway-Hughes, Nuz Chagan, Lee Goodwin

Organization: The Cross Sector Wellbeing Forum, Working Well & Let’s Improve Workplace Wellbeing

Code: E06

Time: 12:30 - 13:00

Wellbeing as Safety

What if organisations treated psychological wellbeing with the same discipline as physical safety? In safety-critical industries like construction and engineering, employers are beginning to adapt established health and safety frameworks to protect mental health and manage psychosocial risks. With tools like ISO 45003 guiding the way, this session brings employers together to share case studies and explore how wellbeing can be embedded into safety culture — and why this is different from, but complementary to, the idea of psychological safety.

Speaker: Ruth Pott & Bridget Jelly

Organization: Bam UK & ireland & Rolls Royce

Code: E08

Time: 13:30 - 14:00

Inclusive by Design - Creating workplaces that truly work for everyone

This interactive 30 minute session explores how to build genuinely inclusive workplaces where people feel energised and perform at their best. We will look at how the physical environment and everyday culture combine to either support or hinder individuals. Drawing on insights into thoughtful design, sensory considerations, and flexible spaces, alongside fostering psychological safety and fair practices, the session moves from understanding to practical action. Attendees will discover simple, low cost ideas to improve their office spaces and team interactions, helping to create environments where every person can contribute fully and thrive.

Speaker: Isobel Elton

Organization: Future of The Office

Code: E10

Time: 14:30 - 15:00

Gatekeeper or Game-Changer? The Standards Debate in Wellbeing

The wellbeing profession is at a crossroads. 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. On the other hand, does introducing standards risk gatekeeping talent, reducing diversity, and putting up financial barriers that exclude passionate voices? This lively panel brings together advocates on both sides to debate whether setting standards would be a step forward for wellbeing leadership — or a step backwards

Speaker: Chris Alberts, Becky Thoseby, Amy McKeown, Dr Rachel Lewis

Organization:

Code: E12

Time: 15:30 - 16:00

Conversations: How to Notice, Say Something, and Support Someone’s Mental Health

We all want to help when someone’s struggling, but it can be hard to know what to say. This session from the national charity SOS Silence of Suicide introduces the OPEN model, a simple framework to help you notice when someone might be finding things hard, pause before jumping in, and start conversations that genuinely support, rather than overwhelm. It’s not clinical. It’s not complicated. It’s a practical neurodiversity-aware approach to making a difference. Whether you’re a line manager, colleague, community volunteer or friend, this session will build your confidence to say something when it matters, even if you don’t have the perfect words.

Speaker: Matthew Weaver

Organization: SOS: Silence Of Suicide

Code: EX1

Time: 11:45 - 12:05

From Flexibility to Penalties: What Companies Really Need to Consider in Mobile Work (A Client Case)

Mobile work is more than just a laptop in a café – it fundamentally changes how companies operate, lead, and collaborate. In this talk, we share insights from a concrete client case: What opportunities does mobile work create – and what risks arise in practice?

Speaker: Brock Dale

Organization:

Code: EX04

Time: 12:15 - 12:35

Sleep Like a CEO: Mindfulness Hacks for Restorative Sleep & Peak Performance

The sleep-performance connection: How better rest leads to sharper decision-making and higher productivity Biohacking your night: Powerful mindfulness techniques, including body scanning and guided breathwork, to improve sleep quality Ditch the sleep killers: How small tweaks—like a simple digital detox routine—can transform your energy levels

Speaker: Alexandra Kafka

Organization:

Code: EX05

Time: 12:45 - 13:05

Grief in the Workplace: Compassionate and Practical Approaches for People Professionals

This session is designed to help HR professionals, managers, and wellbeing leads better understand the impact of grief and loss at work. The session explores how grief can affect individuals, teams, and organisational culture, and offers practical, compassionate strategies for support. Delegates will gain insights into the emotional and cognitive effects of grief, the importance of inclusive bereavement policies, and actionable steps to support managers in fostering a more empathetic workplace culture.

Speaker: Clare Gunn

Organization:

Code: EX06

Time: 13:15 - 15:35